Overwatch’s latest PTR patch signals the end of the barrier meta
Welcome back, dive.
Overwatch PTR patch 1.41 makes some big changes to thirteen heroes, so much so that it’s been framed as a “remaster” of the game.
If you’re tired of the current Overwatch meta, then this patch is for you. It’s made sweeping changes to the likes of D.Va, Roadhog, Sigma and Winston, with the aim of toning down those that may be too strong right now and buffing heroes who haven’t seen the light of day in quite a few seasons.
Before we jump into all the changes, it’s worth noting that the PTR patch is only available on PC right now, and that its many tweaks are still subject to change. Blizzard has also warned players of its large download size, so prepare for a lengthy loading bar.
Here’s a quick breakdown of all the changes in PTR Patch 1.41:
Buffs
A collection of heroes who’ve been given a helping hand in this patch.
D.Va
Defense Matrix
- Regeneration rate increased from 12.5% to 16% per second.
- Delay before regeneration begins lowered from 1 second to 0.75 seconds.
These changes mean she’ll be able to use her Defense Matrix more often, and it’ll soak up even more damage too.
Roadhog
Scrap Gun
- Ammunition increased from 5 to 6.
A small tweak, but one which should give the hog a helping hand when it comes to breaking down shields and outputting more damage in general.
Winston
Barrier Projector
- Duration increased from 6 to 9 seconds
- Health increased from 600 to 700
This is a big change for Winston, and one that’ll make his dive playstyle much more potent. It should also grant him a touch more survivability too.
Lucio
Crossfade
- Speed boost’s effect increased from 20% to 25%
Amp It Up
- Speed boost’s amplification increased from 50% to 60%
Wall Ride
- Speed buff reduced from 40% to 30%
Despite his Wall Ride’s speed buff being reduced, his Speed Boost is getting even stronger. With both Winston and D.Va seeing some buffs, does this mark the return of the Dive Meta?
Mercy
Valkyrie
- The extra beams created by Valkyrie now ignore enemy barriers
Her Ultimate now ignores enemy barriers. If this isn’t a hard counter to the barrier meta, then we don’t know what is.
Tracer
Pulse Pistols
- Damage falloff now starts at 13 meters, up from 10 meters
Tracer now has greater range on her pistols, which should make her a little stronger in mid-range combat.
Nerfs
Below you’ll find a few heroes who should be a little less dominant now.
Orisa
Protective Barrier
- Cooldown increased from 9 to 10 seconds
Orisa players will have to wait one second longer to throw down a barrier.
Sigma
Kinetic Grasp
- No longer blocks Chain Hook and Whip Shot
Gravitic Flux
- High gravity effect duration reduced from 1.2 to 0.9 seconds
Experimental Barrier
- Regeneration rate reduced from 175 to 150 per second
- Now has a 1 second cooldown after recalling the barrier
- Initial 0.2 second cast time removed
Sigma players will now have to play smarter to avoid CC and protect their teammates.
Baptiste
Immortality Field
- Health decreased from 250 to 200
Baptiste’s Immortality Field is now a little weaker, and should give it some more counterplay.
Moira
Biotic Grasp
- Self-healing reduced from 30 to 20 health per second
Moira’s been a standout pick in this barrier meta thanks to her ability to heal through barriers. Now that this has been nerfed, it might give other Supports a chance to shine.
Doomfist
Rocket Punch
- Time to reach max charge increased from 1 to 1.4 seconds
The Best Defense…
- Shield health gained per hit reduced from 35 to 30
An all-round nerf to Doomfist, and one which might force him out of the meta for good.
Sombra
Translocator
- Cooldown increased from 4 to 6 seconds
- Cooldown now begins immediately upon deploying the beacon or if it is killed by an enemy.
Sombra players will now need to wait a little longer to chuck down a Translocator.
Symmetra
Photon Barrier
- Duration reduced from 15 to 12 seconds
- Health reduced from 5000 to 4000
Sentry Turret
- Damage per second reduced from 50 to 40
Photon Projector
- Players impacted by the primary fire beam should now hear a louder impact sound
Symmetra’s Photon Barrier and Sentry Turrets won’t be as strong, and players should be better alerted to her Photon Projector’s targeting.