The latest update for Overwatch 2 has made it harder to play as Mercy within the game.
Today (February 7) sees the launch of the first-person shooter sequel’s third season, that has introduced various changes to the Mercy hero.
The tweaks are listed below (via PC Gamer):
- Guardian Angel cooldown increased from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds
- Holding the backwards directional input and cancelling the ability with Jump now moves 20% slower
- Caduceus Staff healing-per-second reduced from 55 to 45
- Healing is increased by 50% for allies under half health
- Regeneration Passive removed (she retains the support one though)
- New Passive: “Sympathetic Recovery” where she heals herself for 25% of healing done with the Caduceus Staff
Blizzard states within the patch notes that the changes will “empower Mercy much more like a triage healer and enable her to more often save low health allies”. However, no nerfs directly target the character’s capability to damage boost allies.
The updates encourage Mercy to stay in orbit of her team rather than teaming up with just one DPS hero. The tweaks double recorded on healing as her primary role, and it’ll be important for keeping yourself alive.
Additionally, season three sees supports on the rise. Lucio, Zen, and Brigitte received slight buffs, while Lucio and Moira get their ults up faster to save their allies more frequently.
Zen has five more shots to fire at enemies, with Brigitte’s Repair Pack being able to instantly heal allies for 25 health as well as its HoT component.
The latest iteration of Overwatch 2 continues to target heroes who are able to get near-instant kills. Junkrat’s Concussion Mine has already established its damage decreased by 20 to make one-shot combos with his grenade more difficult to attain. Elsewhere, Reinhardt’s Earthshatter ult has had its damage reduced and stun duration increased. Widowmaker, meanwhile, is down from 200 health to 175.
Late last month, Overwatch 2 director Aaron Keller outlined the numerous season three changes including “more clarity” for players looking to determine their ranked skill.
Keller recently spoke to NME concerning the challenges behind balancing heroes in Overwatch 2. Also, he teased several upcoming game modes, and says the shooter's next two heroes is going to be supports.
