Overwatch 2: play the Haunted Masquerade event

How to play the Haunted Masquerade event in Overwatch 2

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-10-17 07:56:06

The spooky season has officially arrived in Overwatch 2 with the introduction of the limited-time Haunted Masquerade event. This exciting new Arcade mode is the centerpiece of the latest seasonal update, bringing with it a fresh layer of chaotic fun and strategic depth for the Halloween celebration.The Masquerade isn't just about cosmetic skins; it completely alters the standard 5v5 gameplay loop through the use of powerful, temporary hero modifiers known as Masks. Understanding how these Masks work, where to find them, and how to combine their effects is the key to dominating the competition.The event launched on October 14, 2025, and is guaranteed to run through Halloween. Here is everything you need to know to dive into and master the Haunted Masquerade.

Overwatch 2: play the Haunted Masquerade event

How the Haunted Masquerade Event Works

The Haunted Masquerade is a special mode available in the Arcade playlist. The basic structure remains 5v5, where you can select any hero you like, but the gameplay is fundamentally changed by the integration of the "Mask" system.

The Mask Mechanic

Scattered across the map are various collectible Masks. When a player secures a Mask, they instantly gain a set of powerful, temporary buffs and new abilities tied to that specific Mask's hero identity.

Hunting for Power: The strategy revolves around using the downtime between team fights to actively hunt for Masks scattered across the battlefield.
Team Synergy: Once empowered, you must utilize your newfound abilities and combine them with your teammates' standard kit to quickly eliminate the opposition.

Exclusive Lore Connections

What makes this mode truly unique are the Exclusive Effects. Many Masks feature a special bonus that only activates when the wearer is in proximity to, or interacting with, a hero they share a connection with in the Overwatch lore. For instance, a Roadhog wearing the Junkrat Mask gains an explosive Chain Hook, adding a terrifying new dimension to his crowd control.

All Masks and Their Modifiers in the Haunted Masquerade

To help you strategize your hero picks and Mask acquisitions, we've compiled a list of all the available Masks and the power they grant:

Mask	Base Modifiers	Exclusive Effect (Lore Connection)
Orisa	Decreases knockback applied to you. Decreases debuff duration on you.	Sojourn Only: Gain the ability to attach Disruptor Orb to allied Orisa.
Ramattra	Slow any nearby enemies by $30\%$.	Zenyatta Only: Orb of Discord on allied Ramattra in Nemesis Form also applies to nearby enemies (without extra damage).
Reinhardt	Gain 50 armor. Increases melee damage.	Brigitte Only: Increases Brigitte shield size and durability when in close proximity.
Roadhog	Gain the ability to heal yourself by 100 health every 30 seconds.	Junkrat Only: Concussion Mine explosions douse enemies with gasoline. Explosion damage within 10 seconds ignites them.
Winston	Melee damage now knocks enemies back.	Tracer Only: Gain the ability to attach her Pulse Bomb to allied Winston. Either can detonate it.
Genji	Gain the ability to double jump.	Hanzo Only: Enemies hit by allied Genji's Swift Strike or Dragonblade are marked. Hanzo shots home toward marked enemies.
Hanzo	The farther the enemy, the more damage dealt to them.	Genji Only: Gain the ability to activate Hanzo's Dragonstrike during Dragonblade (cancels Dragonblade early).
Junkrat	Enemies explode on death.	Roadhog Only: Chain Hook now explodes on impact. Detonating Concussion Mines increases explosion damage and radius.
Mei	Increases damage against nearby enemies by $25\%$.	Juno Only: Pulsar Torpedoes now freeze any target slowed by an allied Mei for 1.5 seconds.
Reaper	Dealing damage heals you.	Moira Only: Gain the ability to attach Biotic Orb to Reaper when it is close to him.
Sojourn	Dealing critical damage generates $50\%$ additional ultimate charge.	Orisa Only: Energy Javelin now creates Sojourn's Disruptor Orb on environmental impact.
Soldier: 76	Increases your attack speed.	Ana Only: Biotic Grenade creates Soldier: 76's Biotic Field on impact.
Symmetra	Substitutes $50\%$ of your health with shields.	Lifeweaver Only: Petal Platform gains a barrier around it.
Torbjörn	Gain an additional ability that applies armor to you for 10 seconds.	Mercy Only: While Caduceus Staff is equipped, gain the ability to apply Torbjörn's Overload on allies.
Tracer	Increases movement speed.	Winston Only: Gain the ability to Recall to Winston's Barrier Projector.
Ana	Reduce all incoming damage by $15\%$.	Soldier: 76 Only: Gain an additional Biotic ability that prevents healing on enemies hit by Helix Rockets.
Brigitte	Dealing melee damage to enemies heals nearby allies.	Reinhardt Only: When Inspired by allied Brigitte, Charge explodes on impact. Inspired status stacks up to 3 times, increasing damage and radius.
Juno	Holding jump lets you hover midair.	Mei Only: When Ice Wall comes into contact with Juno's Orbital Ray, a Blizzard is created.
Lifeweaver	Deal additional damage while airborne or on Lifeweaver's Petal Platform.	Symmetra Only: Turrets can now target allies, granting armor over time.
Mercy	Increases your base health by $20\%$.	Torbjörn Only: Turret now applies toggleable healing or damage boost to allies within range.
Moira	Constantly regenerate health. Eliminations increase regen rate for 10 seconds.	Reaper Only: Increases movement speed and jump height during Wraith Form.
Zenyatta	Applies a mini Orb of Harmony to you.	Ramattra Only: Gain the ability to detonate allied Zenyatta's Orbs of Discord. Explosions damage nearby enemies and apply a temporary Orb of Discord.

Mastering the Masquerade Strategy

To succeed in this limited-time mode, you must think beyond standard hero matchups and focus on these two elements:

Prioritize Mask Control: Treat Mask spawns like a control point or health pack. Securing a Mask gives you a substantial, albeit temporary, power spike. Use the lull between major engagements to secure a buff before the next fight erupts.

Exploit Lore Connections: When selecting your hero, pair up with a teammate who has a favorable lore connection. For example, if you play Brigitte and your friend plays Reinhardt, you can create massive, stacking explosion damage just by keeping your support buffs active on him. Conversely, Hanzo and Genji can coordinate for homing arrows or a powerful combo ultimate.

The Haunted Masquerade demands aggressive movement, constant map awareness, and clever team compositions to exploit the unique Mask synergies. Are you ready to embrace the chaos and find your perfect Mask combination?

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Genre(s): First-person shooter

Developer(s): Blizzard Entertainment

Publisher(s): Blizzard Entertainment

Mode: Multiplayer

Age rating (PEGI): 12+

▶

Other Articles Related

How to play the Haunted Masquerade event in Overwatch 2
Join the excitement of Overwatch 2's Haunted Masquerade event! Experience thrilling gameplay, unique challenges, and festive rewards.
How to check Endorsement level in Overwatch 2
Find out your Overwatch 2 Endorsement level and understand its significance in the game. Boost your reputation and improve your team
How to master Wuyang in Overwatch 2
Unlock the secrets to mastering Wuyang in Overwatch 2. Explore tips,tricks, and strategies to elevate your skills
How to play the Nerf or Nothin' mode in Overwatch 2
Learn how to play the Nerf or Nothin' mode in Overwatch 2! Get tips,rules, and strategies to dominate this fun and chaotic limited-timeevent.
How to Type Colored Text, Gradients, & Emojis in Overwatch 2
Learn how to type messages in gradient text in Overwatch 2. Enhance your gaming experience with stylish
How to Import and Export Hero Builds in Overwatch Stadium
Learn how to easily import and export hero builds in Overwatch Stadium.Follow our step-by-step guide to customize and share your favorite heroloadouts!
How to get 4 free Epic Loot Boxes in Overwatch 2
Learn the secrets to obtaining 4 free Epic Loot Boxes in Overwatch 2.Maximize your rewards and enjoy new skins
How to Earn Free Overwatch Coins From OWCS in Overwatch 2
Discover how to earn free Overwatch Coins from OWCS in Overwatch 2.
Best Kiriko build in Overwatch 2 Stadium
Discover the ultimate Kiriko build for Overwatch 2 Stadium! Enhance your gameplay
How to get Sniper Ana skin in Overwatch 2 for free on PlayStation
Unlock the Sniper Ana skin for free in Overwatch 2 on PlayStation! Enhance your gameplay
List of Items in the Steambreeze Festival Store in Blue Protocol Star Resonance
Discover exclusive items at the Blue Protocol Star Resonance: Steambreeze Festival Store. Shop now for unique collectibles and enhance your gaming experience!
How To Get Shiny Mareep For Free in Pokemon Legends Z-A
Unlock a free Shiny Mareep in Pokemon Legends Z-A! Discover tips and tricks to enhance your gameplay and catch this rare Pokémon today!
How to Pass Time and Make it Dark in Legends Z-A
Master the day-night cycle in Pokémon Legends Z-A! Discover how to pass timeand make it dark to unlock exclusive Pokémon, special evolutions, andnew quests.
How to Complete a Mission with Only a Pistol in Battlefield 6
Master Battlefield 6 with the ultimate challenge. Our guide reveals prostrategies for completing entire missions using only a pistol, fromstealth takedowns to aggressive playstyles.
Best NVO-228E Loadout in Battlefield 6
Dominate the battlefield with the ultimate NVO-228E loadout guide forBattlefield 6. Discover the best attachments, secondary, and gadgets tomaximize this hybrid scope's potential on any specialist.