Overwatch 2 Unveils Exciting October 2024 Update

Overwatch 2 has rolled out an unexpected content update packed with hero balance adjustments for both standard matches and the Halloween Terror mode, Junkenstein’s Laboratory. With significant buffs for Ramattra and Wrecking Ball, alongside nerfs for Orisa and Juno, this patch is set to bring fresh dynamics to the game just ahead of the anticipated mid-Season 13 patch.

On October 15, Overwatch 2 kicked off Season 13: Spellbinder, introducing a variety of balance changes and the limited-time Halloween game mode, Junkenstein’s Laboratory. This exciting mode allows players to customize their heroes' talents, offering unique enhancements that modify gameplay in each round.

The latest content update includes several important hero balance changes. Ramattra’s Pummel has been reverted to its original state, allowing him to punch through barriers once again, while Wrecking Ball receives an increase in both ammo capacity and Grappling Claw duration.

Conversely, Juno and Orisa have seen reductions in their effectiveness; Juno’s ultimate now heals less health per second, while Orisa has experienced a shift in her armor, a reduction in the damage of her Energy Javelin, and the removal of the heat sink feature from her Fortify ability. Additionally, Sombra has undergone further modifications, with her EMP charge being slightly faster and her Stealth reaction time improved when using the Translocator, although she now reveals herself upon using Hack.

This update also brings changes to Junkenstein’s Laboratory. Various mutations for heroes such as Ashe, Genji, Kiriko, Mercy, Moira, Orisa, and Reaper have received buffs, while adjustments have been made to D.Va, Pharah, and Zenyatta’s abilities. Players can dive into these new mutations until November 4, giving them a week to explore the latest changes.

Overwatch 2 typically implements hero balance updates monthly, aligned with bi-monthly major content updates and mid-season cycles. This unexpected update showcases the game’s new Rapid Balance Update technology, suggesting that such surprises may become more commonplace in the future.

Looking ahead, players can anticipate another hero balance update in just a few weeks. The mid-season patch is expected to land on November 12 or 19, likely introducing even more buffs and nerfs for the game's heroes. Additionally, new Quick Play: Hacked game modes are on the horizon, setting the stage for thrilling 6v6 gameplay as Season 14 approaches in December.

Overwatch 2 Patch Notes – October 29, 2024

Junkenstein’s Laboratory

The excitement around Junkenstein’s Laboratory continues as we enter its final week. In response to player feedback, several adjustments have been made to the mutations heroes can receive before each round. This mode will remain accessible in the Arcade until November 4.

Hero Adjustments:

Ashe

 - Trail by Fire: Increased ultimate charge from burning targets from 25% to 30%.

 - Fire and Fury: Reduced cooldowns for Coach Gun and Dynamite by 7% (previously 5%) when hitting burning targets.

 - Demon's Ward: Shield health from the Barrier Projector increased from 300 to 600.

D.Va

 - Anti-Boost: Fixed extra damage from Booster impact.

 - No Escape: Weapon damage increase reduced from 100% to 75%.

Genji

 - Scary Speed: Critical hit bonus attack speed reduced from 2% per stack to 3% for up to 10 stacks.

 - Vampiric Deflect: Healing from Deflect increased from 10% to 15% of max health per second.

 - Bitter Revenge: Damage increase for Swift Strike based on prevented damage raised from 50% to 75%.

 - Master Ward: Increased cooldown from 5 to 8 seconds.

Kiriko

 - Not Your Time: Healing boost for allies below 50% health increased from 25% to 30%.

 - Drawn Together: Overhealth granted after teleporting increased from 50 to 75.

 - Unburdened: Attack speed boost after throwing a Protection Suzu increased from 5% for 5 seconds to 20% for 10 seconds.

 - Vindictive Vision: Revealing enemies farther than 12 meters now lasts for 5 seconds (previously 3).

 - Spirit World's Gift: Healing from Protection Suzu increased from 80 to 100 and grants 25% movement speed for 5 seconds.

Mercy

 - Mend and Mar: Now heals allies within 20 meters for 150% of damage dealt outside of Valkyrie mode.

 - Power for a Price: Healing increase for attached targets raised from 7.5% to 10% of damage dealt.

 - Sustained Servant: Cooldown reduced from 10 seconds to 7.

 - Fall from Grace: Increased movement speed during Angelic Descent from 15% to 20%.

Moira

 - Frightening Fascination: Secondary Fire now has a narrower lock on targets at 40% (previously 50%).

 - Siphon Strike: Quick Melee now restores 15% of max Biotic energy (previously 10%).

 - Equilibrium: Movement speed reduction decreased from 30% to 20%.

Orisa

 - Flight by Night: Gains free flight and increased movement speed while casting Javelin Spin.

 - Megamonster: Now gains 200% Overhealth while slowed (previously 35%).

 - Waning Whirlwind: Javelin Spin instantly depletes 90% of Max Augmented Fusion Driver's Overheat meter (previously 50%).

 - Chilling Blow: Energy Javelin instantly depletes 90% of Overheat meter (previously 50%).

 - Arcane Energy: Energy Javelin cooldown reduced from 15% to 20%.

 - Violence Begotten: Critical hits now increase attack speed by 8% for 5 seconds (previously 6%).

Pharah

 - Scare-ial Superiority: Damage increase after using Jump Jets and Jet Dash is now 20% for 3 seconds (previously 5 seconds).

Reaper

 - Swift Shadow: Cast time for Shadow Step reduced by 30%.

Zenyatta

 - Hallowed Speed: Harmony orb movement speed buff reduced from 25% to 20%.

 - Master and Disciple: Self-Harmony Orb effectiveness reduced from 50% to 40%.

Competitive Updates

In Season 13, Open Queue Competitive will now match players from wide groups, narrow groups, and solo players in the same matchmaking pool. This change aims to reduce long wait times for players of all group sizes. Future updates will remove the Wide Group modifier and notification UI from Open Queue Competitive.

Hero Balance Changes

Tank:

Orisa

 - Health increased from 125 to 175; armor decreased from 350 to 300.

 - Energy Javelin damage reduced from 80 to 70.

 - Fortify no longer reduces Fusion Driver heat generation.

Ramattra

 - Pummel reverted to pierce barriers; no longer inflicts critical damage on barriers.

Wrecking Ball

 - Quad Cannons ammo increased from 80 to 100.

 - Grappling Claw duration extended from 6 to 8 seconds.

Damage:

Sombra

 - Hack now reveals her upon hacking an enemy target.

 - Translocator stealth entry delay reduced from 0.5 to 0.33 seconds; fade-in time reduced from 0.3 to 0.15 seconds.

 - EMP ultimate cost reduced by 10%.

Support:

Juno

 - Healing from Orbital Ray decreased from 100 to 85 health per second.

Bug Fixes

General:

- Resolved issues with auto-requeue for Quick Play and individual OWL Player Icons.

- Fixed HDR-related black screen issue and problems with the first purchase attempt of a golden weapon.

- Addressed missing Grey Overwatch League skins in the hero gallery.

Maps:

- Dorado: Fixed unintended payload contesting areas.

Heroes:

- Mercy: Fixed bugs with jump/crouch cancel duration.

- Reaper: Resolved issues with custom Shadow Step sounds in first person.

- Reinhardt: Fixed Ultimate sound issues with the All Might skin.

This October update for Overwatch 2 is sure to invigorate gameplay as players dive into balance changes and the Halloween festivities in Junkenstein’s Laboratory!