Overwatch 2 Season 9: Champions is set to launch on February 13, promising a plethora of substantial gameplay adjustments and a comprehensive revamp of the competitive mode. These alterations include notable increases in hero health pools and the dimensions of all projectiles.
The forthcoming Season 9 of Overwatch 2 heralds significant shifts in the dynamics of the hero-based shooter. As outlined in a recent press release, the most prominent modifications pertain to hero health pools and projectile characteristics.
Each hero will see a boost in their health, the extent of which varies based on their existing health:
- Heroes with 150-175 HP will receive a 25 HP increment.
- Those with 200-300 HP will witness a 50 HP augmentation.
- Heroes with over 300 HP will experience a surge ranging from 75 to 100 HP.
However, the adjustments don’t stop there. As previously disclosed, all heroes will now benefit from a passive healing mechanism. Damage and Tank heroes will gradually regain 20 HP per second after a five-second interval of not sustaining damage, while Supports will enjoy a healing effect kicking in after 2.5 seconds.
Furthermore, Damage heroes will now possess a unique passive ability that reduces enemy healing by 20% while they are under attack, aiming to discourage the practice of constant healing, often referred to as “pocketing.”
In addition to the alterations in hero health, changes to projectile dimensions aim to balance out the augmented health pools, making it marginally easier to land shots across all characters. These enhancements apply to both hitscan weapons and travel-time projectiles, though certain larger projectiles, such as Reinhardt’s Firestrike, remain unaffected.
Blizzard plans to address the balance for these heroes in the future, pending observation of the impact of current adjustments. Detailed specifics regarding these changes are provided in the accompanying infographic.
Moreover, Season 9 of Overwatch 2 initiates a reset for the Competitive mode, introducing a fresh start for all players. Notably, the tracking of progress and rank advancements has been restructured. A new pinnacle rank, Champion, supplants the former Top 500 rank.
Following the completion of ten placement matches, players will receive their new starting rank, with subsequent progress displayed on a progress bar, offering real-time updates rather than waiting for specific milestones.
Players can look forward to unlocking new weapon skins with Competitive Points, specifically the Jade skins. Previously accumulated Competitive Points will transition into legacy points, redeemable for existing gold weapons.
The newly introduced Jade weapons can be acquired exclusively with 2024 Competitive Points, which are earned through gameplay, with additional rewards for victories.
Overwatch 2 Season 9: Champions debuts on February 13, accompanied by a recent trailer showcasing upcoming cosmetics and hinting at a crossover with Cowboy Bebop.
