Is Overwatch 2 Secretly Testing a Brand-New Cosmetic Type? Chat Icons Might Be Coming Soon ⇒ OverwatchCentral

It looks like Blizzard might be cooking up something completely new behind the scenes, and no, it’s not another Souvenir. A strange “bug” has been making waves in Overwatch 2 since the mid-season update, and it might just be the soft launch of a never-before-seen cosmetic feature: chat icons.

Yes, you read that right. Players have started discovering ways to add images and colored text to in-game chat, leading to everything from stylish customization to some very creative toxicity. While Blizzard hasn’t made any official announcements, this has all the signs of a stealth test for something much bigger.

Let’s break down why this could be the start of a whole new chapter in Overwatch 2’s cosmetic future.

A Quiet Testing Phase From Blizzard?

Some players noticed they could suddenly customize their chat with different text colors and even embedded icons. At first glance, it looked like just another bug. But considering the timing and Blizzard’s recent developer blogs promising big things for Season 18 and beyond, it is highly possible this was intentional.

With no official rollout or communication, Blizzard can test the feature quietly. If something breaks, they can label it as a bug and remove it without backlash. If it works, they can polish it and roll it out in Season 18 without having made any promises in advance.

This soft launch strategy lets them monitor the system while keeping expectations in check.

Are Chat Icons the Next Big Cosmetic?

Let’s be honest. Souvenirs flopped. Player icons are forgettable. But chat icons? Those could actually be a hit.

They are functional, fun, and give players a new way to express themselves in real time. Other games like Marvel Rivals have already implemented similar features in their battle passes and shops, and players seem to love them.

Imagine unlocking your favorite hero’s logo or a cheeky emote to flash in chat after an epic play. That is a cosmetic players would actually use.

Of course, this would require Blizzard to beef up its moderation tools. Players are already using icons to mimic system messages or hurl trash talk using actual trash icons. It’s Overwatch. Of course they are.

What Comes Next?

Blizzard has been hyping up Season 18 as the beginning of a new era for Overwatch 2. With Gamescom just around the corner, it is likely we will hear official announcements within the next few weeks.

Whether this “bug” was a leak, an accident, or an intentional sneak peek, one thing is clear. Chat icons could be the next evolution of Overwatch 2’s cosmetics, and they might just be the one that finally lands.

Want more Overwatch 2 updates, leaks, and patch breakdowns? Stay locked to OverwatchCentral for the latest.

Source: The Omnic Post

Frequently Asked Questions

What are chat icons in Overwatch 2?

Chat icons are a potential new cosmetic feature that allows players to insert images or icons into the in-game chat, adding customization and expression to their messages.

Is Blizzard officially releasing chat icons?

Not yet. Blizzard has not confirmed the feature, but its sudden appearance in the game suggests they may be testing it behind the scenes.

Can players currently use chat icons?

Yes, but only through hidden methods. It is not widely available and is still considered a bug or an unannounced feature by the community.

Will chat icons be part of the Season 18 update?

There is no confirmation, but with Blizzard teasing major updates and Gamescom approaching, many fans believe it could launch officially in Season 18.