Overwatch2 has been trying to make a proper comeback since its disappointing debut in 2022, and the free-to-play shooter’s upcoming 12th season looks to be its best effort yet. A new game mode, a new hero, and Xbox Game Pass integration present an exciting potential re-entry point for former players of Blizzard’s multiplayer game.

Blizzard has released a new trailer and blog post explaining all the updates, features and changes coming on August 20. Of particular note is Overwatch2 will be the next Blizzard game included in Xbox Game Pass. Although the game is already free to play, Game Pass subscribers will receive additional in-game currency and six Mythic Hero skins starting September 17. Players must link their Xbox accounts to Battle Pass before October 21 to gain access to the first wave of rewards. Game Pass subscribers will also receive additional regular bonuses in the future, including stackable XP boosts and exclusive access to cosmetics from previous seasons.

The Game Pass promotion coincides perfectly with the new season, which introduces the new support-class hero, Space Ranger Juno. Although her design caused controversy, the addition of a new support character who can zip through levels and increase allies’ speed will add a new dimension to team dynamics.

Speaking of new dynamics: damage-oriented and support heroes are being rebalanced.

“We’ve seen many mobile heroes become top favorites and have a huge advantage in the current game state,” Blizzard writes in the blog post. “That’s why we’re looking to reduce the health of several damage and support heroes.”

Season 12 also sees the return of two classic maps from the original. Surveillance: Throne of Anubis (set in Egypt) and Hanaoka (set in Hanamura, Japan). While the maps will be a fun memory for longtime fans of Overwatch, they’ll be returning to play an entirely new mode called Clash. According to Blizzard, Clash is an action-forward mode where teams compete for control of capture points on each map. The mode seems specifically designed to quickly engage players in wild skirmishes and firefights.

“With dynamic spawns and optimized map routes, heroes can spend more time in the heat of battle and less time running back to the front lines,” Blizzard writes.

Perhaps the most mysterious thing that happened during Overwatch2 Season 12 is the integration of other blockbuster products from Blizzard. The end of the new trailer promises that players will have a World of Warcraft – The wonderful world of wars Crossover of sorts. This will likely result in some pretty cool looking skins for existing characters, but we’ll have to wait and see what comes of the internal collaboration.

It is clear that Blizzard is trying to bring the Overwatch franchise back to its former glory. The launch of Overwatch2 proved to be an unpopular move with the game’s community. It essentially stripped players of unlocks and progression by making the original 2016 game unplayable in exchange for a free-to-play game with less content and unpopular changes to the multiplayer meta. In the years that followed, the planned single-player content that was supposed to be the highlight of the sequel was scrapped entirely.

With enough distance from the shaky first year, the upcoming update seems to be the best attempt to change the perception of the game. With the addition of a new character, the revival of old favorite maps, and a mode that allows players to get to know the game’s roster in quicker matches, Season 12 seems to be a good place for Overwatch players old and new. Rewarding Game Pass subscribers is also a nice incentive for Xbox players who care about cool skins and unlocks.

Just a few weeks ago, Blizzard openly talked about bringing back the game’s 6v6 matches, an exciting change of pace for those who were put off by the reduction in team sizes in the sequel.

Despite its quality, Overwatch2 has struggled to not feel like an unnecessary sequel, so it’s good to see the developer taking steps to correct course. While those efforts may be spurred by the influx of hero shooters that have hit the market in recent months, with the upcoming release Marvel Rivals And Valorant Console debut, It is the players who ultimately benefit.