Overwatch 2 season 7 launch date, battle pass, and Mythic skin revealed

Overwatch 2’s seventh season will be a big one, despite not featuring a new hero. Season 7, or “Rise of Darkness” as Blizzard is calling the new season of content, will add a new Control map, a big Diablo-themed crossover, and a new Mythic skin for Hanzo — completing the Shimada clan Mythic skin trifecta.

There’s a big emphasis on ghosts, demons, and otherwise spooky skins, as the annual Halloween Terror event coincides with season 7 of Overwatch 2. Junkenstein’s Revenge and Wrath of the Bride will return, and there’s a new cooperative game mode coming called Trials of Sanctuary as part of Halloween Terror 2023. Diablo crossover is a cooperative survival battle in which the players assume roles of Demon Hunter Sombra and Barbarian Zarya while fighting Azmodan Wrecking Ball and Butcher Roadhog.

Here’s what else is new in Overwatch 2Season 7.

Samoa, Overwatch 2’s new Control map

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Players will battle for control points in Samoa at the beach and in downtown areas. They’ll also fight inside of a volcanic eruption on this tropical isle. Blizzard teases some Warcraft Easter eggs on the Samoa Map. Keep your eyes open.

Samoa is available in the Arcade Card when Season 7 launches. It will also be accessible in Quick Play, as well as other modes that are not ranked starting October 10. It will come to Competitive Play “later in the season,” Blizzard says.

Overwatch 2’s new map, players believe, may finally herald the game’s next hero, Mauga, who is tied to Baptiste’s origin story. While that’s certainly not confirmed, expect Blizzard to reveal a new hero at BlizzCon 2023 in November.

Battle Pass for Season 7.

Season 7’s battle pass features the Mythic Onryo Hanzo, as well as skins such As Wrecking ball (Azmodan), Echo (Victorian Doll), Soldier:76 (Crimson Clown), Wreckingball (Azmodan), and Widowmaker. Blizzard has listed a number of skins available as part of the Ultimate Battle Pass Bundle, which also includes Lilith Moira’s skin, Inarius Pharah’s skin and Pumpkin Spice Bastion.

Below you can find a list of some skins.

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Heroes reworked and balanced changes

Blizzard will roll out big changes to Sombra in season 7, changing how her Stealth ability works — it’s now a passive — and giving her a new ability, a damage-over-time attack called Virus. Roadhog is also getting a rework, though Blizzard hasn’t said how the much-maligned tank hero will be changing yet.

The season 7 update will see Mei revert to her previous state from pre-season 5, and Zarya lose her Projectile Barrier buff. Season 7 will also see further tuning of Orisa and Ramattra as well as Wrecking Ball. Cassidy, Torbjorn Brigitte Illari, Cassidy.

Route 66 map updated

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

One of Overwatch’s original Escort maps is getting a few changes in season 7. Route 66’s Panorama Diner has a new sign that doubles as protection for the attacking team at spawn. The map’s first checkpoint — you know, the spot just past Big Earl’s service station — will be changed so that the metal doors there don’t fully close, giving the attacking team another chokepoint option. Additionally, the defending will have more options to stop attacking team from capping the final checkpoint, as some of the cargo is being removed at the Deadlock Gang’s lair.

When does Overwatch 2 season 7 start?

Overwatch 2’s new season will launch on Tuesday, Oct. 10, likely around 2 p.m. EDT/11 a.m. PDT. The seventh season will last until mid-December, just in time for the holiday themed events.