Overwatch 2’s next patch targets some of the strongest heroes currently in the game.and Post on the Blizzard Forums (opens in new tab), Overwatch 2 Community Manager Andy “AndyB” Belford, outlined a set of nerfs that will go into effect on November 15th. The changes target Sombra, Genji, Zarya, D.Va, and his new ninja-themed support, Kiriko. Here’s the full list of changes:
Sombra
- Decreased hack ability lockout time from 1.75s to 1.5s
- Hacked enemies are no longer valid targets for hacking for the duration of the effect
- Hacking damage multiplier reduced from 40% to 25%
Genji
- Max ammo reduced from 30 to 24
- Shuriken damage reduced from 29 to 27
Zaria
- Barrier duration reduced from 2.5s to 2s
- Barrier cooldown increased from 10s to 11s
D.va
- Fusion Cannon spread increased from 3.5 to 3.75
- Booster impact damage reduced from 25 to 15
Kiriko
- Reduced Swift Step invulnerability from 0.4s to 0.25s
Earlier we talked about how the best tanks in North America work (opens in new tab) I’m playing Zarya. Many feared that Overwatch 2’s move to a single tank meta would leave damage-focused secondary tanks like the Russian Weightlifter behind. Blizzard seems to have fixed it too much, as her new double bubble made her more like a raid boss with near-constant invulnerability.
The reduced uptime seems like a sensible shift to tone it down without detracting from that fantasy. .
Support slayer Genji has fully benefited from the move to the single tank meta, so he needs more shurikens to take down and less shurikens in his clip (magazine? forearm?) is better for backline with a better balance with the freer hand he has. Sombra is similarly less likely as a solo assassin, especially with her massive hack damage nerfed (40% to 25%).
New heroes always need at least a little tweaking after their introduction, and Kirkio’s shortened invulnerability window increases the risk of spiteful teleportation.
All of these seem like sensible changes to balance the hero shooter despite its progression and monetization issues. (opens in new tab)is still the game we loved (opens in new tab) Since 2016, with all my heart.
While we’re here, I’d like to suggest some changes to Cassidy if Blizzard receives balance comments:
- Peacemaker now has 2x body shot damage and 3x headshot damage
- Reintroduced Flashbang along with Magnetic Grenade, now you get both
- Deadeye instantly locks on
- No more being mean to me in team chat
