A brand new game mode is debuting in Overwatch 2 during Season 16, establishing itself as the third main mode alongside Quick Play and Competitive Play.
Stadium promises a fresh gameplay experience, introducing unique power-ups, abilities, and customizable in-game builds for heroes, ensuring that every match varies according to your playstyle, including the choice between third-person and first-person perspectives.
Here’s all the latest information about OW2’s Stadium mode leading up to its launch on April 22.
What is Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode?
Stadium is a completely new game mode in OW2, launching in Season 16. This round-based mode introduces upgrades that players can earn and purchase between rounds, drawing similarities to franchises like VALORANT and Counter-Strike 2.
In Stadium, matches follow a best-of-seven structure, featuring three distinct game modes played on specialized maps, a unique hero pool, a dedicated ranked system, and the option to play entirely from a third-person viewpoint. One significant change is that players cannot switch heroes after selection at the start of the game, marking a notable shift from the traditional OW2 experience.
Third-Person View in Stadium Mode
Third-person view is the default perspective in Stadium, although players can switch to first-person mode at any time. Blizzard recommends third-person for navigating the fast-paced action and new abilities within the mode.
According to Blizzard: “Stadium is a complex game mode, and you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings.” Various dynamic elements, such as lava flows, biotic orbs, and orbital death rays, will add to the chaos of gameplay.
Players can customize their Stadium settings, allowing adjustments to field of view (FOV) and other visual options.
Exploring Stadium Currency: Stadium Cash
Throughout your matches in Stadium, you will accumulate Stadium Cash, which can be utilized to purchase upgrades in the Armory between rounds. At the start of each game, players will have 3,500 Stadium Cash, and performing well will increase your earnings, leading to more powerful upgrades for your hero.
Items and Powers in Stadium’s Armory
There are two categories of upgrades in Stadium: Items and Powers.
Items enhance a hero’s abilities, weapons, or survivability, with players able to equip up to six at once. Powers serve as transformative modifiers that provide unique passives, modifiers, or even entirely new abilities.
Notable Powers include Reinhardt’s ability to unleash lava with Firestrike or Kiriko’s capacity to create clones of herself, disorienting opponents. While Powers are free to equip, they cannot be removed once applied.
As matches progress, Items and Powers combine to create unique hero builds, while pre-set Example Builds will be available to help streamline gameplay.
Hero Selection in Stadium Mode
At launch, Stadium features a roster of 17 heroes, with plans to expand the selection through future updates.
Tank
- D.Va
- Junker Queen
- Orisa
- Reinhardt
- Zarya
Damage
- Ashe
- Cassidy
- Genji
- Mei
- Reaper
- Soldier: 76
Support
- Ana
- Juno
- Kiriko
- Lucio
- Mercy
- Moira
Map Pool in Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode
Big arena, bigger plays. Welcome to Stadium! New permanent game mode Best-of-7, round-based play Earn Stadium Cash & build your loadout Third-person AND First-person modes! Stadium arrives on Apr 22 pic.twitter.com/MTGFyfuxJ8
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) April 14, 2025
Stadium’s map pool at launch consists of nine maps across three modes: Push, Control, and Clash, including some newly designed maps based on existing locations, specifically tailored for the Stadium mode.
Ranked Play in Stadium Leagues
The new game mode introduces its own Competitive play format, known as Stadium Leagues, offering unique rewards including exclusive Epic skins for specific heroes and more.
Stadium’s ranks include the following tiers:
- Rookie
- Novice
- Contender
- Elite
- Pro
- All-Star
- Legend
This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
FAQ About Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode
What is Stadium Mode in Overwatch 2?
Stadium Mode is a new game mode in Overwatch 2 that focuses on round-based gameplay with unique upgrades, power-ups, and a blend of first-person and third-person perspectives.
When is Stadium Mode launching?
Stadium Mode will officially launch on April 22, 2025.
How many heroes are available in Stadium Mode?
At launch, there will be 17 heroes playable in Stadium Mode, with additional characters anticipated to be added in future updates.
What types of items and powers are in Stadium Mode?
Stadium Mode includes two categories of upgrades: Items that enhance heroes’ abilities and Powers that grant transformative effects and new abilities without cost.
How is ranking structured in Stadium Leagues?
Stadium Leagues feature a unique ranking system with tiers including Rookie, Novice, Contender, Elite, Pro, All-Star, and Legend, offering exclusive rewards for competitive players.