Here's when the new Overwatch season starts in your region, and everything you can expect from it
A new DPS hero and tons of fresh (and returning) features are coming in Season 2: Summit.
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With Overwatch's turn to a year-long story arc, what would have been Season 21 is now Season 2: Summit. While the context has changed, what you can expect from the new season is very similar to previous updates and builds on the new direction set by Season 1: Conquest.
There's a lot to look forward to in the update, including, of course, a new hero. But the new features and balance changes are arguably more interesting, though. Below, I'll go over when you can play Overwatch Season 2 in your time zone, and everything you can expect to sink your teeth into.
When does the new Overwatch season start?
Overwatch Season 2: Summit begins on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 12 am PT / 3 pm ET / 7 pm GMT. You'll be able to preload this update on PC and console to save you time tomorrow.
Article continues belowThis coincides with the end of the current season, so you've still got a little time left to finish your battle pass. Take note that the April Fools event finishes on April 13, a full day before the launch of the next season.
What's coming in Overwatch Season 2?
Here's everything arriving in Season 2:
- New DPS hero Sierra
- Several perks will be added to select heroes' standard abilities, with updated sounds and animations
- Mercy's Flash Heal
- Reaper's Dire Triggers
- Pharah's Drift Thruster
- The post-match accolades system returns from Overwatch 1 with a new look
- As an experiment, you will also be able to join a lobby voice chat in this screen (which includes talking to the enemy)
- Significant overhauls to the map voting system
- Maps with a majority of votes (six or more) will always win the vote
- There will be a new 'random map' option
- There will be icons to show whether you'll be attacking or defending first
- When you play on a new or reworked map in Competitive, you'll lose less progress if you lose the match
Of course, there will also be a new battle pass and store bundles, and a new mythic weapon and skin (rumoured to be for Genji and Soldier 76, respectively). For most players, though, the brand-new hero is no doubt the most exciting addition. Say hello to Sierra, a Recon DPS hero.
Here are Sierra's abilities:
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Ability | Type | Effect |
|---|---|---|
Helix Rifle | Primary weapon | An automatic rifle that shoots in a spiral pattern, gaining accuracy the longer you fire. |
Tracking Shot | Ability | Fire a dart to mark an enemy, causing Helix Rifle shots to automatically track to them. |
Anchor Drone | Ability | Throw a drone into the air. Activate the ability again to launch towards it. |
Tremor Charge | Ability | Throw a grenade that creates a shockwave on impact. |
Trailblazer | Ultimate | Deploy a drone that flies forward and carpet bombs the area. |
Recon | Sub-role Passive | Detect enemies below half health through walls after damaging them. |
And here are Sierra's perks:
Minor:
- Full Flight: Increase Anchor Drone flight and grapple range by 25%.
- Tight Grip: Helix Rifle's bullet spread tightens 100% faster and widens 30% slower.
Major:
- Medi-Drone: Anchor Drones hold a small health pack.
- Locked In: Firing Tracking Shot increases your attack speed by 20% for two seconds.
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Rory has made the fatal error of playing way too many live service games at once, and somehow still finding time for everything in between. Sure, he’s an expert at Destiny 2, Call of Duty, and more, but at what cost? He’s even sunk 1,000 hours into The Elder Scrolls Online over the years. At least he put all those hours spent grinding challenges to good use over the years as a freelancer and guides editor. In his spare time, he’s also an avid video creator, often breaking down the environmental design of his favourite games. If you can’t track him down, he’s probably lost in a cave with a bunch of dwarves shouting “rock and stone” to no end.
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