The latest update for Overwatch 2, Season 7, brings an array of modifications to the game’s heroes. While Sombra takes the spotlight with the most substantial changes, several other heroes also experience a mix of nerfs and buffs. Mei and Ramattra stand out as exceptions that could notably influence the game’s dynamics. Alongside these hero adjustments, the season also rolls out Halloween events, a divisive new skin for Moira, a brand-new Control map named Samoa, and clarifications on how penalties affect battle pass XP.
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In-Depth Look at Sombra’s Overhaul
Sombra experiences a comprehensive rework this season. Her invisibility has been converted into a passive ability, which activates automatically when she is not taking damage or attacking enemies. The translocator, which used to be placed on the field, now instantly transports her to the location where it is thrown. Additionally, Sombra gains a new ability, Virus, which targets an enemy and implants a bug that deals 100 damage over a four-second duration or 100 damage over two seconds if the enemy is already hacked.
Detailed Changes to Sombra’s Abilities
- Machine Pistol: The damage has been increased from 7.5 to 8 per shot. The minimum spread has been reduced from 0.5 to 0, and the number of shots until the maximum spread is reached has been increased from 3 to 6. The reload time has also been reduced from 1.4 seconds to 1.2 seconds.
- Hack: The cast time for hacking has been reduced from 0.75 seconds to 0.65 seconds. The ability now cancels Stealth mode when hacking an enemy hero. The cooldown has been increased from 4 to 6 seconds.
- Opportunist: This ability has been completely removed from her skill set.
- Stealth: This ability has been reworked to become passive. Sombra automatically turns invisible after 3.5 seconds if she is not shooting, using a damaging ability, or taking damage.
- Translocator: The device now automatically teleports Sombra 0.25 seconds after being thrown or upon impacting the environment.
- EMP: The ultimate charge cost for this ability has been increased by 15%. The health percent damage has been decreased from 40% to 30%.
- Virus: This is a brand-new ability that fires a projectile, damaging an enemy over time. The damage is dealt more quickly if the enemy is hacked.
Additional Hero Modifications
- Orisa: Her damage reduction has been lowered from 50% to 45%.
- Ramattra: The cooldown for his Nemesis Mode has been reduced from eight seconds to seven seconds.
- Wrecking Ball: The hero now requires 30 shots to reach maximum spread, up from 20, allowing players to deal more damage before accuracy decreases.
- Zarya: The size of her projected barrier has been reduced to match her particle barrier, and its health has been lowered to 200.
- Cassidy: The damage reduction during his dodge roll ability has been increased from 50% to 75%.
- Mei: The Deep Chill passive ability that used to slow enemies over time has been removed. Her blaster now deals increased damage, up from 70 to 100 per second.
- Torbjorn: The recovery time for his primary fire has been slightly increased, and the overhealth from his self-buff has been reduced from 100 to 75.
- Brigitte: The damage per hit from her flail has been increased from 70 to 80.
- Illari: The effectiveness of her healing beam has been reduced from 120 per second to 105 per second.
Clarification on Leaving Game Penalties
Blizzard has finally provided an explanation about the penalties for leaving games. If a player leaves four out of their last 20 games, the first penalty threshold is activated. Leaving six out of the last 20 activates the second threshold. These penalties can include suspensions from queuing for new matches and reductions in battle pass XP.
Introduction of New Control Map: Samoa
Season 7 also unveils a new Control map, Samoa. This map features three unique regions: a luxurious beach resort, an underground facility surrounded by molten lava, and the heart of a futuristic city. Initially, Samoa will be available in the Arcade section of the game and will later make its way into the competitive ranked matches.
Wrapping Up Season 7 Updates
The Season 7 update for Overwatch 2 is a comprehensive package that brings significant changes to the game’s heroes, most notably Sombra. Alongside these hero adjustments, players can also look forward to new seasonal events, a fresh Control map, and a clearer understanding of the game’s penalty system. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive gamer, these updates are set to reshape the way you experience Overwatch 2.