The next Overwatch patch notes have landed, with the Feb. 11 update bringing experimental lovers to Orisa and Winston, while Reaper provisionally nerfs.
As with all adaptations in the experimental mode, it is focus test changes that the developers are considering applying but want to see how it affects the overall gameplay in a safe environment.
While there aren’t many pressing issues Bliz is aiming for for an immediate balance change, there are a handful of heroes who want to make them succeed or slow down more, based on how the game has evolved.
Of course, while there are some who want to see Wrecking Ball absolutely put into the ground, the studio is going to test a preliminary round of changes for the rolling hamster, along with characters who need help.
Orisa and Winston buff
Blizzard is trying to make Orisa a more reliable tank in Overwatch.
Orisa has a straight buff. The Fortify capability “now prevents critical headshot damage while the effect is active”, giving the treadmill the ability to absorb much more damage.
The goal is to make Orisa’s presence in a fight very prominent, which is shortened by a few headshots to the head as soon as an engagement breaks out.
Along with CC immunity, community manager Josh Nash revealed that the developers want the hero’s abilities to ‘feel more consistent in his defensive ability’.
With the changes, Winston will be more willing to tackle team fights.
Winston, similar to Reaper in this patch, got a nerf and buff at the same time that should generally be beneficial to the character.
While bumping his base weapons from 100 to 150, his basic health has slightly decreased from 400 to 350. Blizzard wants Winston to feel more ‘resilient’ against high-firearm weapons, so that they are just part of his stats .
Reaper’s shotgun nerve
Reaper will be more prepared for extended battles with the patch on February 11th.
When he returned to Reaper, his Hellfire Shotguns got the biggest changes by reducing the damage per projectile by 1. However, his bullet distribution has been reduced from 8 to 6, which means he can hit the targets from a slightly longer distance. .
This should help and hurt the Reaper as his damage is reduced, but it gives players more options in a fight instead of being a bruise up close.
There are more changes to look at on the February 11 Overwatch patch, thanks to Blizzard, so check below for a full review.
Overwatch February 11 Patch Notes
EXPERIMENTAL HELD UPDATES
The next experiment begins! This time we hope to get your feedback on some balance changes. We use the 2-2-2 Role Queue rules so you can get a feel for how these balance changes can affect the live game.
HELD UPDATES (IN EXPERIMENTAL ONLY)
Orisa
Strengthen
- Prevent critical head injuries while the effect is active
Developer Comments: This will make Fortify more reliable to prevent major outbreaks of incoming damage, and will help you feel more consistent than a defensive ability.
Maggot
Hellfire shotguns
- Lubrication reduced from 8 to 6
- Damage per projectile reduced from 7 to 6
Developer Comments: Reaper’s shotguns have a high damage ability, but require large range or large targets to take full advantage of. We are experimenting to iron it out by extending the range in which he can consistently handle damage while lowering the maximum damage of each shot.
Winston
General
- Base Armor / Health has been redistributed from 100/400 to 150/350
Developer Comments: With this change, Winston will be slightly more resilient to high-speed rifles, beams, and firearms.
Wraking Ball
Grappling Claw
- Rebound strength reduced by 25%
Developer Comments: As frequent as it may seem, Wrecking Ball’s setback may be too strong. We reduce the distance moving enemy players to bring it more in line with other low hitting abilities.