The addition of Ashe into Overwatch is the big headline of the latest live server patch, but Blizzard’s also uploaded tweaks to four different heroes: Roadhog, Reaper, Mercy, and Symmetra.
All the changes are considered buffs aimed at creating consistency and stability for the heroes. All of the changes have been in testing on Overwatch’s PTR since Oct. 23. Here are the patch notes, straight from Blizzard.
Mercy
Valkyrie
- Ultimate healing cost reduced by 15 percent
- Healing per second increased from 50 to 60
“Mercy’s ultimate was charging a bit too slowly after her base healing was reduced in a previous update. These changes should restore some of her ultimate’s strength and let it build up more quickly,” Blizzard wrote.
Reaper
Hellfire Shotguns
- Spread randomization reduced by 50 percent
- Spread pattern adjusted
The Reaping
- Life Steal increased from 20 percent to 30 percent of damage dealt
“Reaper’s specialty is fighting at a very close range,” Blizzard wrote. “The more consistent spread pattern and increase in healing from his passive ability will make him more capable of standing toe-to-toe with his enemies.”
Roadhog
Chain Hook
- Decreased the delay before pulling a hooked target from 0.5 seconds to 0.3 seconds
- Now greatly reduces the target’s momentum upon being hooked
- Cooldown now begins immediately, instead of after the target has been pulled
Scrap Gun
- Spread pattern adjusted for both primary- and secondary-fire
- Spread randomization reduced by 50 percent
Whole Hog
- Knockback maximum velocity increased by 25 percent (from eight to 10 meters per second)
- Horizontal recoil decreased slightly
“Roadhog is receiving several large changes to make his abilities more consistent,” Blizzard wrote.
Symmetra
Photon Projector
- Primary fire beam charges up to 20 percent faster
General
- Made jump height consistent across hero roster
