Overwatch Mid-Season Patch 5.5 Wreaks Havoc

Key Changes

Blizzard's latest Overwatch patch has shaken up the meta, bringing significant buffs and nerfs to a wide range of heroes.

Buffed Heroes

Ana

• Nano Boost duration increased from 6 to 8 seconds
• Sleep Dart cooldown reduced from 12 to 10 seconds

Baptise

• Amplification Matrix cooldown reduced from 20 to 15 seconds
• Biotic Launcher healing increased by 10%

D.Va

• Fusion Cannon damage increased by 5%
• Defense Matrix duration increased from 2 to 3 seconds

Orisa

• Halt! cooldown reduced from 10 to 8 seconds
• Supercharger armor bonus increased from 200 to 250

Reaper

• Shadow Step cooldown reduced from 15 to 12 seconds
• Death Blossom damage increased by 5%

Nerfed Heroes

Ashe

• Dynamite damage reduced from 100 to 90
• Coach Gun cooldown increased from 10 to 12 seconds

Hanzo

• Storm Arrow damage reduced from 125 to 110
• Dragonstrike cast time increased from 2.5 to 3 seconds

Lucio

• Soundwave knockback reduced by 20%
• Crossfade healing reduced by 10%

Mei

• Ice Wall health reduced from 500 to 400
• Freeze duration reduced from 2.5 to 2 seconds

Moira

• Biotic Grasp healing reduced by 10%
• Coalescence healing per second reduced from 80 to 70

Analysis

These changes are likely to have a significant impact on the competitive meta.

Buffs to Supports

The buffs to Ana, Baptiste, and Orisa aim to make supports more impactful in the current tank-heavy meta. Ana's increased Nano Boost duration allows for more clutch plays, while Baptiste's reduced Amplification Matrix cooldown makes it available more often. Orisa's improved Halt! and Supercharger make her a more potent choice for controlling the battlefield.

Nerfs to DPS

The nerfs toAshe, Hanzo, and Mei aim to reduce their dominance in the current meta. Ashe's reduced Dynamite damage and Coach Gun cooldown decrease her effectiveness at close range, while Hanzo's weaker Storm Arrows and longer Dragonstrike cast time limit his burst damage potential. Mei's weaker Ice Wall and shorter Freeze duration make her less oppressive when used to control the battlefield.

Impact on the Meta

These changes are expected to lead to a more balanced and diverse meta. Supports will play a more active role in team fights, while DPS heroes will have to adjust their playstyles to accommodate the reduced power of some popular picks.

Additional Patch Notes

• Fixed a bug where Sigma's Grasp could interrupt Reinhardt's Earthshatter
• Added a new voice line for Widowmaker when she kills an enemy hero with her grappling hook
• Reduced the size of the payload on Escort maps by 5%
• Increased the spawn time of both teams on Control maps by 10 seconds

FAQs

Q: When will the patch go live?
A: The patch is scheduled to go live on August 10th, 2023.

Q: Will there be any compensation for affected heroes?
A: Blizzard has not announced any compensation for heroes impacted by the nerfs.

Q: What do you think of the changes?
A: The changes are likely to shake up the meta and lead to a more balanced and diverse game experience.

Q: What are your favorite changes in the patch?
A: The buffs to supports are a welcome change, making them more impactful in team fights.

Q: What do you think is the most significant change in the patch?
A: The nerf to Hanzo's Dragonstrike cast time is arguably the most significant change, as it limits his burst damage potential.

Q: Do you think these changes will make the game more enjoyable?
A: The changes are expected to lead to a more balanced and diverse meta, which should make the game more enjoyable for players of all skill levels.