Overwatch 2 patch brings much-needed updates to heroes

Olivia Richman Published 28/06/2023

The new Overwatch 2 patch is here, bringing some big changes to three heroes.

Some recent changes have been pretty unpopular with the Overwatch 2 community, leaving two DPS heroes feeling out of wack. Mei was given her freeze capabilities back, instantly making her a problem. Cassidy’s Magnetic Grenade has also been frustrating due to the distance the BAMF can throw it. Then there’s Lifeweaver, who has been underwhelming from the start.

All of these heroes are getting some changes in the recent Overwatch 2 patch, which is now live on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

Overwatch 2 changes to Cassidy, Mei, and Lifeweaver

Cassidy was the first hero to get some changes in the recent patch, and it’s all focused on his Magnetic Grenade. Here are the changes.

Seeking radius lowered from 1.5 to 1.3 meters
Homing duration lowered from 1 to 0.75 seconds

“We’d like for Magnetic Grenade to require slightly more demanding aim and intention in its use, especially at the longer ranges. The following adjustments will enable more counterplay for some heroes with quick reactions to be able to escape before the grenade sticks to them as well,” developers said.

Mei is the next hero to be addressed. Her Endothermic Blaster is getting changed once again.

Maximum slow applied by primary fire reduced from 50% to 40%
Primary fire damage per second increased from 55 to 70

Her passive, Deep Chill, is also getting some changes. The maximum slow applied when this effect activates has been reduced from 75% to 65%.

“Despite the primary fire gameplay feeling more interesting now, Mei’s effectiveness overall was negatively impacted by the trade in damage for more slowing utility. We’re shifting some of that power back into her damage,” developers explained.

Lifeweaver was in dire need of some changes. In this patch, he was given the following changes to his Thorn Valley ability:

Increased the number of projectiles to reach maximum spread from 0 to 20
Maximum ammo increased from 70 to 80

Said developers: “Lifeweaver provides a lot of healing and defensive utility but struggles with the consistency of his offensive damage output when not in close range. As he typically wants to position himself further away from his allies, these changes will enable well-aimed burst fire with the Thorn Volley weapon to be more effective at applying pressure to the enemy team.”

Here are the full patch notes, including some bug fixes, map changes, and hero glitch updates.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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