Blizzard has released a massive update to the Overwatch public test region that includes a new Hanzo skill, changes for several heroes, and a new map, among many other things.
Retribution, the new Overwatch Archives event that follows last year's King's Row Uprising, is still ongoing. Meanwhile, the development team is working on significant changes that may be rolled out to the multiplayer shooter after the end of the story-based event.
New Hanzo Skill, Tracer Nerf, And Other Hero Changes
Blizzard uploaded the patch notes for the Overwatch PTR update on its official forums, revealing changes that may be coming to several heroes in the game.
The most significant change for heroes in the new Overwatch PTR patch is the new skill for Hanzo. The Scatter Arrow skill has long been on Blizzard's radar due to its ability to take down tanks with one shot. It has finally been replaced with the Storm Arrow skill, which allows Hanzo to fire six full-power arrows rapidly.
Hanzo will still be able to quickly deal a high amount of damage, but compared to Scatter Arrow, Storm Arrow is much easier to counter and will not kill tanks outright. Hanzo also received Lunge, a new skill that allows him to leap horizontally while in the air.
Another significant change to the game's hero was rolled out to Tracer, who's nerfed for the first time. The maximum damage of her Pulse Bomb is decreased, preventing her from easily killing tanks.
Several other heroes received various buffs and nerfs, namely Brigitte with a reduced cone angle for her Shield Bash skill, Genji with a reduced hitbox size for his Deflect skill, Junkrat with decreased projectile size for his Frag Launcher primary weapon and decreased speed for his Rip Tire ultimate, and Lucio with changes to his Wall Ride ability.
'Overwatch' New Map: Rialto From Retribution
The Overwatch PTR update also added Rialto, the map from the Retribution PvE mode, to the main game as a payload map. Gamers who try out Rialto will notice that it resembles King's Row, which is generally considered as the best Overwatch map.
Changes were also made to the Horizon: Lunar Colony map, making the first point more practical to defend and the second point more practical to capture with a sustained push.
'Overwatch' PTR Changes: When Will They Roll Out?
All of the aforementioned changes and updates are now available on the Overwatch PTR, which is only accessible for PC users. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gamers, meanwhile, will have to wait for the changes and updates to be rolled out to the main game.
The release date for the changes, however, remains unclear. It is not sure either if these updates will be rolled out to the main game in their current form. Fortunately, Blizzard is very receptive to feedback, so Overwatch players who agree or disagree with the changes and updates may take to the forums and voice out their opinions.
