A new Overwatch patch is currently in development and is now available for testing. PC players with PTR access can test out the new features simply by downloading the update and logging on and are encouraged to share their feedback or report any issues on the PTR Feedback or PTR Bug Report forums.
The latest patch features a new escort map (Rialto) as well as hero updates to Genji, Hanzo, Junkrat, Lucio and Tracer. It also fixes various bugs.
Rialto
Players may recognize Rialto from Retribution’s co-op brawl, but this version is soaked in sunlight. Overwatch players have had the chance to familiarize themselves with Rialto throughout the game’s seasonal Archives event, which runs through the end of the month. Blizzard has not announced an exact date that the permanent version of the map will hit the live servers.
The backdrop may be familiar to those who read the Doomfist Masquerade comic, where the map was first seen. Rialto is home to Talon’s headquarters, but the Retribution brawl revisits the “Venice incident,” which reshaped the Overwatch organization.
Genji
Genji’s Deflect ability’s hitbox size has been reduced in order to solve a problem where projectiles that were pretty far away from the ninja were being blocked. The hitbox reduction should still fully protect Genji from projectiles that would hit him from the front.
Hanzo
The archer’s Storm Bow projectile speed has been increased from 85 to 100, while his Sonic Arrow ability has a decreased cooldown (20 seconds to 12 seconds), duration (10 seconds to 6 seconds), and radius (10 meters to 7 meters). Hanzo is also getting some brand new abilities.
One new ability, called Lunge, gives Hanzo some more mobility while in the air. Players can now press jump while in the air to make Hanzo leap horizontally.
The second new ability, Storm Arrows, replaces Hanzo’s existing Scatter Arrow ability. Storm Arrows allows the archer to rapidly fire up to 6 arrows that deal reduced damage, but are always fired at full power.
The goal behind these changes was to allow Hanzo to have some new gameplay options, while maintaining his high damage output. It also removes the frustration of fighting against Scatter Arrow.
Junkrat
Junkrat’s Frag Launcher’s projectile size has been decreased from 0.3 to 0.2, while his RIP-Tire movement speed has been decreased from 13 to 12. The decrease in projectile size means that Junkrat will have to aim more carefully in order to land direct hits on his enemies. Players should also have more of a chance to destroy the RIP-Tire before it detonates thanks to its slower speed.
Lucio
A few changes have been made to this beat-blasting support hero’s Wall Ride ability. Now, wall riding is less likely to be interrupted along a single surface. Players can also now go around corners (both outside and inside) without having to leave the wall and can now land back on the same wall after leaping away.
Additionally, Lucio’s Soundwave ability, which was previously constrained by both ammo and cooldown costs, no longer consumes ammo. Get ready for more boops!
Tracer
This patch sees the first-ever nerf to this quirky British time traveler. Tracer’s Pulse Bomb ultimate ability’s maximum damage has been decreased from 400 to 300 because of its exceptional skill at taking down tanks. This reduction should make it a less powerful tank-destroyer, while still making it formidable against other heroes.
As usual, only PC players will have access to the PTR before these changes are officially rolled out. Until then, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One players can still enjoy Overwatch’s Archives event until April 30.