Overwatch 2 Overhauls Stadium Roadmap: Delays, Hero Swaps, and New Features

Blizzard has unveiled major revisions to the Overwatch 2 Stadium roadmap, reshuffling hero debuts, delaying key features, and introducing entirely new content for upcoming seasons. While the Stadium roadmap remains fluid, the updated timeline offers players a clearer picture of what to expect from Seasons 17 through 19 and beyond.

🗓️ Key Roadmap Updates: What’s Changing?

Originally revealed in early May, the initial roadmap for Stadium mode included long-awaited features like Unranked play, crossplay, and a rotating cast of heroes. However, as Season 17 approaches its June 24 launch, Blizzard has now detailed several notable changes to that roadmap:

✅ New & Updated Stadium Roadmap:

• Competitive Drives debut in Season 17 (brand-new addition)
• Unranked Stadium & crossplay delayed to Season 18 (was Season 17)
• Competitive Drafts moved up to Season 18 (was 19+)
• Pharah added to Season 18 roster (new)
• Tracer arriving mid-Season 18 (new)
• Sojourn postponed to Season 19 (was 18)
• Stadium Trials delayed to Season 19 (was 18)
• Wuyang (aka “Aqua”) pushed back significantly, beyond current roadmap

🔄 Hero Roster Shuffles: Pharah & Tracer In, Sojourn & Wuyang Out (for Now)

One of the most striking changes involves the Stadium hero lineup. Instead of previously scheduled additions Sojourn and Wuyang, Pharah and Tracer will join the Stadium roster in Season 18. Tracer’s arrival is set for mid-season, while Sojourn has been moved to Season 19 and Wuyang has been pushed much further out, despite still debuting in the core game in Season 17.

⚙️ Feature Delays and Additions

Several key gameplay features are being realigned:

• Unranked mode and crossplay have been delayed so Blizzard can refine a dedicated backfill system tailored to Stadium’s format.
• Stadium Trials, which will feature in-match quests for unique rewards, has been pushed to Season 19.
• On the upside, Competitive Drafts—originally scheduled for a later release—are now coming in Season 18, enabling strategic hero selection and counter-picking opportunities.
• Competitive Drives, an all-new feature, will debut with Season 17, providing competitive structure and incentives not previously announced.

🧭 What’s Still on Track?

Some planned features remain unchanged, for now:

• Custom Games – still coming in Season 17
• Endorsements – expected in Season 18
• Consumables & Active Items – on deck for Season 19

With so much in motion, Blizzard has promised more frequent updates in the lead-up to each season’s launch.