Overwatch 2 Season 16: Release Date, Leaks, and More

With Overwatch 2 Season 15’s mid-season update now live and players diving into new content like the April Fools mode, attention is already shifting to what Season 16 has in store, and so are we. Here’s everything we know about Overwatch 2 Season 16, from its release date and expected content to leaks about what’s coming next.

Overwatch 2 Season 16: Release Date

Season 16 of Overwatch 2 is set to launch on Tuesday, April 22, at 11:00 AM PT (7:00 PM UTC). This timing is based on the in-game battle pass countdown. As usual, the new season will run for eight weeks, with a major patch midway through to introduce additional content and possible events—similar to how the Normalwatch April Fools event was added during Season 15.

Overwatch 2 Season 16: New Content and Leaks

Thanks to the Overwatch 2 Spotlight event, we already have a solid idea of what’s coming in Season 16. However, one of the biggest rumors circulating right now is that Overwatch 2 might be dropping the "2" from its name. While this isn’t confirmed, data miners have suggested it could happen in Season 16.

Now, let’s dive into the confirmed details.

New Game Mode: Stadium

One of the most exciting additions to Season 16 is the new Stadium mode, which was showcased during the Spotlight event. This mode is set to redefine the Overwatch 2 experience—or at the very least, add a fresh and competitive twist.

In Stadium, players will face off in a round-based mode where they select a hero and build up their strengths and abilities through upgrades as they progress. The mode also introduces third-person and first-person camera switching, offering a new perspective on gameplay, and it will feature its own ranked system.

New Hero: Freja

Season 16 will also introduce a brand-new hero, Freja. Players had a chance to test her out during her limited-time access event in Season 15, and it's almost guaranteed that she will shake up the meta.

New Mythic Skin: Juno

As with every new season, a new Mythic skin is on the way. This time, Juno takes the spotlight, receiving her first Mythic skin since her introduction. Season 16 will feature a Dokiwatch-style theme, and Juno’s Mythic skin embraces this aesthetic with pink frills and gold special effects, making her one of the cutest additions to the game.

Other heroes, including Mercy and Kiriko, will also receive Dokiwatch-themed skins, along with exclusive new weapon designs. While the full skin lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, players can expect plenty of new cosmetics throughout the season.

New Competitive Feature: Hero Bans

A long-requested feature, hero bans, is finally being introduced in Season 16’s Competitive Mode. This new system will allow players to ban certain heroes, adding another layer of strategy to high-level matches.

Possible Crossovers

While no official announcements have been made yet, Blizzard has hinted at potential crossovers during Season 16. We’ll have to wait and see what surprises they have in store. With all these updates, Season 16 is shaping up to be an exciting new chapter for Overwatch 2!