Overwatch 2’s Biggest Day: A Full PvP Reset, New Hero, and More

For fans of Overwatch 2, August 26, 2025, isn’t just another Tuesday—it’s the launch of Season 18, and by all accounts, it’s set to be one of the most transformative days in the game’s history. Blizzard has been hyping this update as a major overhaul, introducing a new hero, a full competitive reset, a massive Perk system update, and a surprising new collaboration. This is far more than just a seasonal refresh; it’s a fundamental change to the way the game is played, and it promises to shake up the meta in a way we haven’t seen in a long time.

A New Competitive Frontier

One of the most significant changes coming in Season 18 is a full Competitive Rank Reset. This is a game-wide event that will see every player, regardless of their current rank, start with fresh placement matches. Backed by a soft MMR reset, this is an opportunity for players to climb the ranks on a level playing field. Adjusted rank thresholds, especially in the higher tiers, are also being implemented to better reflect true skill, and tighter MMR ranges will make it easier for players to squad up with friends in ranked games. This is a bold move by Blizzard, and it shows a commitment to creating a more fair and balanced competitive environment.

Wuyang Joins the Roster

Season 18 introduces a brand new hero to the Overwatch 2 roster: Wuyang, an aquatic support from Wuxing University. Wuyang’s kit is built for tactical repositioning and team utility, with abilities that blend healing, crowd control, and damage. His Xuanwu Staff launches guided water orbs that can be detonated to deliver burst damage or disrupt enemy movements. His ultimate, Tidal Blast, grants overhealth to an ally before unleashing a powerful knockback wave. Wuyang’s arrival is sure to shift the support meta and will reward players who thrive on timing, precision, and adaptability.

A Massive Perk System Overhaul

The popular “Stadium” game mode’s unique Perk system is getting a huge update in Season 18, with over 50 new Hero-specific Perks being introduced. This is not just a simple addition; it’s a full-system refresh that will give every single hero at least one new Perk to play with. The goal is to open the door to smarter team compositions and more creative builds, moving away from “default” Perk choices that dominated the meta. This update aims to add a new layer of strategy and dimension to the game, giving players more ways to enjoy their favorite heroes and to experiment with new playstyles. Some Perks are being rebalanced, while others are being completely removed, a clear sign that Blizzard is committed to keeping the Perk system fresh and exciting.

A Surprising Crossover

In a move that has the community buzzing, the Season 18 trailer teased a collaboration with Persona 5, the beloved JRPG from Atlus. While details are scarce, the trailer concluded with a clear visual of Joker, the game’s protagonist. This follows in the footsteps of previous collaborations with franchises like Cowboy Bebop and Street Fighter, and it’s a clear sign that Blizzard is committed to bringing high-profile crossovers to Overwatch 2. While the full extent of the collaboration is unknown, fans can likely expect new skins, emotes, and other cosmetics inspired by the world of Persona 5.

More to Come

In addition to all of the major changes, Season 18 also brings a new Payload Race mode, new maps, a new Draft Mode for competitive play, and a new Battle Pass with two new Mythic skins. The fan-favorite Summer Games event is also returning, with the popular Lucio Ball and Winston Volleyball modes receiving new updates. With a full competitive reset, a new hero, a massive Perk system update, and a new collaboration, August 26 is truly going to be a monumental day for Overwatch 2 fans. The game is set to undergo a major transformation, and the future of its competitive and casual scenes looks brighter than ever.