Summary
The team behindOverwatch 2is reportedly testing the idea of reworking Hanzo, feeling that the character’s current playstyle doesn’t fit in with the game’s meta. The massively popular hero shooter from Blizzard has seen plenty of significant changes since the sequel first launched in October 2022, continually updating and altering the game. Blizzard has added plenty of new Heroes to the game’s roster, like Lifeweaver, Mauga, andOverwatch 2’s most recent Hero in Venture. Now, the developer is considering a major change to one of its oldest Heroes.
Among the first set of Heroes to be revealed from the originalOverwatchroster, Hanzo has long stood as one of the franchise’s most unique characters. Hanzo’s weapon of choice offers a different playstyle amongOverwatch 2’s sizable cast of characters, using his bow to deal heavy damage with precise shots. Hanzo also has some ofOverwatch 2’s most fleshed-out lore, with Blizzard regularly sharing more details about the character’s backstory and his connection with his brother, Genji. A new interview could be hinting at Hanzo getting some much-needed love in the near future.
As reported by Dexerto, an interview betweenOverwatchstreamer Spilo andOverwatch 2lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson teased changes coming for Hanzo. During the interview, Spilo confirmed thatHanzo is one of the main Heroesbeing looked at for a rework, feeling that the Hero has “lost his identity.” Dawson did not share many details about what changes the team was testing, but he did hint at potentially bringing back Hanzo’s “one-shot thresholds.” Dawson also suggested thatOverwatch 2may reduce the HP of some of its most mobile characters.
Overwatch 2 Looking at Hanzo Rework
The Hanzo changes were not the only major update toOverwatch 2discussed during the interview with Alec Dawson. The Blizzard designer confirmed changes are on the way for multiple ofOverwatch’s other older characters, with bothReinhardt and Winston said to be receiving buffs. Dawson also shared some details about the Heroes' changes, suggesting Reinhardt’s Charge will be buffed alongside Winston’s charged shot and Ultimate. No timeline was given for any of theOverwatch 2changes discussed by Dawson during the interview.
While the interview teased a Hanzo rework and character buffs,Overwatch 2has also been giving players early hints about its next character. Blizzard first revealed “Space Ranger” during last year’s BlizzCon, giving fans an early look at the support character. Fans havepotentially spotted a teaser for Space Ranger, in the form of a meteor streaking across the sky of several ofOverwatch 2’s maps. With multiple reworks teased and another new Hero on the way,Overwatch 2looks to shake up its gameplay in the coming months.
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.
