Overwatch 2 Teases Major Plans for 2026 — “We’re Really Starting to Ramp Up”

Blizzard is setting the stage for a transformative year in Overwatch 2, hinting at significant developments not only for the game itself but for the broader Overwatch universe. According to game director Aaron Keller, fans can expect the action to “ramp up” in the second half of 2025—starting with Season 18—and carry that momentum into a potentially game-changing 2026.

🎯 Overwatch 2’s 2025 Momentum Sets the Tone

Overwatch 2 has already seen a wave of successful changes this year, from the Perks system and the popular Stadium game mode, to impactful new features like Hero Bans and Map Voting. These additions have given players more agency and strategic flexibility than ever before—and Blizzard has no plans to slow down.

During a Twitch stream featuring the Stadium mode with content creator Jay3, Aaron Keller shared a few tantalizing hints about what’s coming. He described Season 18 as “a big season for us” and emphasized that major updates are in motion, extending beyond gameplay into the wider Overwatch universe.

“We feel like we’re making a lot of good progress on innovative gameplay systems, but there are other parts of the game—and the universe—that we could be doing a lot better with. We’re going to start ramping that up, and I think players are going to see it starting next year.”

📅 What to Expect in 2026: Beyond Just Gameplay

Keller’s comments were deliberate and suggestive. His repeated references to “other parts of the universe” sparked speculation among fans that Blizzard may be preparing Overwatch content beyond the main game. Potential avenues include:

• 🎮 A mobile Overwatch experience
• 📺 More animated shorts or even a full animated series
• 📚 Renewed focus on lore and storytelling after PvE setbacks

Keller acknowledged the shortcomings of Overwatch 2’s storytelling, particularly the failure of past PvE efforts, calling them “a step back.” However, he confirmed that the team is reassessing narrative delivery, hinting that cinematic content may be on the horizon.

🧩 Season 15 Set the Benchmark — Season 18 Aims Higher

Keller pointed to Season 15, which introduced the Perks system, as a defining moment. Now, he suggests that 2026’s opening season could aim to deliver a similar—or greater—impact.

Echoing this sentiment, associate game director Alec Dawson reinforced the team’s ambition:

“If people think we’re going to rest on our laurels after Seasons 15 and 16, it’s the opposite.”

🔮 The Road Ahead: Big Things Brewing

Although specific details remain under wraps, it's clear that Overwatch 2’s future is expanding beyond traditional updates. Between gameplay innovations, universe expansion, and renewed storytelling, 2026 could mark a bold new chapter for the franchise.

With Season 18 just around the corner, fans won’t have to wait long to see the first steps toward what Blizzard is promising will be “a lot of really awesome stuff” in the near future.