Blizzard is officially kicking off the next chapter of its hero shooter’s narrative arc. Following the momentum of the “Reign of Talon” season, Season 2: Summit arrives on Tuesday, April 14, at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.
This update is more than just a content drop; it represents a strategic attempt by the developers to refine the player experience by addressing long-standing mechanical frustrations and rewarding player engagement through updated social and competitive systems.
The Arrival of Sierra
The season introduces Sierra, a new Damage hero categorized under the Recon subrole. Her lore connects her directly to the game’s established universe, as she is linked to the supersoldier program that produced iconic characters like Soldier: 76 and Reaper.
- Combat Style: Sierra utilizes a unique helix rifle and a companion drone named Dorothy.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Players can unlock specific perks during matches to upgrade both her rifle and her drone, adding a layer of tactical progression to her kit.
Aesthetic Upgrades: Mythic Cosmetics
For players looking to customize their roster, two fan favorites are receiving high-tier “Mythic” skins:
– Soldier: 76: Receives the Volted Overdrive skin, focusing on his cybernetic enhancements.
– Genji: Receives the Sumi-ichimonji weapon skin, a stylistic blend of his dragon motifs and traditional Japanese calligraphy.
Quality of Life: Map Voting and Competitive Incentives
One of the most significant shifts in Season 2 is how Blizzard is handling map selection and competitive progression. These changes aim to reduce “lobby friction”—the frustration caused when a small minority of players dictates the game flow.
1. Streamlined Map Voting
The voting system is moving away from a purely randomized model. If an “undeniable majority” of the lobby votes for a specific map, that map will be selected automatically. Additionally, players who are dissatisfied with the three presented options will now have the ability to vote for a random map instead.
2. Encouraging Map Mastery
In previous seasons, players often avoided new or reworked maps in Competitive mode to avoid losing rank on unfamiliar terrain. To combat this, Blizzard is implementing a risk-reduction system :
– Players will lose fewer Competitive points when playing newer or reworked maps.
– Competitive point gains remain unchanged, providing a “safety net” that encourages players to learn new environments without fear of heavy penalties.
Returning Systems and Map Reworks
Blizzard is also looking backward to move forward, reviving beloved features and refining existing ones.
The Return of Post-Match Accolades
Drawing inspiration from the game’s 2016 launch, the post-match accolade system is returning. After the “Play of the Game,” players can vote for an MVP, granting them a special victory animation. The update also introduces an optional, monitored voice chat feature to allow for sportsmanlike conduct between opposing teams.
Hero Balance and Map Updates
- Perk Rebalancing: To ensure hero viability, certain perks that were previously unlocked mid-match are being integrated directly into the base kits of heroes like Reaper and Mercy.
- Antarctica Rework: The Arctic map, Antarctica, returns to the rotation. The rework focuses on “cleaner engagements” and improved flanking routes, aiming to fix previous issues with team pushes and flow.
Summary: Season 2: Summit focuses on lowering the barrier to entry for new content by reducing competitive risks and refining the voting process, while deepening the game’s lore through the introduction of Sierra.
