Overwatch 2’s Perk System Brings Benefits Amid Opportunities for Improvement

Ever since Overwatch 2 hit the scene in late 2022, it’s had a challenging task: justifying its existence as a sequel to the much-loved 2016 original. Over the years, Blizzard has attempted to give this title its own flavor by rolling out fresh game modes, maps, and introducing new heroes, all in a bid to distinguish it from its predecessor. However, some grander plans, like a PvE campaign, sadly haven’t come to fruition.

In a bold move, Overwatch 2 made a significant tweak to its core gameplay by shifting to a 5v5 format. On top of that, Blizzard spiced things up by adding a comprehensive perk system. For longtime fans, this fresh take offers intriguing possibilities as it reshuffles team dynamics and enhances hero abilities. Even so, it’s clear that this feature has untapped potential. Introducing a third level of perk unlocks could add an exciting twist to those longer matches.

Perks became part of the Overwatch 2 experience in February with the outset of the game’s 15th season, titled “Honor and Glory.” This feature was initially tied to the now-abandoned PvE campaign, but Blizzard found a creative way to incorporate it into the regular PvP matches. Players start with a level one hero, earning experience points through skillful gameplay, and can advance to level three. This progression unlocks minor perks along the way, allowing players to choose between options that can add unique boosts to specific abilities.

So far, there are over 150 perks for players to explore across the game’s diverse roster of heroes. With such a vast array, there’s still plenty of room for Blizzard to expand this system in the future. As players level up, they can fine-tune their gameplay to suit their style, and hitting level three unlocks major perks that can transform a hero’s role on the battlefield. These perks not only reward skillful play but also introduce a fresh layer of strategy, where players now race to unlock perks alongside the race to charge up those ultimate abilities. Going forward, adding a fourth hero level with its own unique perks could be the natural evolution of this system.

Envisioning a fourth perk level in Overwatch 2 brings to mind those nail-biting matches that stretch into overtime. Regular games might not be long enough for players to reach this level, but in those epic, extended matches, unlocking an “ultimate perk” could shift the balance dramatically. This perk could focus on late-game strategies, such as dominating zones and optimizing respawn times, adding a thrilling new element to the most intense showdowns.

While this might not affect competitive play, where perks reset each round, such an addition could inject even more excitement into unranked games. With the perk experience rate doubling after seven minutes of play, reaching level four in long matches isn’t all that far-fetched. This could elevate the player experience, giving more choice and personalization to an already well-received system in Overwatch 2. The potential to enrich gameplay with a high-octane twist like this is certainly worth keeping an eye on.