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Overwatch Midseason Patch Introduces Hero Changes, Project YorHa Collaboration, Mythic Mei Skin, and More
The second half of Overwatch Season 1 has officially begun with the release of the midseason patch. The update introduces a host of changes, including multiple hero nerfs and buffs, a brand-new skin collaboration, a new Mythic skin, and more. The patch is now live; players who pre-downloaded it on Battle.net can jump in immediately, while others will need to install the big update first. Below is a summary of the midseason patch notes.
New Arcade Mode: Shgyrq
Shgyrq is a 4v4 team deathmatch where all eight players take control of Emre and are equipped with a specially tuned version of his kit. Despite his explosive playstyle, Emre remains less popular than other heroes due to his recent arrival, but this event offers players a fun and low-pressure way to get accustomed to his abilities. The mode will be available from March 10 to 23.
New Collaboration: Project YoRHa
[embed]https://x.com/PlayOverwatch/status/2031430866103124117[/embed]
The previously announced Nier: Automata crossover has officially arrived in-game. The Overwatch x Project YoRHa collaboration brings five legendary skins inspired by iconic characters from the game. Here's the full lineup:
- Kiriko x 2B
- Wuyang x 9S
- Vendetta x A2
- Mercy x Commander White
- Lifeweaver x Adam
All five skins are available for purchase as a bundle, which also includes emotes, victory poses, name cards, player icons, and sprays for each hero, all for 16,700 Overwatch Coins. The bundle is currently discounted by 58% to 6,900 Coins, likely as a limited-time offer. Alternatively, each skin can be purchased individually, along with its accompanying cosmetics, for 2,800 Overwatch Coins.
Mei Mythic Skin
Mei is the second hero to receive a Mythic skin this season, following Overwatch's commitment to releasing two Mythic skins per season. The Hop Online! skin gives Mei a playful online game avatar look, with three color variants and three hairstyle options. Like other Mythic skins, it can be purchased for 50 Mythic Prisms, with each of the three tier upgrades costing 10 Prisms individually.
Hero Updates
With five new heroes joining the roster in Season 1 and the introduction of sub-roles, balance changes were expected, and the first half of the season delivered several hotfixes accordingly. In the midseason patch, Blizzard continues to do this while also tackling issues surrounding sub-role passives. Here are all the changes:
- Medic Subrole: Increased self-healing from 25% to 40%.
- Bruiser Subrole: Now triggers below 50% health.
- Initiator Subrole: No longer triggers while at full health. Healing reduced from 75 to 60.
Tank
D.Va's Boosters cooldown has been increased from 3.5 to 4 seconds. Following the introduction of the Initiator sub-role passive, D.Va had become more lethal in combat. This change, combined with the recent nerf to the Initiator passive, now forces players to be more cautious when diving into battle.
Hazard has been reassigned from the Stalwart subrole to Initiator in the midseason patch. The new subrole’s passive better complements his ability kit and encourages players to find value in him as a Tank. The Stalwart passive reduces knockbacks and slows received. But now, Hazard will instead receive a 60 HP heal whenever he remains airborne for at least 0.8 seconds.
Ramattra has struggled this season, making these buffs a welcome relief for players. His Void Barrier cooldown has been reduced from 13 to 12 seconds, while his ultimate, Annihilation, now deals 35 damage per second, up from 30. Both changes carry significant weight. The shield buff improves Ramattra's sustainability as a Tank, while the ultimate upgrade gives him greater impact in team fights.
Roadhog's Scrap Gun damage per pellet has been increased from 6.5 to 7. With the hero underperforming relative to expectations, this buff to his primary fire should allow him to be more proactive in engagements. The Scrap Gun fires 25 pellets per shot, meaning the change brings his close-range damage per shot to 175 HP, boosting his one-shot potential.
Damage
Anran's Inferno Rush ability will now allow her to automatically climb over small ledges. Additionally, its jump height when active has been increased by 20%. These changes offer Anran a bit more fluidity while using the movement ability.
Emre receives only a minor change in this patch. His Altered Visuals passive, which grants an instant 30 HP heal when activated, has had its trigger time reduced from 4.5 to 4 seconds. While Emre's ultimate is certainly strong, his overall playability hasn't made him a top choice for DPS players in Season 1. With this update, he gets a small but welcome nudge in the right direction.
Balancing Vendetta has been a challenge for the developers for some time now. She receives two changes this patch:
- Raging Storm has been moved from a Major to a Minor perk, and its damage per tick has been reduced from 35 to 30.
- Siphoning Strike has been moved from a Minor to a Major perk, and its overhead lifesteal has been increased from 30% to 40%.
Previously, the combination of the Siphoning Strike (Minor) and Relentless (Major) Perks made Vendetta's dives extremely difficult to counter. By breaking up this combo, the developers aim to push Vendetta closer to a more balanced state.
Support
Illari’s strong healing and damage-dealing potential made her a top Support choice, so she receives a couple of nerfs this patch:
- Summer Solstice (Minor Perk): Attack speed gain reduced from 30% to 20%.
- Sunburn (Major Perk): Damage reduced from 70 to 50.
- Solar Rifle (Secondary Fire): Maximum resource reduced from 3.5 to 3 seconds.
While the perk adjustments are relatively minor, the Solar Rifle nerf will noticeably impact Illari's healing output.
Jetpack Cat has been a menace since her arrival, and this patch aims to address that. She receives another round of nerfs, starting with the removal of her Territorial Major Perk, which has been replaced by Claws Out, a perk that previously occupied a Minor slot. Claws Out also sees its cooldown reduced from 8 to 6 seconds. A new Minor Perk, Ulterior Motive, joins her kit, allowing Cat to convert 15% of her primary fire damage into fuel.
Mizuki receives a necessary buff in the midseason patch. His Remedy Aura range has been increased from 10 to 12 meters, and the time before it begins to degenerate has been reduced from 2 to 1.75 seconds. Since his aura is his primary healing tool, its range directly dictates his overall healing potential. This change makes him a significantly stronger Support option.
Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for more updates on the latest season of Overwatch. You can also follow us on our X account for the latest content and coverage.
Featured Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment
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