Overwatch 2, Season 3 is fast approaching as Blizzard gears up for the debut of a new map, reward system changes, and plenty more. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming content drop.
With Overwatch 2’s second season beginning to wind down, as the Lunar New Year celebration brings about an end to the latest content cycle, an all-new season will soon be upon us. Season 3 is just around the corner and we already have a good idea of what to expect.
While a new map is guaranteed, developers have also begun teasing what else fans can expect in regard to key system changes and new rewards on the way.
So before it all gets underway, be sure to brush up on everything there is to know about Overwatch 2 Season 3.
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Overwatch 2 Season 3 release date
Although Blizzard is yet to officially confirm a Season 3 release date, given the current Battle Pass expiry, we can safely lock in Tuesday, February 7 for the launch.
Seasons in Overwatch 2 run for nine weeks in total, meaning just the right amount of time will have passed so that Season 3 rolls around seamlessly on February 7. However, given fellow Activision Blizzard series Call of Duty just delayed the second season of Warzone 2, there’s always a chance similar happens in Overwatch 2.
We’ll be sure to update you here if plans change in the leadup to Season 3’s release.
Is the Overwatch 2 Season 3 trailer out?
The trailer for Season 3 was released on February 6, 2023 and covers all the new content coming to Overwatch 2. In particular, the trailer highlighted the new control map, the One-Punch Man collaboration, new Kiriko mythic skin, and other new unlocks.
What’s coming in Overwatch 2 Season 3?
One new map in Season 3
While a new hero won’t be arriving in Season 3, as Blizzard alternates from this point forward, we obviously then know to expect a new map in this coming update. Exactly what type of map, however, is anyone’s guess for the time being.
We could see anything from another Rush map to another bite-sized Deathmatch playground, the possibilities are wide open. Rest assured, we’ll update you here as further details emerge.
WorkShop mode is back
Overwatch’s devs have announced the fan-favorite Workshop mode from OW1 is coming back in Season 3.
It was notably missing when OW2 released, but during a stream with Overwatch content creator SVB, devs confirmed it was coming back.
The mode should be returning with new tools and more customizable options for creators to make their very own custom games.
The delayed launch of the mode was due to the team wanting to make sure there were good moderation and reporting tools for the updated mode. The new moderation and reporting system should hopefully make it easier for unwanted custom games, such as the infamous “sexual harassment simulator,” from coming up again.
Unique skin & reward system changes
One thing we do know for certain is that Season 3 will bring about unique reward system changes. Since the arrival of Overwatch 2, players have had very little control over what rewards they unlock and in which order. Moving forward, that appears set to change.
“We have some updates coming in S3 that we’ll be talking about soon to help address the lack of choice in rewards,” Executive Producer Jared Neuss said on Twitter.
We have some updates coming in S3 that we’ll be talking about soon to help address the lack of choice in rewards. I’ll keep it vague for now. 😁
— Jared Neuss (@OhReallyJared) January 13, 2023
Specifics haven’t been confirmed just yet but this move in the right direction should be music to the ears of players around the globe.
New Mythic Skin: Amaterasu Kiriko
Overwatch’s Twitter has confirmed a whole new Mythic skin for Kiriko. Called Amaterasu Kiriko, it is named after the Japanese goddess of the sun, and she looks like one. Dressing the support in a fusion of samurai and jūnihitoe, a style of Japanese royal dress.
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The new skin seems to show that the artistic direction for the new season will be geared towards Japanese mythology, a continuation of Season 2’s Greek mythology theme.
And just like previous Mythic Skins, to unlock Amaterasu Kiriko you will need to reach level 80 on the premium track of the Season 3 Battle Pass.
Overwatch 2 Season 3 Battle Pass
With the announcment of Amaterasu Kiriko, it is safe to say the new Battle Pass will be themed around Japanese mythology.
Just like last seasons themes of Cyberpunk and Greek mythology, most skins in the Battle Pass will share a similar theme. But as of now, no other skins has been shown.
We’ll be sure to update you here once full Season 3 details are revealed in the coming weeks.
Credits make a return
When Overwatch 2 was about to release, many players were concerned what would happen to their already existing in-game credits during the transition from loot boxes to the Battle Pass and store system.
They would go on to be transformed into Legacy Credits. But there wasn’t much for players to do with their Credits. As a result, Blizzard has announced that they are bringing back Credits to the game in the next Season.
Credits will exist alongside Overwatch Coins, which are currently used to purchase the Battle Pass and cosmetics.
Players can earn up to 1500 Credits for free, and another 500 from the Premium Battle Pass for players to unlock and purchase items.
Ultimate Charge Changes
Lead Hero designer Alec Dawson was able to comment that the Overwatch team is currently looking at heroes receiving their ult either too much or too little. He explained that there would be small changes coming to hero ultimate charges shortly.
Alongside this, Dawson also revealed that ultimate charge retention would be receiving changes, at the moment players can keep up to 30% ultimate charge whilst swapping heroes, however, the team is looking to change that in the near future.
Sojourn Mercy Changes
The Overwatch team has also confirmed that the infamous Sojourn with a Mercy pocket pairing will be receiving changes in Season 3. The team has not confirmed exactly what the nerfs are, nor if the nerfs are coming to Mercy or Sojourn, but they have confirmed changes are coming to the deadly duo.
Nerfs to tanks in open queue
Similarly, tanks in other game modes are going to be looked at. In particular, Alec Dawson was able to note open queue as a highlight, as well as other arcade modes.
In order to do so, Dawson stated that they would be lowering tank health overall outside of role queue. Dawson didn’t mention a release date for these changes but they’re suspected to release with Season 3.
Rammattra Ultimate Changes
With the release of Rammattra in Season 2 has come about a problem with his everlasting infinite ultimate Annihilation.
Dawson explained in an interview with streamer Emongg that the team would be looking to introduce a cap on the ultimate so that it wouldn’t last infinitely. They also said they were exploring ways for the ultimate to decay even if damaging enemy heroes.