The latest big update for Blizzard’s Overwatch is now available and along with your usual bug fixes, it changes up several heroes like Junkrat and Roadhog. Also, two new Arcade modes – Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch – are also available along with a new map called Château Guillard.
Following the culmination of the Summer Games event, Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch are exactly as their names indicate. In Deathmatch, eight players will battle it out and the first player to reach 20 kills wins (though the top four players will also have victories to contribute to the weekly Loot Box rewards). In Team Deathmatch, it will be 4 vs. 4 with the first team to hit 30 kills winning.
As for hero changes, Junkrat can now deploy two Concussion Mines. His RIP-Tire Ultimate now travels faster and the timer stops when climbing up obstacles. Roadhog has a new ability where his self-healing can be used while moving. He also gains 50 percent damage resistance while doing so.
For more information on the new update, check the full patch notes here with a few details below.
GENERAL
- A number of data format changes have been implemented
Developer Comments: Over the past few months, we’ve been working on a number of significant under-the-hood changes that will help us streamline the patching process. This will allow us to reduce the download size in future patches, but it does mean that today’s patch is larger than a traditional patch.
- Match-wide voice chat has been added for Deathmatch and Custom Games
- [PS4/XB1] Player reporting has been enabled
- An “Aim Ease in” option has been added under the “Advanced” tab in the “Controller” menu. This allows players to customize their turn rate acceleration.
HERO UPDATES
Junkrat
- Concussion Mine
- Junkrat can now hold two mines
- RIP-Tire
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- Tire’s movement speed has been increased by 30%
- There is no longer a time limit when wall climbing
Developer Comments: Giving the Junkrat the ability to store two concussion mines adds some much-needed flexibility and versatility to his kit, particularly when using the mines for mobility. RIP-Tire’s damage has always been very good, but it was often difficult to steer the tire into position before it was destroyed. Increasing its speed will allow players to effectively detonate the tire more often and decrease the amount of time that Junkrat is vulnerable while controlling it.
Orisa
- Fusion Driver
- Projectile speed increased by 20%
- Protective Barrier
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- Barrier size increase by 20%
- Barrier shape has been changed to allow for more coverage from enemies that are below the barrier
Developer Comments: The projectile speed increase helps Orisa’s consistency, especially at medium ranges (or further). Her barrier size has been increased to better protect her team, and the new shape makes the shield more effective when it’s used on slopes or on top of objects (such as a payload).
Roadhog
- Take a Breather
- Can now be used while moving
- Damage taken while healing has been reduced by 50%
Developer Comments: These changes help Roadhog be much more aggressive when looking for hook targets or blocking for his team. The combination of these effects significantly increases Roadhog’s sustainability and survivability.
Widowmaker
- Grappling Hook
- Cooldown has been reduced from 12 seconds to 8
- Venom Mine
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- Affected targets are now visible through walls (to you as Widowmaker only)
Developer Comments: Widowmaker is extremely powerful in the right hands, but her abilities often felt a little weak. The Grappling Hook cooldown reduction means she is more likely to have it available when she needs to escape. Venom Mine is intended to be an early warning system, uncovering enemies that are attempting to flank her or her team. With this change, she can see enemies when they trigger the mine, even if they’re on the other side of a wall.
