New Overwatch 2 dev blog hints at Sombra nerfs, Doomfist buffs
A look at the heroes Blizzard is keeping an eye on moving forward.
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What you need to know
As a live service multiplayer experience, Overwatch 2 — just like the original game — will receive plenty of balance tweaks and character adjustments over the course of its lifetime. In a newblog postrecently published by developer Blizzard, we’ve gotten a look at the heroes that the studio is keeping a close eye on post-launch, as well as the ones that are expected to get some changes in Season 2 (expected to begin on December 6, 2022).
Based on the contents of the post, it sounds like players can expect some nerfs to Sombra and buffs to Doomfist. The developer says that it wants Sombra’s hack targets to “have a reasonable time to fight back,” and also want hacks against tank heroes to feel less oppressive. As a result, adjustments to Sombra’s hack ability-lockout duration and her ability to focus tanks with hacks are expected in the future. Meanwhile, Doomfist is potentially getting improvements for his Power Block and Meteor Strike abilities in order to make him more viable.
TheOverwatch 2team is also watching Zarya, Junker Queen, Genji, Symmetra, and Torbjorn closely. Zarya’s new ability to choose where to place her two Particle Barriers can lead to her getting high charge extremely quickly, which the developers may tweak in Season 2. Blizzard is keeping a close eye on Junker Queen to “ensure she’s an effective tank and fun to play” after the recent nerfs to her Commanding Shout, and are monitoring Genji’s current high pick and win-rates to make sure he’s not too strong. Symmetra and Torbjorn have become increasingly popular as well, though the developer’s note that since they can effectively counter Genji, they might not need adjustments if Genji becomes less powerful.
Blizzard also noted that the new heroKirikohas been incredibly well-received by the community, initially having a play rate over 75% and currently enjoying a 52% win-rate. The developers say that Her Wall Climb and Swift Step abilities make her “the most survivable support hero on the roster” currently, though her damage is relatively low (like Ana) compared to other supports and her healing output is average.
The post concludes with a look at the maps that will be available in both Quick Play andCompetitive ranked playduring Season 1, which includes the following: Ilios, Lijang Tower, Oasis, Nepal, Busan, Circuit Royal, Dorado, Route 66, Gibraltar, Junkertown, Midtown, King’s Row, Eichenwalde, Hollywood, Paraíso, New Queen Street, Colosseo, and Esperança. Additionally, a list of tips forfixing Overwatch 2’s aim feeling off or floatywas given as well.
Overwatch 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. It’s arguably one of thebest Xbox shootersavailable, and since it’s free-to-play, it doesn’t cost anything to check it out. Alternatively, players can purchase the Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack that provides access to Season 1’s Premium Battle Pass, 2,000 Overwatch Coins, and a bundle of unique Legendary skins.
Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack
The $40 Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack offers fans a variety of benefits that will allow them to get guaranteed access to Season 1’s Premium Battle Pass track, unlock some unique rewards, provides some in-game currency to use, and more.
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Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).
