Big changes are coming Overwatch 2 in the game’s next season as Blizzard Entertainment experiments with ways to shake up its hero shooter. Some of these changes are currently being tested, thanks a weekend-long event called Quick Play: Hackedwhere the rules of Quick Play mode have been changed to make games much, much faster.
But in season 9 of Overwatch 2, set to release in mid-February, Blizzard is making an even bigger change that could have game-wide implications. Next season, both tank and damage heroes will receive a “modified, toned down version of the support passive self-healing.” Overwatch game director Aaron Keller announced this on Friday. While a few Overwatch 2 Since heroes can heal themselves, squad members no longer have to rely on support characters to stay alive.
“This should give non-support players more opportunities to compete,” Keller explained. “It should also take a little less pressure off support players to keep everyone alive, as individual players now have more control over their own health pool.”
Keller introduced this major change to tank and damage heroes by addressing how frustrating it can be when players don’t focus on teamwork.
“When a team works together – each player taking full advantage of their hero while relying on the other to execute a strategy – the game feels magical,” Keller said. “However, if this doesn’t happen and players are all working alone, the game is far from magical and can become frustrating. Dependence on teammates can be one of the best and worst features of our game at the same time.”
This frustration can go both ways. Tank and damage heroes often rely on their support players to help them stay alive, while support players pressure the rest of the team to position themselves wisely so they can be easily reached and healed.
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Another possible change could also reduce frustration, particularly from support. Your teammates’ on-screen health indicators displayed in PvE events (but not core competitions). Overwatch 2 modes) may come into the PvP modes. Keller calls them “Party Frames” and mentions them, among other possible features, “that make it easier for players to work together as a team.” He also mentions “backfill improvements, changes to our scoreboard, and ways to curb spawn camping.” which are currently being discussed.
These are all significant changes for Overwatch 2 in 2024, which will also include the addition of at least two more heroes – Venture and a character codenamed Space Ranger – as well as changes to how the game’s Battle Pass system works.
“When I look at the future of Overwatch in a year or two, I don’t see the exact same game we’re playing now, but with a few more heroes and cards,” Keller said. “The game should constantly evolve with new systems and features that serve our players.”
