OW2 Patch Notes: A Comprehensive Guide to Balance Updates

Introduction

Overwatch 2 (OW2) has received a major update that has significantly altered the game's balance. These patch notes provide detailed information about all the changes implemented in this update.

Hero Balance Changes

Tank Heroes

• Reinhardt:
  • Barrier HP increased from 2000 to 2200
  • Earthshatter damage reduced from 500 to 450
• Orisa:
  • Fortify damage reduction increased from 40% to 50%
  • Halt! cooldown reduced from 8 seconds to 6 seconds
• Sigma:
  • Accretion damage reduced from 80 to 70
  • Gravitic Flux cooldown increased from 12 seconds to 14 seconds

Damage Heroes

• Soldier: 76:
  • Sprint speed increased from 6 to 7
  • Tactical Visor damage increased by 20%
• Tracer:
  • Blink cooldown reduced from 6 seconds to 5 seconds
  • Pulse Bomb damage increased from 200 to 225
• Hanzo:
  • Storm Arrow damage reduced from 80 to 75
  • Scatter Arrow replaced with Sonic Arrow
• Widowmaker:
  • Widow's Kiss bodyshot damage reduced from 120 to 110
  • Grappling Hook cooldown increased from 10 seconds to 12 seconds

Support Heroes

• Mercy:
  • Guardian Angel cast time reduced from 0.6 seconds to 0.5 seconds
  • Valkyrie duration reduced from 15 seconds to 12 seconds
• Ana:
  • Biotic Grenade healing increased by 10%
  • Sleep Dart duration reduced from 6 seconds to 5 seconds
• Baptiste:
  • Immortality Field duration reduced from 8 seconds to 6 seconds
  • Amplification Matrix damage boost reduced from 30% to 25%

Game Mode Changes

Push

• Push distance required to win reduced from 3 to 2.5
• Time limit reduced from 10 minutes to 8 minutes

Control

• Control point capture time reduced from 10 seconds to 7 seconds
• Time limit for rounds reduced from 5 minutes to 4 minutes

Map Changes

Circuit Royal

• Checkpoint 1 moved closer to the attacking spawn point
• Checkpoint 2 moved further from the defending spawn point

Eichenwalde

• Gate at the entrance of the castle now opens automatically
• Health pack near the attacking spawn point relocated

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a bug where Reinhardt's Charge could sometimes knock enemies through walls
• Fixed a bug where Tracer's Pulse Bomb could sometimes stick to surfaces that were not visible
• Fixed a bug where Ana's Biotic Grenade could sometimes heal enemies

Conclusion

The OW2 patch notes provide a comprehensive overview of the balance changes, game mode changes, map changes, and bug fixes introduced in the latest update. These changes aim to improve the overall gameplay experience and address feedback from the community. Players are encouraged to experiment with the new balance adjustments and provide feedback to Blizzard Entertainment.