While the addition of a PvE campaign in Overwatch 2 is exciting, it is hardly surprising that most of the discussion around the game is centered on its multiplayer. Online play is what made the original Overwatch such a success, as the competitive experience played a huge role in making the hero shooter genre as popular as it is today. However, for Overwatch 2, Blizzard is taking some big risks - and fans are concerned about one adjustment in particular.
Overwatch 2 is switching to 5v5 gameplay, something that will see one tank removed from each team. Because of this, every hero needs to be changed, as the sequel will play a lot differently from the original. Blizzard’s goal with this decision is to have quicker fights that are easier for players and viewers alike, with more skirmishes happening in every match. While it remains to be seen if the developer succeeds at this, and if the community likes the switch, there are already many doubters. However, one area that fans do not need to be concerned with is the hero reworks, as Blizzard seems to be making some very well-thought-out changes to the roster.
Why The Bastion And Sombra Reworks Are So Good
Blizzard has mentioned several reworks thus far. The first was for Reinhardt, with the Tank getting two fire strikes and a cancelable pin. Changes for Mei and Winston were highlighted, with the latter getting a new firing mode and the former no longer freezing her opponents in place. Adjustments to healers were also mentioned, as all Support characters will output a lower amount of healing since there will be less damage done and fewer heroes to heal. However, the biggest reworks are undoubtedly the ones for Bastion and Sombra.
Bastion’s rework was teased months ago, and for good reason. The character was incredibly niche and rarely got picked in high-level competitive play, as he was too easy to counter and lacked the mobility that was needed to be viable. With the rework, though, Bastion will be able to move in Turret form. He also has a new Artillery Ultimate ability and a Tactical Grenade, with several smart changes to his Recon form being made as well. Overall, Bastion is almost an entirely different hero, and that is truly exciting.
As for the hacker Sombra, her changes do not see her entire kit reworked. However, they are stills significant, and they should see her becoming a lot more viable going forward. Sombra’s hack now recharges a lot faster, and her stealth is not removed when hacking - though she is briefly revealed. She deals more damage to hacked enemies and can reveal them to her team, too, giving her more value to her allies. This extensive rework is welcome, as it should see her being picked a lot more often in the sequel.
What The Bastion And Sombra Changes Mean For Other Reworks
These changes not only show that Blizzard is being very careful with their hero adjustments, but that they are willing to rework heroes in major ways if necessary. This is a great sign for heroes that have dated movesets like Soldier 76, as he could get some new abilities that make him more viable. Blizzard could finally get Symmetra into a place where it is happy with how she plays, too, as her many reworks thus far have yet to do trick.
Leaving abilities like Sombra’s Translocator alone also shows that Blizzard is not forcing changes where they are not needed. If an ability works well as is, it will seemingly stay that way, meaning that heroes are only changing significantly if they need to be changed. While 5v5 could still end up being a good or bad thing for Overwatch 2, Blizzard is clearly putting the effort into making the heroes fit the new format. Though there are still things to be worried about when it comes to the sequel, the hero changes thus far have all been fair and necessary. Bastion and Sombra are no different, as they are both a great sign for the bigger hero reworks that have not yet been revealed.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.