Next Overwatch update likely nerfing shield tanks, buffing D.Va

William Davis Published 29/09/2019

Shield tanks may no longer be the kings of the meta following the implementation of Patch 1.41.

A test version of the next update recently went live on Overwatch PTR servers. It includes changes both big and small for nearly half of the game’s hero roster.

The most significant of these adjustments are those related to shield tanks such as Orisa and Sigma. These heroes have received various nerfs while dive tanks including Winston and D.Va have been buffed. It is possible these changes may break the current meta and shift it back to dive team comps.

Orisa’s protective barrier’s cooldown has increased from 9 to 10 seconds and Sigma’s Experimental Barrier now has a 1 second cooldown after the ability is recalled. The mad scientist’s Kinetic Grasp no longer blocks Chain Hook or Whip Shot and the duration of his Gravitic Flex has been reduced from 1.2 to 0.9 seconds.

Symmetra’s Photon Barrier has been nerfed as well. The ability’s duration has been reduced from 15 to 12 seconds and its overall shield capacity has been lowered from 5000 to 4000 points. Additionally, her Sentry Turrets’ damage per second has been reduced from 50 to 40 points.

Shield tanks out, dive tanks in with new Overwatch meta?

D.Va’s Defense Matrix has been buffed, with its regeneration rate being increased from 12.5% to 16% per second. Its delay before the ability begins has been lowered from 1 second to 0.75 seconds.

Overwatch’s other major dive tank, Winston, has received buffs to his Barrier Projector. The ability’s duration has been extended from 6 to 9 seconds and its shield capacity has been increased from 600 to 700 points.

It is uncertain whether these nerfs will be enough to shift the meta away from shield tanks until the changes hit live servers in the near future.

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