Overwatch 2‘s Season 16 is shaping up to be a game-changer, introducing the new hero Freja, implementing long-awaited hero bans in Competitive mode, and most notably, launching “Stadium,” a brand-new game mode.
Blizzard is betting big on Stadium, showcasing it at their Spotlight event and hoping it becomes a staple alongside the existing core modes. Stadium offers fast-paced, best-of-seven matches with short, intense rounds. Players strategically spend currency earned between rounds to unlock buffs and abilities, adding a layer of tactical depth.
How to Play Stadium Mode in Overwatch 2?
For eager players, there’s a chance to experience Stadium before its official Season 16 release. Blizzard is running a closed alpha playtest, but participation requires a few steps. Interested players need to join the official Overwatch Discord server and fill out a participation form. Submitting the form puts you in the running for selection, but it doesn’t guarantee access to the alpha.
It’s important to note that this early access is currently limited to North American Battlenet players aged 18 and over. Console players and those in other regions will have to wait for the official launch. This closed alpha provides valuable feedback for the developers, allowing them to fine-tune Stadium before its wider release.
The Stadium playtest runs from February 25th to March 11th, with sessions scheduled on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 6 PM and 9 PM PT. These designated times offer players ample opportunities to dive into the new mode. Outside of these windows, the alpha server will be offline.
