Overwatch 2: Latest Hero Adjustments

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A guide to the latest hero adjustments on Overwatch 2!

 Overwatch 2 _Thumbnail_Character Balance Adjustments

© 2022 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Hero Adjustment Schedule

Tank Adjustments on February 7th

Overview of Tank Balance Adjustments
Target Hero  Junker Queen Junker Queen Buff
 Orisa Orisa Nerf
 Ramattra Ramattra Nerf
 Reinhardt Reinhardt BuffNerf
 Roadhog Roadhog BuffNerf
 Sigma Sigma Nerf
 Winston Winston Nerf
 Wrecking Ball Wrecking Ball BuffNerf
 Zarya Zarya Nerf

From Season 3, many tanks have been weakened. They used to support the battlefield with their high abilities, but now it becomes more important to coordinate with allies.

Adjustments to Tank Characters

Damage Hero Adjustments on February 7th

Overview of Damage Hero Balance Adjustments
Target Hero  Cassidy Cassidy Buff
 Junkrat Junkrat Nerf
 Mei Mei Buff
 Pharah Pharah Buff
 Reaper Reaper Buff
 Soldier: 76 Soldier: 76 Buff
 Sombra Sombra Buff
 Symmetra Symmetra Nerf
 Torbjörn Torbjörn Nerf
 Widowmaker Widowmaker Nerf

Damage heroes have undergone adjustments where the amount of ULT carried over upon hero change has been modified, and many heroes have had their ULT cost reduced. Additionally, adjustments that affect the overall feel of gameplay, such as recoil reduction for Soldier: 76's main weapon, have also been made.

Adjustments for Damage Characters

Support Adjustments on February 7th

Overview of Support Hero Balance Adjustments
Target Hero Ana AnaNerf
Brigitte BrigitteBuffNerf
Lucio LucioBuff
Mercy MercyBuffNerf
Moira MoiraBuff
Zenyatta ZenyattaBuff

With the start of Season 3 on February 7th, most of the supports will be adjusted. Mercy will also have changes to her passive skills, so it's a good opportunity to try out new heroes in Season 3.

Details of Support Character Adjustments

Adjustments for all heroes

ULT Charge carried over reduced by 25% when changing heroes

Before Change After Change
30% 25%

For all heroes, the amount of ULT Charge carried over when changing heroes has been reduced by 25%. This means that activating the ULT after the change will be slower than before.

Tank Adjustments

Reduced HP for Tanks in Non-Role Queue

In non-role queue game modes, tanks now have 150 less HP. This adjustment aims to address the overpowering nature of all-tank compositions in modes without a role queue. It emphasizes the importance of diverse compositions, incorporating both damage and support roles even in non-role queue scenarios.

Junker Queen

Junker Queen

Adjustments
Junker Queen
Main

Character
Buff
HP
425→450

Increased Durability with HP Boost

Junker Queen's durability has been enhanced by a straightforward increase in HP. This augmentation allows her to more effectively maintain the front line and exhibit tank-like maneuverability, especially when synergized with her passive skills.

Orisa

Orisa

Adjustments
Fusion Driver
Fusion Driver Rework

Main
Nerf
Damage falloff range
25→15m

Shortened Damage Falloff Range for Closer Engagements

Orisa's damage falloff range has been reduced, emphasizing the need for closer combat engagements. In mid-range encounters, she previously faced significant damage disadvantages, making it crucial to leverage her abilities for closing the distance and engaging effectively.

Ramattra

Ramattra_Omnic_Image

Adjustments
Ramattra_ULT
Anai
Aleation
ULT
Nerf
Changed the duration reduction during ULT hits to a delay in reduction time (up to 20 seconds)
Nerf
Increased the required cost by 12%

Diminished Power of Ultimate

Ramattra's ultimate ability, once dominant in the meta, has undergone a nerf. The duration now diminishes with each hit, demanding more precise decision-making in situations where preventing the enemy's escape or pushing them back is crucial.

Reinhardt

Reinhardt

Adjustments
Rocket Hammer
Rocket Hammer
Main
Buff
Knockback
10→6
Charge
Charge
Ability
Buff
Cooldown
8→7 seconds
Fire Strike
Fire Strike
Ability
Buff
Damage
90→100
Earthshatter
Earthshatter
ULT
Nerf
Direct hit damage
250→170
Buff
Knockdown duration
2.5 seconds→2.75 seconds
Nerf
Cost increased by 7%

Receives Substantial Buffs

While Reinhardt's ultimate ability has seen minor nerfs, his primary attack and abilities have undergone significant buffs. These adjustments enhance his damage-dealing capabilities, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between offense and defense.

Roadhog

Roadhog

Adjustments
Whole Hog
Whole Hog

ULT
Buff
Max Duration
6→8 seconds
Nerf
Cost increased by 8%

Extended Ultimate Duration

Roadhog's ultimate ability now boasts an increased duration, providing more opportunities to utilize abilities during the ultimate. This enhancement allows Roadhog to inflict more damage, significantly boosting his effectiveness.

Sigma

Sigma

Adjustments
Gravitic Flux
Gravitic Flux

ULT
Nerf
Cost increased by 7%

Increased Ultimate Cost and Reduced Rate of Fire

Sigma's ultimate ability now comes with an increased cost, diminishing the frequency of immobilizing enemies. Despite its potency in launching enemies into the air and dealing substantial damage, the heightened cost demands more thoughtful usage to ensure optimal impact.

Winston

Winston

Adjustments
Barrier Projector
Barrier Projector

Ability
Decrease Below
Durability
700→650

Barrier Durability Reduced

Winston's barrier now has reduced durability, posing a challenge to his mobility. With the barrier being more susceptible to destruction, it's crucial to minimize damage taken and be mindful of Ability Cooldown to navigate effectively.

Wrecking Ball

Wrecking Ball

Adjustments
Wrecking Ball
Wrecking Ball

Character
Nerf
HP
600→450
Buff
Shield
0→150
Piledriver
Piledriver

Ability
Buff
Cooldown
10→8 seconds
Minefield
Minefield

ULT
Nerf
Ultimate cost increased by 9%
Buff
Detonation Time
1.5→1 second

Solo Play Enhanced with Added Shields

Wrecking Ball has received shields added to its HP, enhancing its ability to play solo. The key attack move, Piledriver, now has a shorter cooldown, enabling more frequent usage for unpredictable movements that can bewilder enemies.

Zarya

Zarya

Adjustment Details
 Graviton Surge
Graviton Surge

ULT
Decreased
Ultimate cost increased by 8%

Increased Ultimate Cost and Slower Rotation Rate

Zarya's ultimate cost has been raised, limiting opportunities to control enemies. While it was potent for gathering enemies and synergizing with other ultimates, the increased cost demands thoughtful decision-making on when to deploy it.

Damage Hero Adjustments

Cassidy

Cassidy

Adjustments
Peacekeeper
Peacekeeper

Main
Buff
Range of damage falloff
20→25m
Combat Roll
Combat Roll

Ability
Buff
No longer blocked by enemy player collisions

Improved Damage and Maneuverability

Cassidy's primary weapon and mobility have received enhancements, improving overall control. Previously, she faced challenges in terms of damage falloff compared to other damage characters. However, with this adjustment, she becomes more effective in medium-range combat, providing increased opportunities to showcase her capabilities.

Junkrat

Junkrat

Adjustments
Concussion Mine
Concussion Mine

Ability
Nerf
Maximum damage
120→100

Reduced Mine Damage for Increased Challenge in Kills

Junkrat's Concussion Mine now inflicts less maximum damage, raising the difficulty level for securing kills. Achieving eliminations will require accurate mine placement and dedicated practice to enhance aiming skills.

Mei

Mei

Adjustments
Blizzard
Blizzard

ULT
Buff
Ultimate cost reduced by 5%

Reduced Ultimate Cost for Easier Activation

Mei's ultimate cost has been reduced, facilitating easier activation. Given the potency of Mei's ultimate in freezing and eliminating enemies, focus on dealing damage to boost the frequency of activating the ultimate.

Pharah

Pharah

Adjustments
Barrage
Barrage

ULT
Buff
Ultimate cost reduced by 5%

Reduced Ultimate Cost for Easier Activation

Pharah's ultimate cost has been reduced, making it easier to activate. With Pharah's existing high potential for ultimate rotation through accurate damage dealing, this adjustment further facilitates activating the ultimate. Leverage the high-damage ultimate to eliminate enemies effectively.

Reaper

Reaper

Adjustments
Death Blossom
Death Blossom

ULT
Buff
Ultimate cost reduced by 8%

Reduced Ultimate Cost for Easier Activation

Reaper's ultimate cost has been reduced, making it easier to activate. Land accurate shotgun hits, trigger the ultimate more frequently, and proceed to eliminate both enemy tanks and backline heroes.

Soldier: 76

Soldier: 76

Adjustments
Heavy Pulse Rifle
Heavy Pulse Rifle

Main
Buff
Number of shots to reach maximum recoil
4→6
Buff
12% reduction in recoil

Enhanced Weapon Handling

Soldier: 76's main weapon recoil has been improved, making it easier to handle. With this enhancement, Soldier: 76 becomes more effective in mid-range combat. Take advantage of his improved capabilities and leverage high mobility during gameplay.

Sombra

Sombra

Adjustments
Machine Pistol
Machine Pistol

Main
Buff
Damage
7→7.5
Hack
Hack

Ability
Buff
Duration of health pack hacking
30→45 seconds

Improved Flanking Abilities

Sombra has undergone adjustments to enhance her flanking capabilities. With increased main firepower, applying pressure is more effective, and the duration of health pack hacking has been extended. This reduces the need for multiple hacks and enhances the success rate of flanking maneuvers.

Symmetra

Symmetra

Adjustments
Photon Barrier
Photon Barrier

ULT
Upward Adjustment
Ultimate cost increased by 10%

Increased Ultimate Cost and Reduced Activation Frequency

Symmetra's ULT cost has been increased, leading to a decrease in the frequency of deploying the Photon Barrier. Unlike before when the barrier could be deployed from any location, it now requires a careful assessment of the advantages and disadvantages for both allies and enemies. This adjustment emphasizes the importance of strategic decision-making when deploying the barrier.

Torbjörn

Torbjörn

Adjustments
Deploy Turret
Deploy Turret

Ability
Downward Adjustment
Turret HP
250→225

Turret Vulnerability Adjustments

Torbjörn's Turret, a crucial element in his toolkit, has undergone adjustments to make it more susceptible to destruction. Finding strategic locations that offer better protection for the Turret becomes crucial, especially in the midst of chaotic battles.

Widowmaker

Widowmaker

Adjustments
Widowmaker
Main

Character
Nerf
HP
200→175

Reduced Maximum HP

Widowmaker's maximum HP has been lowered, increasing her vulnerability to elimination. Going forward, players need to exercise caution against flankers and agile tanks, emphasizing strategic positioning for survival.

Support Adjustments

Ana

Ana

Adjustments
Biotic Grenade
Biotic Grenade

Ability
Nerf
Duration
4→3.5 seconds

Reduced Healing Denial Duration

Ana's healing denial duration has been shortened, diminishing her capacity to pressure and disrupt enemies. This adjustment, while impactful against tanks, suggests a more strategic use of grenades to maximize their effectiveness.

Brigitte

Brigitte

Adjustments
Repair Pack
Repair Pack

Ability
Nerf
Healing per second
55→50
Buff
Immediate 25 HP recovery after hitting an enemy
Rally
Rally

ULT
Buff
10% reduction in ultimate cost

Improved Healing Output

Brigitte now boasts an overall increase in healing output, enhancing her maneuverability as a support hero. Although the healing per second of the Repair Pack has slightly decreased, the immediate recovery addition contributes to an overall boost in healing. The reduced ultimate cost further facilitates activating her ultimate ability, providing better support and follow-up with teammates.

Lucio

Lucio

Adjustments
 Sound Barrier
Sound Barrier

Ability
Buff
Reduced the required cost by 7%

Improved Ally Protection with ULT

Lucio's ultimate ability now requires reduced cost, making it easier to protect allies. This adjustment enhances the ease of activation and the ability to counter enemy ultimates.

Mercy

Mercy

Adjustments
Guardian Angel
Guardian Angel

Ability
Nerf
Cooldown
1.5→2.5 seconds
Nerf
If Ability is canceled by jumping backwards, movement speed is reduced by 20%
Caduceus Staff
Caduceus Staff

Ability
Nerf
Healing per second
55→45
Buff
When Mercy's HP is below half, healing amount to allies is increased by 50%
Regeneration
Regeneration

passive
Removed
Sympathetic Recovery
Sympathetic Recovery

passive
New Passive Skill
When healing allies, 25% of the healing amount is restored to Mercy's own health

Healing-Focused Playstyle

Mercy no longer has passive health regeneration over time. Instead, she can now heal herself by healing allies. This change emphasizes the importance of prioritizing healing for critically injured allies.

Moira

Moira

Adjustments
Coalescence
Coalescence

Ability
Buff
Reduced the required cost by 5%

ULT Activation Made Easier

Moira has been adjusted to make it easier to activate her ultimate ability. Thanks to her already fast charge speed, attributed to her ease of attacking and healing, this adjustment further enhances her ability to quickly access her ultimate.

Zenyatta

Zenyatta

Adjustments
Orb of Destruction
Orb of Destruction

Main
Buff
Ammunition
20→25

Ammunition Boosted for Self-Defense

Zenyatta's ammunition has been increased, providing him with an extended period of attack and bolstering his self-defense capabilities. Although Zenyatta lacks mobility and can be vulnerable to flankers, this adjustment makes it easier for him to manage and inflict damage.


Tank
 Ramattra
Ramattra

Release Date and Features
 D.Va
D.Va

How to Play Skin List
 Winston
Winston

How to Play Skin List
 Orisa
Orisa

How to Play Skin List
 Zarya
Zarya

How to Play Skin List
 Sigma
Sigma

How to Play Skin List
 Junker Queen
Junker Queen

How to Play Skin List
 Doomfist
Doomfist

How to Play Skin List
 Reinhardt
Reinhardt

Playstyle Skin List
 Wrecking Ball
Wrecking Ball

Playstyle Skin List
 Roadhog
Roadhog

Playstyle Skin List
-
Damage
 Ashe
Ashe

Playstyle Skin List
 Widowmaker
Widowmaker

Playstyle Skin List
 Echo
Echo

Playstyle Skin List
 Cassidy
Cassidy

Playstyle Skin List
 Genji
Genji

Playstyle Skin List
 Symmetra
Symmetra

Playstyle Skin List
 Junkrat
Junkrat

Strategy Skin List
 Sojourn
Sojourn

Strategy Skin List
 Soldier:76
Soldier:76

Strategy Skin List
 Sombra
Sombra

Strategy Skin List
 Torbjörn
Torbjörn

Strategy Skin List
 Tracer
Tracer

Strategy Skin List
 Hanzo
Hanzo

Strategy Skin List
 Bastion
Bastion

Performance Evaluation Skin List
Pharah
Pharah

Gameplay Guide Skin List
Mei
Mei

Gameplay Guide Skin List
Reaper
Reaper

Gameplay Guide Skin List
-
Support
Ana
Ana

Gameplay Guide Skin List
Zenyatta
Zenyatta

Gameplay Guide Skin List
Baptiste
Baptiste

Gameplay Guide Skin List
Mercy
Mercy

Gameplay Guide Skin List
Moira
Moira

Strategy Guide Skin List
Lucio
Lucio

Strategy Guide Skin List

Character List and Role Types

Strongest Character Ranking

Strongest Characters arranged by Roles
Tank
Tank
Damage
Damage
Support
Support

Strongest Character Ranking