Overwatch recently got its latest Public Test Region patch, and the update is delivering some pretty significant modifications to the PC variant of the fast-paced, colorful first-person shooter from Blizzard.
Josh Engen, the game's community manager, pointed out that "none of these changes should be considered final," as the gaming company will tweak the game according to the feedback it gets from players.
The PTR aims to regulate the balance of various characters from the game, and this is a pretty complex and delicate process.
One major difference in the new patch is that the Ultimate ability no longer charges while you damage Symmetra's sentries or Torbjorn's turrets (non-players, in general).
What is more, it will cost 25 percent extra to cast Ultimates for every hero. Gamers who main Mei are the most struck by the changes, as they will have to shell out 15 percent on top of the initial 25 percent.
Some heroes got massively buffed, a good example being D.Va. She got her health pool doubled, from 100 to 200. Not only that, but her movement speed got a boost of 25 percent while firing. Her armor level stays the same, though, at 400.
Torbjorn will gather scrap over time, but the amount of scrap he is collects has been dialed down by a strong 40 percent. In compensation, his melee weapon of choice, Forge Hammer, will swing 25 percent faster, but it will cause 27 percent less damage.
Soldier 76 is also bolstered, as his bullet damage and spread are ramped up. Meanwhile, the Nano Boost ability from Ana will no longer provide faster movement speed.
The Amp It Up ability on Lucio is tweaked to heal its target 10 percent slower, and Zarya's barriers are now 20 percent less powerful.
Main Overwatch designer Geoff Goodman affirmed recently that this PTR will last longer than previous ones. According to Goodman, the much-anticipated Symmetra changes will land in a future patch. The previous PTR patch for the game was released in August.
Take a look at the full complete patch notes here.
In order to enjoy the PTR, users must have Overwatch installed on their PC. Open the Battle.net client, head to your select your region/account (hint: it is above the Play button) and select "PTR: Overwatch."
After the PTR install is completed, feel free to experiment with the revamped heroes at your leisure.
Who is your favorite Overwatch character, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
