Overwatch PTR Update Nerfs Mercy (Again), Buffs Ana’s Damage

Blizzard Entertainment is riding the nerf train hard on Overwatch’s Support hero Mercy. It’s deployed a new patch on its Public Test Realm that changes Mercy’s Resurrect ability yet again. Resurrect has a cast time and can now be interrupted. Mercy will also have 75 percent less movement speed when casting Resurrect.

Hilariously, Blizzard feels Mercy’s “recent rework has been successful” despite resulting in her being a must-pick. In fact, many matches would be decided on who had the better Mercy, to say nothing about the chain of Resurrects that kept happening. At least Blizzard acknowledges that the ability “still feels too strong and frustrating to play against.” That being said, when using Mercy’s Ultimate Valkyrie, Resurrect can be cast instantly.

Other changes in the PTR patch include Ana’s Biotic Rifle dealing 70 damage instead of 60. This is to help keep her in line with other Supports, especially since they’ve been outperforming her lately. You can check out the full patch notes here. It’s worth noting that these changes are currently being tested and may not make it into the live game.

Overwatch PTR Update Patch Notes – Nov 1

Ana

Biotic Rifle

Damage increased from 60 to 70.

Developer Comment: Ana has been outshined by other support heroes lately. Boosting her damage will help her defend herself and make her more threatening to the enemy team.

Mercy

Resurrect

• Cast time increased from 0 seconds to 1.75 seconds
• Mercy’s movement speed is now reduced by 75% while casting
• Can now be interrupted when Mercy is knocked back, stunned, or hacked

Valkyrie

When activated, Resurrection no longer has a cast time.

Developer Comment: We feel that Mercy’s recent rework has been successful, but her Resurrect ability still feels too strong and frustrating to play against. Now that it has a cast time, there is more room for enemies to counter the ability. However, casting Resurrect happens instantly when Valkyrie is active. This should make her feel powerful when she transforms on the battlefield.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed several issues that prevented the announcer voice lines from playing correctly in Competitive, Elimination, and Capture the Flag game modes
• Fixed an issue causing Roadhog’s Chain Hook to latch on to enemy players for longer than intended