Overwatch 2 Season 5 is finally bringing back the On Fire feature that has been missing since the sequel launched last year. The original Overwatch game featured an On Fire meter that players could fill by performing well in their matches. This was then announced to teammates through an automatic voice line, and the character's portrait was also decorated with flames as a way of letting the other team know as well.
Ultimately, Blizzard made the decision to remove the On Fire feature when it launched Overwatch 2, yet remnants of the feature remained in the free-to-play hero shooter. While the On Fire meter and its associated visual effects were kicked to the curb, characters could still be heard announcing that they were on fire when performing well in matches. Fans have been asking Blizzard to bring the full On Fire feature back to Overwatch 2 since launch, and now it seems they will finally be getting their wish.
Blizzard recently unveiled the Overwatch 2 2023 roadmap, revealing what fans can expect from the game in Season 5, 6, and 7. According to the roadmap, Overwatch 2 is going to bring the On Fire feature back in Season 5. Overwatch 2 Season 5 will also feature the limited-time Questwatch event, the Summer Games, 5v5 mini comp season, Creator Workshop mode, and a brand-new cinematic. Overwatch 2 Season 4 is expected to wrap up in June, so fans of the franchise should have their On Fire feature back in about a month's time.
Overwatch 2 2023 Roadmap
Overwatch 2 fans will likely be happy to see the On Fire feature return, but that may do little to appease those who are upset about another recent revelation from Blizzard. While PvE story missions are still coming to Overwatch 2, the game's planned campaign has effectively been canceled. This has proven to be especially devastating for the Overwatch 2 community, as a dedicated campaign mode was one of the game's main selling points when it was first announced at BlizzCon 2019.
Many Overwatch 2 fans are upset about this development as they feel like there was no reason to repackage the game as a sequel without the campaign content. Overwatch 2 has been criticized for its inability to justify its sequel status since launch, and the cancelation of the campaign mode has certainly exacerbated the issue. It's possible the new content coming in Overwatch 2 Seasons 5, 6, and 7 will be enough to satisfy disgruntled fans, but that remains to be seen.
Overwatch 2 is out now in early access for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.