Overwatch 2 Reverts Unpopular Season 18 Change

In response to fan feedback expressing dissatisfaction, Overwatch 2 has reactivated the option for mirror matches in Competitive Stadium. A ban on these matches was initially implemented in ranked Stadium games starting from Season 18, but this restriction has now been permanently lifted from this game mode.

The eighteenth season of Overwatch 2 launched on August 26th, introducing various notable updates to the game. Among these changes, the Stadium saw an influx of new content: three fresh heroes, a Payload Race game mode, and an unranked Quick Play mode that now supports crossplay. Additionally, Competitive Stadium incorporated the Hero Draft system, allowing players to avoid picking heroes already chosen by the opposing team.

Competitive Stadium Mirror Matches Are Back in Overwatch 2

Although Hero Draft in the game has been well-received, many players have expressed dissatisfaction towards recurring matches featuring identical heroes. This discontent was evident on gaming forums and social media platforms. In response, Overwatch 2’s game director, Aaron Keller, addressed the issue. As per a recent tweet, Overwatch 2 has eliminated the restriction of mirrored hero matches in Competitive Stadium Hero Draft. At present, there appears to be no intention to reintroduce this rule anytime soon.

Keller further mentioned that introducing popular new features like the Stadium in Overwatch 2 has been well-received. However, he acknowledged that making bold moves carries the risk of outcomes not aligning perfectly with their intentions. He assured that they would be quick to adjust and improve when necessary, as demonstrated by the swift removal of mirror matches just two days after the update. This action suggests that players have good reason to trust his commitment.

One significant issue with the implementation of the Stadium mirror match ban was its restricted hero selection. Initially, in Overwatch 2 Season 18, there were only 24 heroes available for Stadium matches, which represents less than half of the typical roster. Given that each hero in these matches must be distinct, this limited variety proved problematic. As the roster expands over time, the restriction might become more manageable, but considering the controversy, it’s uncertain if Overwatch 2 will revisit this concept again.

Despite the circumstances, Stadium is set to welcome its 25th playable character, Tracer, during the mid-Season 18 update of Overwatch 2. If the game maintains its current pace, it’s probable that all heroes, including future additions, will be integrated into Stadium by this time next year. Fans can look forward to observing how this thrilling new game mode evolves over the coming months.

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2025-08-29 00:35