The latest Overwatch patch has finally hit servers, offering balance updates to some of the game's underused champions. The hero shooter has been testing out these changes on the Private Testing Realm, and it's finally time for them to hit live servers. This isn't the biggest patch we've ever seen, but it should do enough to shake up the meta a bit. With the Overwatch League running and all eyes on this particular esports franchise, Blizzard appears committed to making sure the game is as balanced as can be.
The patch is now available on Xbox, PlayStaiton 4, PC and Nintendo Switch
Overwatch Patch Notes- Jan 28
HERO UPDATES
Hanzo
Storm Arrows
Damage reduced from 70 to 60
McCree
Deadeye
Firing Deadeye no longer locks the player's aim
Reaper
The Reaping (Passive)
Healing amount reduced from 40% to 30% of damage dealt
Orisa
Fusion Driver (Primary Fire)
Damage reduced from 11 to 10
Fortify
Cooldown increased from 8 to 10 seconds
Halt!
Snare duration reduced from 1 to 0.65 seconds
Sigma
Gravitic Flux
Can now be interrupted before targets begin falling
Impact slow duration reduced from 0.9 to 0.6 seconds
Accretion
Explosion damage reduced from 60 to 40
Baptiste
Biotic Launcher (Primary Fire)
Recovery time increased from 0.35 to 0.45 seconds
Biotic Launcher (Secondary Fire)
Heal explosion reduced from 60 to 50
Six heroes received balance tweaks in this update, ranging from major buffs that improve their viability to serious nerfs. The biggest change in this patch was given to McCree who no longer has a fixed screen when using his ultimate, Deadeye. That means, you can pivot your view to see enemies behind as well as in front. This tweak will allow really good McCree players to position themselves on perches or safe spots and accrue even more kills. Be careful when you hear it's High Noon.
The nerfs are also strong in this patch, with major damage dealers losing some of their punch. Hanzo's machine gun arrow ability does 10 less damage per hit and Reaper heals 10 percent less. Orisa got bashed in the head with the nerf hammer, losing damage on her primary fire and increasing the cooldown on Fortify. Considering Orisa is a must-pick for maps like Illios, it only makes sense for her to be the target of a nerf.
The bare-footed scientist Sigma has a game-changing ultimate that can now be interrupted. Get ready for teammates to get a lot more hectic.
How do you feel about this latest Overwatch patch? Tell us in the comments.
