Blizzard's Overwatch 2 is set to receive a significant update on February 18th, introducing a new competitive mode, loot boxes, and two new heroes to the game. The update, which will coincide with the start of Season 15, aims to revamp the game's competitive landscape and provide players with more gameplay options.

The new competitive mode, called Stadium, is reminiscent of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Valorant. It will feature a best-of-seven format, with two teams of five players competing against each other on rotating maps with different objectives. Players will earn currency each round, which can be used to upgrade their heroes with unique abilities and enhancements. The mode will also have its own ranked queue, with 14 heroes available at launch and more to be added in future updates.

In a move that may be controversial, Blizzard is also reintroducing loot boxes to Overwatch 2. The company had previously removed them in favor of an in-game shop, but is now bringing them back with some changes. The loot boxes will guarantee an item of "Rare" rarity or better, with a guaranteed "Epic" item after opening five boxes and a "Legendary" item after opening 20. Players will be able to earn loot boxes through weekly and event rewards, and can also purchase them as part of the seasonal battle pass.

In addition to the new competitive mode and loot boxes, Blizzard is also introducing two new heroes to the game. The first, named Freja, is a high-mobility character with a dual-mode crossbow that can be used for rapid-fire shooting or precision sniping. She will be available for play during a trial weekend in Season 15. The second hero, named Aqua, will be introduced in Season 18 and has water-based abilities.

The update also includes a new Perks system, which will allow players to enhance their heroes with two unique upgrades per match. The first upgrade will provide a minor boost, while the second will offer a more substantial play style shift. This system is designed to provide more flexibility and strategy to gameplay.

The changes to Overwatch 2 come as the game faces growing competition from other online shooters, such as Fortnite and Marvel Rivals. The update is seen as a necessary move to keep the game fresh and exciting for players, and to provide more options for competitive play.

With the introduction of Stadium mode, loot boxes, and new heroes, Overwatch 2 is poised to offer a more dynamic and engaging experience for players. While the return of loot boxes may be controversial, Blizzard's efforts to provide more transparency and guarantees around their contents may help to mitigate concerns. As the online shooter market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Overwatch 2 adapts and competes with other games.