Overwatch 2 PvP Changes Revealed

As work on Overwatch 2 continues, so does the trickle of information about upcoming changes and additions to the popular hero shooter. Until recently, the brand-new PvE modes have received the largest share of attention. Now, however, it is PvP’s turn in the limelight. Following a May 20 livestream revealing some of the adjustments to the PvP system, it has become clear that the sequel-expansion will seriously shake up the mainstay of the game, from placement matches onwards. The most significant and controversial revelation, which will impact all other aspects of competitive play, is a shift from 6v6 to 5v5 gameplay, but there are other interesting reveals as well.

Downsized Teams

Once the sequel is finally released, all standard multiplayer modes will use five-member squads. The change will come at the expense of Tanks: each team will now consist of one Tank, two Damage, and two Support characters. The developers state that they have experimented with alternatives such as 4v4 or 7v7 standard formats, but eventually settled on 5v5 to make the matches less confusing for starter players who are just starting to level their accounts. Having fewer characters to keep track of might also benefit Overwatch as an esport, since the action could get too convoluted for novice viewers. Additionally, it should improve queue times, as the Tank role’s unpopularity means it can currently take a long time to fill in both slots.

While newcomers may win out from this modification, its announcement has understandably divided the existing community. Tank players expressed concerns that it would increase pressure on the sole Tank in a team to pick a shield Tank character, causing less conventional off-Tank heroes like Zarya to become neglected. Tank pairs that have fought for their Duo skill ratings together might be broken up. An arguably bigger problem faces the professional Overwatch teams, which would now have one less slot to fill. Tank mains in that scene may have legitimate reasons to worry about their job security in the not so distant future.

Role Design

The change to team compositions will be accompanied by a new approach to roles. Hoping to assuage off-tank mains, the developers have explained that they want Tanks to become less like walking shields and more like frontline brawlers. They wish to encourage more proactive play and making it easier for Tank mains to go up in Solo skill rating. The other two roles would also be adjusted to reinforce a more fluid and dynamic gameplay. This philosophy will be reflected in future design and balancing decisions for all new and current characters. It also shows through in the new bonuses given to all characters in a role, which were previously discussed in Blizzconline:

• Tank characters will take less knockback damage and provide a smaller amount of Ultimate energy to those who attack them;
• Damage characters will enjoy greater movement speed;
• Support characters will self-heal if they do not take more damage for a prolonged period of time.

Although the bonuses are not supposed to be gamebreaking, they would help define the roles more strongly, which is clearly a major priority for the developers.

Character Rework

In addition to those sweeping role changes, a number of adjustments to specific existing heroes have been discussed or teased as well:

• Zarya will have two bubble charges that she can distribute between her allies and herself through her abilities;
• Reinhardt will get two Fire Strike charges and greater control over his Charge ability, including the option to cancel it;
• Winston will benefit from an alternative fire mode for a long-distance electric blast;
• D.Va’s Defense Matrix will have a more long-lasting charge;
• Mei’s Endothermic Blaster will no longer freeze its targets, but just inflict higher damage and slow them down instead (which should be a particular relief to less skilled players below the Diamond rank, who generally agree that Mei is overpowered in those brackets);
• Bastion and Orisa will receive extensive reworks that were not yet elaborated on, but likely involve a reduced dependency on crowd control abilities. A change to crowd control mechanics may affect other characters with similar powers as well.

A special workshop mode has already been created to incorporate all currently available information on the changes, from individual character modifications to role bonuses and compositions. While there are doubtless many more changes on the way, it can be a useful preview for those who can’t wait to try out the 5v5 format. Players could also use it to get a head start on practice or coaching for the future meta.

Ease of Use

The quality-of-life improvements announced alongside those changes may seem relatively unimportant, but any Top 500 Rank player could vouch for the importance of timely and convenient access to information in a high-stakes match. The revised HUD and user interface should serve that purpose. More specific tweaks have been shown as well:

• Healers will see the portraits of the heroes they are currently targetting with their healing abilities;
• Temporary extra health, shield, and armor bars will be unified into a single temporary health bar;
• Hero speed will increase a little more slowly;
• Weapon sounds have been changed to be more crisp and clear.

Maps and Modes

The team overhaul will be reflected in map design. Among other possible measures, developers have pledged to add more cover to maps to make up for the missing tank. There have been other reveals and hints regarding this side of the shooter:

• The Monte Carlo map has been showcased. It has been designed for the Escort mode. Fittingly for the setting, the payload for the map will be a flying Formula One car. The map features a lot of verticality due to its tall luxury buildings and steep uphill sections;
• The Assault mode will no longer appear in competitive play, though it could still be accessed in custom games through the Arcade;
• At least one new mode will be added to take the place of Assault;
• Rome has been confirmed as another Push mode map, and there will be more to come;
• More maps will be added in addition to the ones revealed, including some that will be unique to PvP.

It is still unknown when Overwatch 2 will arrive, other than that it would be after 2021. A lot could happen in development before its release. Nevertheless, Blizzard Entertainment seems fully committed to the downsized PvP format. Combined with some of the other changes, that would no doubt produce a very different experience. It might succeed in making the rush for competitive wins more dynamic, but there are definite risks to Tank players, especially on the professional level. Only time would tell whether this bold move would pay off.