Blizzard’s updating old Overwatch heroes starting in season 2
Blizzard is revitalizing older Overwatch heroes by integrating popular perk abilities directly into their permanent character kits. Beginning with season 2’s launch on April 14, Mercy will gain her flash-heal burst healing as a core ability, Reaper will permanently access his long-distance volley ability, and Pharah’s drift boosters will become an always-available perk, allowing her to move while casting her ultimate. These changes are designed to address the struggling performance of these established heroes in the current competitive meta.
The update represents Blizzard’s ongoing commitment to maintain balance and relevance across Overwatch’s diverse hero roster. The studio has indicated that further reworks are planned for Roadhog, Lifeweaver, and Sombra, though specific details about their changes remain unannounced. By converting optional perks into permanent core abilities, Blizzard aims to make these classic heroes more viable and appealing to players, ensuring character selection is driven by preference rather than strict meta constraints.