The latest season of Overwatch 2 came as a free update to Overwatch 2 players (which is also free to play). The latest update comes with a new Blizzard crossover game mode in Trials of Sanctuary, the Halloween Terror 2023 event, and a new control map located at the tropical island of Samoa.
We also see many balance changes, a Sombra rework, Hanzo’s Mythic Skin, and more.
Launched with the Halloween Terror event, Trials of Sanctuary lets you play as one of six different heroes: Demon Hunter Sombra, Barbarian Zarya, Night Raven Illari, Cleric Lifeweaver, Imperious Reinhardt, and Inarius Pharah while facing the demons in the Burning Hells (references to Diablo IV – check my review out if you haven’t). You’ll fight against minions and also bosses like Azmodan Wrecking Ball, Butcher Roadhog, and the Blessed Mother herself – Lilith Moir.
And yes, you can grab their skins – though the best ones (in my opinion) are the Lilith Moir and Inarius Pharah (the skin also has its own ultimate voice line: “Justice reigns from the heavens!”). These have to be purchased with real money though, as they are parts of the Ultimate Battle Pass Bundle, at AUD 59.95. I’ve seen players with these skins in the game and they are awesome, so if you have the money, I guess it’s a good way to support the developers and the game. The game is not pay to win, so we can’t really complain here.
While playing, you’ll get power-ups and even upgraded weapons for your hero. It definitely reminds you of the fun of playing the Diablo series, and I wish Blizzard can make something great out of this idea in the future. Perhaps the PvE can have these upgrades and make them permanent to your hero (i.e., replacing the talent trees).
Apart from the Trials of Sanctuary, you’ll also get the older Halloween games like Junkenstein’s Revenge and Wrath of the Bride if you haven’t played those yet.
We also get the new Sombra rework, which changes her playstyle. She has a new ability too that can burst someone down when done correctly. Her rework of the translocator skill has definitely made her more active with the team, rather than doing her own thing.
There are many hero balances in this new season too and a penalty to Quick Play leavers. Previously, you’d get some experience penalty if you left too frequently while playing Quick Play – but really, who cares about experience points. So this time, Blizzard has changed the penalty to game suspension from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. It’s a fresh change for sure, and I hope this will discourage leavers even more.
These heroes are affected by the Season 7 hero balance: Orisa, Ramattra, Wrecking Ball, Zarya, Cassidy, Mei, Torbjorn, Brigitte, and Illari.
