Overwatch 2 Implements Emergency Tank Nerfs in Latest Update

Overwatch 2's latest hotfix addresses tank heroes and several others shortly after a mid-season update enhanced the game's roster. This patch includes adjustments for heroes such as Ramattra, Zarya, Pharah, Illari, and Lucio, tweaking abilities and cooldowns. Blizzard's goal is to achieve improved balance in tank durability by refining hero abilities and responding to player input.

Overwatch 2: Balancing the Meta with the Latest Update

Overwatch 2 has recently released an emergency patch, introducing a series of changes to the game's tank heroes and three additional characters. This update arrives just a few days after the highly anticipated mid-season update, which had already brought significant improvements to tanks and the return of the popular Summer Games event.

One of the notable features of the newest Overwatch 2 update is the introduction of Mythic weapons, along with a new crossover that blends the game's universe with the iconic Transformers franchise. The Summer Games event has also made a comeback, allowing players to enjoy the beloved Lucioball arcade mode once again, alongside general changes and specific hero alterations.

Following the substantial buffs to tank heroes in the mid-season update, Overwatch 2 has now released an emergency hotfix to address the balance of the meta. This patch includes nerfs to Ramattra and Zarya, as well as changes to Pharah, Illari, and Lucio. The Nemesis Form of Ramattra has seen an increase in cooldown, a reduction in base armor, and a decrease in base health, while Zarya's Projected Barrier and Particle Barrier have had their cooldowns increased and durations reduced, aiming to fine-tune the game's overall balance.

Overwatch 2 Releases Follow-Up Patch Shortly After Mid-Season Update

While the Overwatch 2 community had requested more substantial nerfs to Pharah, Blizzard has opted for a subtle adjustment, reducing the character's base health from 250 to 225. Additionally, Illari's Healing Pylon now has a 14-second cooldown, and the cost of her ultimate, Captive Sun, has been increased by 12%. Lucio has also received a change, with his Sonic Amplifier's knockback increased by 10%.

The emergency patch has also addressed the recent tank buffs, rolling back the improvements made to Zarya's Particle Barrier and Projected Barrier, while making Ramattra less robust in his Nemesis Form. These adjustments should please players who focus on damage heroes, as the role passive was recently nerfed, making it less effective against Overwatch 2's tanks. While Lucio was not mentioned in the previous patch notes, Illari received a change to the visibility of the Healing Pylon. Pharah, one of the most controversial heroes in Overwatch 2 Season 11, had her Concussive Blast reverted to its pre-rework state.