BlizzCon Returns with In-Person Event and Overwatch 2 News

BlizzCon has made a triumphant return as an in-person event after a four-year hiatus, and the opening ceremony kicked off with some exciting Overwatch 2 announcements. One of the highlights was the introduction of the game’s 39th hero, Mauga, a formidable tank armed with chainguns named Gunny and Cha-Cha.

Mauga’s reveal wasn’t entirely unexpected, as he accidentally made an appearance on Switch’s eShop news channel prior to the event. However, his official unveiling at BlizzCon has generated significant buzz. In his reveal trailer, Mauga showcased his dual chaingun firepower, with Gunny being an incendiary weapon that inflicts burning damage on enemies and Cha-Cha dealing critical burn damage. Players can choose to fire the chainguns individually or simultaneously.

Mauga possesses impressive abilities that make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. His charging ability, called Overrun, cannot be stopped by crowd control abilities and delivers a powerful knockback to enemies upon contact. Additionally, Mauga’s Cardiac Overdrive creates an aura that reduces incoming damage, allowing allies to heal while continuing their attacks.

One of Mauga’s most fearsome moves is his ultimate ability, Cage Fight. It erects a cylindrical barrier that traps enemies inside, blocking incoming enemy fire and preventing healing from outside sources. This ability puts trapped enemies at the mercy of Mauga’s infinite ammo barrage, making it a devastating attack.

Players will have the opportunity to try out Mauga in Overwatch 2’s live game starting this weekend in a limited-time trial. He will then be permanently available in Season 8, which begins on December 5th. Mauga can be instantly unlocked with Season 8’s Premium Battle Pass or obtained at Tier 45 in the standard Battle Pass.

In addition to the Mauga announcement, BlizzCon’s Opening Ceremony provided insights into other exciting developments for Overwatch 2. One of them is a new PvP game mode called Clash, where teams compete to secure five capture points. The accompanying Clash map, Hanaoka, draws inspiration from Overwatch’s classic Hanamura map.

Blizzard also revealed plans for an overhaul of Overwatch 2’s competitive systems, promising “all-new competitive rewards” in early 2024. The presentation included teases for future seasons, with themes ranging from eldritch horror and Egyptian mythology to witches and a mirror universe where heroes and villains switch roles. Furthermore, 2024 will bring the introduction of three more heroes, including a new damage hero named Venture in Season 10 and a support hero codenamed Space Ranger in Season 12.