Persona 5's Joker Joins Overwatch 2 in Season 18: Collaboration Release Date, New Modes, and More

Persona 5's iconic protagonist, Joker, is set to make a major impact in the world of hero shooters, as he joins the roster of Overwatch 2 in an official collaboration between Atlus and Blizzard Entertainment.

After previously featuring in crossover events such as Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch, Joker will appear in Overwatch 2 starting August 26, 2025, marking another milestone for the celebrated Persona franchise and strengthening the growing trend of high-profile gaming crossovers. The collaboration was officially revealed with the launch of the Overwatch 2 Season 18 trailer, which teased fans with the familiar Persona 5 theme and an unmistakable silhouette of Joker.

Atlus, the developer behind Persona 5, confirmed the partnership and the planned launch date for this highly anticipated in-game event.

This news further cements Overwatch 2's position as one of the most dynamic live-service games available on platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Battle.net and eShop. Season 18, subtitled 'Stadium Quick Play,' introduces bigger battles and new strategic opportunities for players.

The new Stadium Quick Play mode offers shorter match times, faster item progression, backfill support, and comprehensive Cross Play functionality.

At launch, players can dominate the arena as Winston, Brigitte, and Pharah, with Tracer joining the mode during the mid-season update. Blizzard is also expanding the competitive landscape with the debut of Payload Race, three new maps, and the introduction of Draft Mode.

This new feature enables players to select heroes before matches begin, allowing for smarter counter-picks and enhanced team coordination.

A notable addition to the Overwatch 2 hero lineup is Wuyang, a prodigy support character from Wuxing University.

Wuyang is engineered for players who value tactical repositioning, precise timing, and effective team utility, further diversifying team compositions and playstyles. Overwatch 2 Season 18 will include 50+ new Perks, ensuring that every hero receives at least one new gameplay modifier.

Additionally, a complete Competitive Rank Reset will offer players a fresh start for the new season, revitalizing the experience for both newcomers and seasoned veterans.

Fans can also look forward to Sojourn's Ultraviolet Sentinel Mythic Skin and a new Premium Battle Pass, which promise to deliver a range of exclusive customization options and rewards. This Persona 5 collaboration continues a trend of impressive crossovers for Overwatch 2, following successful events with well-known franchises such as Cowboy Bebop, One Punch Man, and Street Fighter 6, which brought Capcom’s legendary fighting game characters into Blizzard’s universe.

These events have not only expanded Overwatch 2’s audience but also added to the game's cultural resonance across gaming communities. In related news, Atlus has announced that Persona 3 Reload will launch for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23, 2025, further expanding the reach of the Persona series. For fans eager to experience Joker's arrival in Overwatch 2 and the full breadth of Season 18's new content, the official trailer is now live.

With major updates, bold collaborations, and increased support for competitive and casual play, Overwatch 2 continues to be a driving force in the live-service gaming landscape.

Atlus Overwatch Persona Joker Blizzard Persona 5 Overwatch 2 Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Street Fighter 6 Cowboy Bebop One Punch Man Capcom