I've been playing Overwatch 2 again recently, and honestly, this is the best the game has ever been—thanks to the new Perks system. It’s by far the most radical change to the game since the return of 6v6, which I’m not particularly excited about. Even better, it might’ve saved the game for me.
Overwatch 2 vs. Marvel Rivals
Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals have always been two very different games. While Rivals appeals to a much more casual audience, Overwatch has always been the more competitive and responsive of the two, as evidenced by its optimization and high skill-ceiling characters.
With Overwatch 2’s slow decline in recent years, it’s clear that the team behind the multi-award-winning FPS isn’t going to let that continue. Their first major step toward making the game better is the Perks system—and thank God they implemented it as soon as possible.
It Fixed Counter-Swapping
One of the main reasons I stopped playing Overwatch 2 was how frustrating counter-swapping had become. One minute, I’d be playing D.Va, only for my enemy tank to switch to Zarya the moment they died—just to counter me. Now, with the new Perks system, I actually stand a fighting chance. I can pick D.Va’s overhealth buff when she’s out of her mech, or I can select the perk that lets her convert health into shields, helping me survive longer.
While Zarya is still a hard counter to D.Va, I rarely feel the need to swap unless I’m truly at my wit’s end. The same goes for other matchups, like Winston vs. D.Va or Roadhog vs. Doomfist. I hardly ever swap now, and more often than not, I still come out victorious.
It Adds Variety
The best thing about the Perks system is that it adds variety to every match. Now, I no longer worry when my team is being stomped because I know there are multiple ways to counter the enemy lineup. Each hero's selection of perks offers opportunities to adapt without having to switch characters—though sometimes, swapping is still the best option.
For example, I might face the same Ana from my last match, but this time, instead of playing as a DPS healer, she’s using a safer perk that lets her heal from a distance, forcing my team to dive her instead. The ability to see which perks enemies are using via the team menu also helps with strategy.
This change makes me love the game even more, as each lobby feels unique, leading to fun and dynamic fights.
While some perks have proven to be a bit too meta-defining, it’s clear that Blizzard is already working on balancing this new system.
Better Than 6v6
I don’t think 6v6 should be the team’s main focus, as it mainly appeals to old fans unwilling to accept the 5v5 format. While it’s a nice touch that they’re introducing 6v6 modes, it’s simply not what Overwatch needs most right now.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for the addition of hero bans and further refinements to the Perks system in future updates.
Either way, Overwatch 2 is at its best right now—so if you’ve been on the fence, now’s the perfect time to jump back in.