Summary
Overwatch 2is playing around with some drastic ideas to overhaul counter-picks and hero swapping, including the idea of introducing bans to the game. While there is no guaranteeOverwatch 2is going to make these changes, the developers are at least considering the options.
Recently, Twitch streamers andOverwatch 2fans Emongg and Flats talked to game producer Kenny Hudson and lead hero designer Alec Dawson about the state of the first-person shooter. They discussed many topics, from Mauga and the impact of recent buffs and nerfs, to potentialreworks forOverwatch 2heroes like Wrecking Ball and Cassidy.
During the same interview, Dawson discussed the concept of swapping heroes. In manyOverwatch 2matches–especially at the competitive level–players are driven to constantly counter-pick one another throughout each match.Overwatch 2recognizes some players that find this a frustrating trend, and is in the very early stages of looking at ways to solve this problem. Ina clip from the Twitch stream, Dawson confirmedOverwatch 2was planning on internally testing ideas like limiting the number of swaps a player or team could do, or introducing a hero ban system into the game.
It is clearOverwatch 2is already taking steps to disincentivize constant counter-picking. In thebalance patch forOverwatch 2Season 8, it reduced the maximum Ultimate charge retained while swapping heroes from 25% to 15%, making counter-picking a tougher call to make. The potential for limited hero swaps or bans could add even more counterplay to the game, and make hero selection even more important.
Of course, players are divided on whether they would like this particular change. Bans are a staple in competitive, team-based hero games likeLeague of Legends, and playershave wanted a similar system inOverwatch 2for a while. On the other hand, some fans think the ability to counter-pick heroes is integral to theOverwatch 2experience, and don’t think even more limitations should be added.
It is important to note that none of these changes are being implemented just yet. The developers stressed that the ideas are in the earliest of testing phases, and they may never make it to the live game. If they do, it is equally possible they could be limited to Competitive, and there is no way of knowing what the systems would entail until they are revealed. Either way, with anoverhaul coming to CompetitiveOverwatch 2, 2023 is going to be a big year for the hero shooter.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
