Overwatch 2 has reworked a number of heroes, and for the most part, fans have responded well to the changes. While the adjustment to Mercy’s flight proved very controversial, Doomfist feels right within the Tank role and Orisa is significantly more fun to play. Sombra’s changes have made her a top tier choice in the right hands, while Bastion is now a viable pick in most situations. Winston’s new ranged option has been a big help, too.
However, the adjustment to Mei is divisive. While most gamers are happy to see her reworked so that her primary fire no longer freezes opponents solid, Mei mains loathe this change, feeling that it removes a key part of her identity. As such, many have suggested switching her over to the Tank role and bringing back her freeze, and there are a few other reasons why she would suit this category of characters. Still, swapping the hero’s role for Overwatch 2 could have some downsides.
Why Mei Becoming a Tank Could Work
First and foremost, Mei’s freeze could return if she joined the Tank role, something that would surely be appealing to longtime fans of the hero. The main reason Mei was threatening up close was because of her ability to freeze those that came near and finish them off with an easy icicle headshot. While Blizzard taking this ability away was great news for those who found it frustrating to play against Mei, and made sense since the goal was to remove CC abilities from heroes outside the Tank role, Mei switching categories would allow this ability to come back.
Outside of Mei getting back her freeze, there is plenty about her kit that already feels Tank-like. Mei's Ice Wall is used to block off areas and set up engagements, a key job for Tank players. Mei being able to freeze and heal herself allows her to stay alive and continue brawling, another important task for Tanks. Her Ultimate ability is very Tank-like, too, as it also provides CC. Mei would fit well into the Tank category since she would only need some significant adjustments to her health, as most of her current kit already fits the role well and would not need changes.
Not only could Mei maintain her identity in the Tank role and regain one of her signature abilities, but she could help solve the problem of Overwatch having too few Tanks and Supports and too many Damage characters. While the upcoming Fox hero and post-launch additions will aim to address the disparity, following in the footsteps of Doomfist to transform Mei into a Tank could be beneficial. With it working so well for Talon’s leader, shaking up the ice-wielding scientist's role could lead to a similarly positive result.
Mei Entering a Tank Role is Unnecessary
However, the key argument against such a change is that it is simply not needed. Mei is in a very good place at the moment, as she shines in Overwatch 2’s 5v5 setting. Though it is true that she is essentially an off-Tank, this opens up options when composing a team. Further, while Mei is absolutely viable, she is also far less frustrating to play against in her current form. Though the freeze from her weapon may have been fun for Mei users, being frozen constantly and losing the freedom to fight back was infuriating for everyone else. As such, bringing back this ability could anger more gamers than it pleases.
On top of this, Mei’s character model does not suit the Tank category. While Doomfist was able to make the transition due to his large, muscular frame, Mei is far smaller than all the other Tanks. Blizzard could significantly increase the size of Mei’s character model, but this would be an odd change that goes against the hero’s lore and her past appearances. With Mei currently being balanced, taking a risk to turn her into a Tank could be a waste of time and resources, especially if the change turns out to be poorly received. Though more role switches could be interesting, making such a big adjustment to a character that is performing well makes little sense.
Overwatch 2 launches on October 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.