When the ninth season of Overwatch 2 begins on February 13, players can expect significant changes to the hero shooter. In addition to the previously announced adjustments for all heroes, the new season introduces a major update that affects healing and health regeneration. Every hero will now possess a passive support ability that gradually restores health, which kicks in after a brief period without taking damage. This change aims to reduce the reliance on healing and encourage greater survivability. On the healing front, Support heroes will begin restoring health more quickly, while DPS and Tank characters will experience a slower healing rate. Additionally, all heroes will receive an increase in their maximum health. Heroes with 150-175 HP prior to the change will gain 25 additional HP, those with 200-300 HP will receive an extra 50 health, and Tanks will see their HP boosted by 75-100. These adjustments are intended to create a more balanced gameplay experience for all heroes. Another notable modification is the introduction of a new feature for DPS heroes, which reduces the target’s healing by 20 percent when they deal damage. This change is designed to make it more challenging for enemy Support players to heal their allies while under fire. Blizzard has emphasized that these changes are aimed at promoting strategic play and focusing on achieving objectives. The game will also see an increase in projectile sizes for certain hero groups, with the purpose of enhancing accuracy and adjusting to the evolving pace of gameplay. While these changes are substantial, Blizzard is committed to evaluating their impact during Season 9 before implementing further adjustments. The company is mindful of the need to maintain the game’s balance and is dedicated to ensuring that all modifications are carefully considered. As a result, players can expect ongoing updates and individual hero adjustments in the future. Though these changes are significant and may seem daunting, they signify a new era for Overwatch 2 as it continues to evolve. While larger adjustments are at the forefront, some smaller refinements are also in store for Season 9. These include a revamp for Pharah, a hero known for flying and launching rockets, though the details of this update have not been fully revealed. Moreover, the Junkertown map will undergo some tweaks as well. These incremental changes are part of a broader shift following the acquisition of Activision-Blizzard by Microsoft, which has had various implications for the Overwatch 2 team, spanning from the narrative aspect to the esports division. While change is inevitable, the Overwatch 2 community can anticipate an exciting and dynamic Season 9, with the game set to undergo numerous improvements and adjustments.
