Overwatch 2 is introducing a new game mode, but it will only be around until July 28. The new mode, Hacks & Hijinx, promises chaotic experiences that are unlike anything else that players can experience in Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 recently received adjustments to Stadium, which not only adjusted how its Heroes perform, but also made changes to queue time and rewards. However, this new limited-time mode is something that players who are bored with the standard game formula may want to check out.
Related
Overwatch 2 Season 17 Features 2 Big Map Reworks
Blizzard shares more about Overwatch 2 Season 17 in a new developer livestream, and reveals a couple of major upcoming map tweaks.
Overwatch 2 has announced Hacks & Hijinx, a limited-time mode that launched on July 15 and will run through July 28. Hacks & Hijinx pits teams of six players against each other in Control matches, but a series of modifiers have been added to the mode. Sixteen different modifiers are in rotation, which range from more traditional modifiers like life steal, to weird and funny ones, like reducing the size of all Overwatch 2 Heroes by 50%. The real excitement this mode will offer, though, is that each match will choose two modifiers at random to put into effect for the round. One random modifier would be tricky enough, but slapping two modifiers together at random should lead to some seriously bizarre and fun matches.
Overwatch 2 Hacks & Hijinx Mode Rewards and Modifiers
In addition to the simple fun of seeing what modifiers a match throws at combatants, Overwatch 2 players can net some rewards for checking out this mode. This includes 55k Battle Pass XP, an 8-bit collection consisting of a spray, weapon charm, and player icon, as well as an Epic Loot Box and Hackerman title.
Two of the following modifiers will be chosen at random in every match:
- MINI MAXING – Hero size is reduced by 50%, and health pools are cut by 30%.
- LIE LOW – Players can cloak by crouching, remaining invisible until they take action.
- FIRED UP – “On Fire = power boost.” Players should expect higher damage, healing, and quicker cooldowns, but could have a target on their back, as they will be “visible to everyone.”
- CHARGE PACK – Health packs refill health and charge Ultimates.
- POWER PUNCH – Quick melee gets a knockback.
- VAMPIRIC HEALING – Players use life steal to recover health, as passive HP regen is disabled.
- AERIAL COMBAT – Gravity drops, mid-air damage dealt and incoming spikes by 50%.
- BACK IN ACTION – Respawn time is reduced.
- BERSERKERS – Players don’t regen health, but receive a boost to attack speed and cooldown reduction for every 10% HP lost.
- SUPER JUMP – Player jumps see a 200% increase in height.
- MOTION DETECTION – Players can see moving opponents through walls, so long as they’re 25m or closer. Crouching hides players.
- EXPLOSIVE – Any player defeated explodes upon death, causing splash damage to nearby players.
- HYPER SPEED – Speed is increased by 30%.
- BUFF HUNT – One Hero is chosen at random to receive buffs every minute that increase HP, damage, and Ultimate charge-up speed. Defeating them transfers the buff to the player who took them down.
- DAMAGE PACK – Health packs add a 20% boost to damage for 10-20 seconds.
- FALLEN COMRADE – Defeated Heroes drop globes boosting damage, armor, and movement speed when collected by their teammates.
While Overwatch 2 has seen some competition in the form of Marvel Rivals, players have a lot to look forward to from the franchise. Overwatch 2 game director Aaron Keller has hyped up the future for the game, going all the way into 2026. What the franchise has cooked up remains to be seen, but there’s fun to be had in the present.
Overwatch 2
6/10
