Blizzard has unveiled major adjustments to Overwatch 2's Stadium mode development timeline, bringing both exciting new hero additions and disappointing delays for anticipated features. The revised roadmap shows Pharah and Tracer joining the mode earlier than expected, while features like Unranked Stadium and crossplay have been postponed to ensure better implementation.

Originally revealed in May, the Stadium mode roadmap outlined planned content through multiple seasons. However, with Season 17 launching on June 24, Blizzard has shared updated plans that reflect development priorities and scheduling changes. These adjustments aim to deliver higher quality features, though they require pushing back some fan-anticipated elements.

Key Changes to Stadium Mode Roadmap

The most notable schedule changes include:

• Unranked Stadium and crossplay moved from Season 17 to Season 18
• Stadium Trials (quest-based rewards) delayed from Season 18 to 19
• Competitive Drafts accelerated from post-Season 19 to Season 18
• Pharah added as new Season 18 hero (replacing Sojourn)
• Tracer joining mid-Season 18 (instead of support hero Wuyang)
• Brand new Competitive Drives feature added for Season 17

Blizzard explained these changes reflect their commitment to quality, particularly regarding the backfill system for Unranked mode. The studio wants to ensure smooth matchmaking before releasing this feature.

The most surprising changes involve the hero release schedule. Originally planned to debut in Season 18, Sojourn has been pushed back to Season 19. Instead, Pharah will join the Stadium roster alongside Winston and Brigitte in Season 18.

Additionally, Tracer will make her Stadium mode appearance in mid-Season 18, replacing Wuyang - the water-themed support hero codenamed "Aqua" who will still join the main game at season start. This shift suggests Blizzard wants to prioritize familiar heroes before introducing new ones to the experimental mode.

Several planned features maintain their original schedule:

• Custom games in Season 17
• Endorsements system in Season 18
• Consumable/active items in Season 19

Blizzard emphasizes this roadmap remains subject to change as development progresses. Players can expect more detailed announcements as each season approaches, with the studio likely to share gameplay specifics for new features like Competitive Drives in the coming weeks.