BlizzCon, the annual convention for fans of Blizzard games, brought a wealth of exciting announcements during the opening ceremony. Among the reveals was the next hero for Overwatch 2, Baptiste’s old running buddy, Mauga. Although a leak on the Nintendo Switch eShop’s news tab spoiled the surprise a few hours early, fans were still thrilled to learn about Mauga’s abilities and playstyle.
Mauga wields a pair of powerful chainguns and possesses an unstoppable charge ability that can knock enemies off maps. Another ability reduces damage sustained by nearby allies and allows them to heal when they attack enemies. Players will have the opportunity to experience Mauga’s ultimate ability, which traps nearby opponents into a cage match and grants Mauga unlimited ammo for a short period of time. This ultimate ability promises intense and thrilling gameplay for Mauga and his team.
The best part is that fans won’t have to wait long to try out Mauga themselves. He will be available in most game modes on all platforms during Overwatch 2’s eighth season, which goes live in December. BlizzCon attendees also had the chance to test out Mauga on-site, further building excitement for his official inclusion in the game.
Mauga’s arrival has been highly anticipated by fans for several years. Blizzard had long planned to make him a playable character, and his presence has been hinted at in the latest Overwatch 2 map, Samoa. The inclusion of references to Mauga in Samoa only fueled speculation and excitement among the fan base.
In addition to Mauga’s introduction, game director Aaron Keller revealed some of the exciting features coming to Overwatch 2 in 2024. One notable addition is the new competitive game mode called Clash. This mode requires teams to capture five points in a row, with the first team to reach a maximum score or capture all five points emerging victorious. The first map for Clash will be a new take on Hanamura, a beloved location that many players hold dear.
Furthermore, Keller mentioned a major rework of the competitive system planned for early next year, complete with new rewards. Each upcoming season will also be themed around different concepts, such as eldritch horror, Egyptian mythology, and witches. The introduction of these themes will add a layer of excitement and variety to the competitive experience. Additionally, Keller hinted at a mirror universe, where heroes and villains switch places, which promises to shake up the gameplay and provide a fresh perspective for players.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Three more heroes are set to join the roster in 2024. In season 10, players can expect the arrival of Venture, a damage hero. This will likely take place in April. Season 12, around August, will introduce Space Ranger, a support hero. While specific details about these heroes are yet to be revealed, fans can look forward to learning more during the BlizzCon panel scheduled for Saturday.
Overall, the future of Overwatch 2 looks incredibly bright. With the addition of Mauga, the introduction of the Clash game mode, a revamped competitive system, and the arrival of new heroes, players can expect an exciting and varied experience in the coming year. Blizzard continues to innovate and expand the Overwatch universe, captivating its passionate fan base and attracting new players to join the ranks of heroes and villains.
