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Overwatch 2has a number of recurring events that take place in-game each year, usually to celebrate various seasons or anniversaries. These events are rather popular among fans of the game, as they tend to come paired with a new Battle Pass theme, seasonal hero skins and collectibles, profile decorations, and even limited-time game modes that can only be played during these timeframes.
Halloween Terror is the annual HalloweenOverwatchevent, and it made a return in mid-October, 2024, with the launch ofSeason 13: Spellbinder. This season is full of magic with a witch-themed Battle Pass and the return of the iconic Junkenstein’s Revenge and Wrath of the Bride Halloween game modes. However, in addition to this, there is also a brand new Junkenstein-themed variant, titled Junkenstein’s Laboratory. Players can participate in this Arcade game mode and take on other players by creating builds for their hero from various abilities. To find out everything you’ll need to know about Junkenstein’s Laboratory, all relevant information has been included in the guide below.
Updated by Grace Black, Jun 01, 2025: Due to immense popularity with the Overwatch playerbase, the Junkenstein’s Lab game mode has received some additional balance changes and tweaks in the latest game patch. To reflect this, this guide has been updated with a new section detailing all of the new details.
How Does the Junkenstein’s Laboratory Game Mode Work in Overwatch 2?
Junkenstein’s Laboratory is a limited-time Arcade game mode available duringOverwatch 2’sHalloween Terror event in Season 13. This game mode enables players to create their own hero builds out of various ability cards known as ‘mutations’. Players can add Mutations only before the game, with the option to edit or remove Mutations once per round for their chosen hero.
However, it is important to note that there is nohero swappingin this game mode, so be sure of your selection at the beginning of the game!In addition to these rules, Junkenstein’s Laboratory is restricted to the following heroes and maps:
Junkenstein’s Laboratory Heroes
All Junkenstein’s Laboratory Abilities in Overwatch 2
TheJunkenstein’s Lababilities are known as Mutations, are pulled randomly into a set that players can then select and build from. Mutations can fall into one of several rarities, which are indicated by the number and color of pumpkins, similar to the color-coding system for the rarity of hero skins. As each round progresses, you will start to notice Mutations with an increase of rarity make an appearance, enabling you to strengthen your build and create potential strategy or counterplay against the enemy team.
Legendary
Junkenstein’s Laboratory Balance Changes & Updates
Due to the success of this game mode and the immense popularity in theOverwatchcommunity, asmall balance updatehas been released. This tweaks the abilities that some heroes can receive by either nerfing, buffing, or altering them. These changes will be available until thelimited-time game mode concludes on November 4.
