As Season 9 unfolds in Overwatch 2, players are gearing up for a significant shift in the game’s meta and overall gameplay. Alec Dawson, the lead hero designer of the hero shooter, recently provided insights into the upcoming modifications that will be introduced in the game’s next version.
Hotfix Details
In an exclusive stream with content creator mL7, Alec Dawson discussed the upcoming changes set to arrive in the game’s first hotfix of Season 9. While highlighting the success of the damage role’s passive modification, Dawson outlined several adjustments aimed at balancing the game and refining the overall player experience.
The DPS Role Passive will remain unchanged in #Overwatch2 for now🩸
Alec Dawson expressed that the team considers the change to be successful, highlighting their belief that it's an important piece of how the gameplay flows in Season 9. pic.twitter.com/h1oD0tjwCC
— Overwatch Cavalry (@OWCavalry) February 20, 2024
Zenyatta Nerf
The most notable change in the upcoming hotfix revolves around a nerf to Zenyatta. Dawson emphasized the need to address Zenyatta’s self-sustainability and disruptive capabilities, aiming to transform him into more of a “glass cannon” by reducing the effectiveness of his melee kick and adjusting his health pool.
Projectile Reductions for D.Va and Mercy
Additionally, adjustments will be made to reduce the size of projectiles for D.Va and Mercy, with plans to implement similar changes for Widowmaker in a future update. Meanwhile, Junkrat and Illari will see an increase in projectile size to better align with their current gameplay dynamics.
Future Changes for Other Heroes
Dawson hinted at forthcoming changes for several other heroes, including Hanzo, Lúcio, Roadhog, Tracer, and Zarya. While the specifics of these adjustments remain undisclosed, players can anticipate a mix of buffs and nerfs designed to enhance hero balance and gameplay diversity.
Rework for Reaper
During the stream, Dawson revealed ongoing efforts to rework Reaper, emphasizing a strategic approach focused on modernizing his abilities. Notably, attention will be directed towards refining his Shadow Step ability to ensure its relevance within the evolving Overwatch 2 landscape.
An old Orisa ability could be given to a future hero in #Overwatch2 🟢
The team is particularly fond of Orisa's 'Halt!' from Overwatch 1 and would love to re-explore it. Sadly, nothing is in the works right now. pic.twitter.com/JPrnkho2la
— Overwatch Cavalry (@OWCavalry) February 20, 2024
Changes Revealed for Season 9 Meta
In light of these upcoming changes, players are encouraged to stay informed and adapt their strategies accordingly. As Overwatch 2 continues to evolve, embracing these modifications will be essential for maintaining a competitive edge in Season 9 and beyond.