Overwatch 2 New Update: Hero Balancing Shifts Meta with Zenyatta Nerfs and Tweaks

Zenyatta has been nerfed in Overwatch 2 and 11 other heroes have also had changes made to them. This hotfix update was recently released, Season 9 was launched by Blizzard bringing about a lot of improvements, for players of Overwatch 2. One of the most prominent changes in the Season 9 update was Zenyatta’s ascent to prominence, when she became a popular pick in Overwatch 2 matches. Overwatch 2 New Update: Hero Balancing Shifts Meta with Zenyatta Nerfs and Tweaks

Overwatch 2 controversial projectile hitbox modification has resulted in larger Orbs of Destruction for Zenyatta. When combined with the Orb of Discord and a brand-new DPS hero passive that reduces healing by up to 20% Zen has become a very dangerous opponent, even for the most resilient heroes in Overwatch 2. 

Furthermore, Zenyatta’s health pool increased to 275 in Overwatch 2’s ninth season, greatly improving the omnic monk’s chances of surviving. Although Zenyatta is one of the strongest heroes in Overwatch 2, Blizzard is taking steps to limit the hero’s sway on the meta of the game.

Overwatch 2 New Update: Zenyatta’s Nerfs, Changes and Hotfix Update Details

Zenyatta is getting nerfed in a new Overwatch 2 hotfix update which also includes changes for D.Va, Roadhog, Zarya, Hanzo, Junkrat, Soldier: 76, Tracer, Widowmaker, Illari, Lucio and Mercy. Zenyatta will now have a reduced basic health of 75 instead of 100. Zenyatta’s primary weapon for inflicting damage, the Snap Kick, now has a 25% diminished knockback impact. 

Overwatch 2 Lead Hero Designer Alec Dawson stated in an interview with Twitch streamer mL7 that Zenyatta’s survivability has been reduced since she is now considered to be “too durable.” As such the devs want to make Zenyatta appear like a “glass cannon,” which will lessen his annoying effect.

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2068859649

Other Hero Adjustments

The most recent Overwatch 2 update also includes adjustments to Widowmaker’s Kiss which lowers the projectile size to 0.05 metres. Additionally, the range of the scoped shot damage falloff has been modified going from 40–60 metres to 50–70 metres at both the minimum and maximum points. Illari, who was the focus of major debates about balancing in Overwatch 2, gets several new improvements. 

This time, when her Healing Pylon is destroyed by an enemy, its cooldown is lowered from 15 to 12 seconds and from 8 to 6 seconds. Sunstruck explosion from Captive Sun now deals 160 damage instead of just 100, and it also contains falloff damage that can reduce damage by up to 25%.

Impact of Season 9 Changes

The Overwatch 2 environment underwent significant transformations with the arrival of Season 9. It might therefore take some time, for players to become used to Overwatch 2’s new environment. It remains to be seen whether this upgrade will have the effect of lessening Zenyatta’s power or if the hero will continue to be one of the best heroes in Overwatch 2.

Overwatch 2 Retail Patch Notes: February 21, 2024 Hero Updates

TANK

D.VA

Light Gun:

• Base projectile size reduced from 0.25 to 0.2 meters. Total projectile size is now 0.3 meters.

ROADHOG

Take a Breather:

• Damage reduction increased from 40 to 50%.

ZARYA

Particle Cannon:

• Primary fire minimum damage increased from 85 to 95 damage per second.
• Primary fire maximum damage increased from 170 to 190 damage per second.

DAMAGE

HANZO

• Base projectile sizes reduced from 0.1 to 0.075 meters. Total projectile size is now 0.175 meters.

JUNKRAT

Concussion Mine:

• Cooldown decreased from 8 to 7 seconds.
• Maximum damage increased from 110 to 120.
• Minimum damage increased from 20 to 55.

SOLDIER: 76

Heavy Pulse Rifle:

• Now utilizes the smaller 0.05-meter hitscan projectile size modifier. Total projectile size is now 0.05 meters.

TRACER

Pulse Pistols:

• Minimum falloff range reduced from 12 to 10.

WIDOWMAKER

Widow’s Kiss:

• Now utilizes the smaller 0.05-meter hitscan projectile size modifier. Total projectile size is now 0.05 meters.
• Scoped shot damage falloff min-max range increased from 40-60 to 50-70 meters.

SUPPORT

ILLARI

Healing Pylon:

• Cooldown decreased from 8 to 6 seconds.
• Cooldown when destroyed by enemies decreased from 15 to 12 seconds.

Captive Sun:

• Sunstruck explosion damage increased from 100 to 160.
• Sunstruck explosion now has damage falloff, reducing damage by up to 25%.

LÚCIO

Sonic Amplifier:

• Base projectile size reduced from 0.15 to 0.1 meters. Total projectiles size is now 0.25 meters.

MERCY

Caduceus Blaster:

• Base projectile size reduced from 0.25 to 0.2 meters. Total projectile size is now 0.3 meters.

ZENYATTA

• Base health decreased from 100 to 75.

Snap Kick:

• Knockback decreased by 25%.

Many improvements to gameplay dynamics and hero balancing have been made with the most recent Overwatch 2 update. The Overwatch 2 community should anticipate a brand-new meta and revitalised strategy opportunities with Zenyatta and other heroes undergoing serious nerfs. In order to maintain a lively and interesting gaming ecosystem for many years to come, players’ input will be crucial in determining the future course of Overwatch 2 updates as they dive deeper into the improved gameplay experience.

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