Overwatch 2: A Case for Space Ranger's Resemblance to Mercy over Illari

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Exciting updates were unveiled at BlizzCon 2023 for Overwatch 2, featuring a range of new game modes, maps, and heroes. Among the additions, players can look forward to controlling the formidable tank character Mauga, as well as the much-anticipated support character known as "Space Ranger," whose codename continues to generate buzz.

The highly anticipated release of Space Ranger in Season 12, tentatively set for July 2024, has fans eagerly anticipating her abilities and hoping for a resemblance to Mercy, prioritizing healing and enabling her team rather than resembling Illari. Although concrete information on Space Ranger is scarce, it is rumored that she may wield a burst-fire smart SMG as her primary weapon and utilize rocket pods for enhanced mobility. Speculation also suggests that her healing capabilities will be intricately linked to her SMG, making her an exceptional support hero with a primary emphasis on healing rather than inflicting damage.

BlizzCon 2023 was filled with an abundance of information, primarily focused on the future of Overwatch 2. To the delight of hero-shooter enthusiasts, the convention unveiled fresh game modes, maps, and heroes. Along with the highly anticipated tank character Mauga, the community was given a sneak peek of an upcoming support character, currently known as "Space Ranger."

Currently, plans indicate that Space Ranger is scheduled for release in Season 12. This follows Overwatch 2's character release pattern, with Mauga set for Season 8 and the new DPS hero Venture coming in Season 10. Although Season 12 is projected to launch around July 2024, some individuals are eager for the Martian hero's debut, hoping she will exhibit more similarities to Mercy rather than Illari.

Overwatch 2 Needs More Support Heroes Focused on Enabling Their Team

With the introduction of Season 7 in Overwatch 2, the number of support characters has increased to a total of ten. Among them, three have joined the roster after the release of Overwatch 2. One of the latest additions is Illari, a support hero known for her impressive damage-dealing capabilities in the right hands. However, since Season 6, Illari's Healing Pylon and her damage statistics have sparked controversy, leading to recent nerfs to her Solar Rifle. This is not the first time supports capable of securing eliminations have faced criticism since the launch of the original Overwatch back in 2016. The focus of scrutiny falls on six support heroes who are often accused of inflicting excessive damage.

Illari

Zenyatta

Baptiste

Kiriko

Ana

Moira

Space Ranger Should Take a Page out of Mercy and Lifeweaver's Book

The details about the OW2 Space Ranger are currently limited, but Blizzard has confirmed that she will wield a burst-fire smart SMG. The exact function of the "smart" aspect of this weapon remains unclear, but it is possible that it could include an auto-tracking feature. Additionally, the rocket pods on her shoulders may provide enhanced maneuverability similar to Pharah's Hover Jets, potentially opening up possibilities for aerial healing.

Furthermore, while SMGs are typically associated with dealing damage, it is speculated that Space Ranger's SMG could serve as her primary method of healing. This would be advantageous for Overwatch 2 as there are already numerous support heroes available with abilities that excel at combatting squishy characters. Therefore, Space Ranger's focus should primarily be on healing, with potential variations such as Mercy's damage amplification and Lifeweaver's Life Grip. It is important for her to have some means of self-defense, like Lifeweaver's Thorn Volley or Mercy's Caduceus Blaster, but it should not be a central aspect of her kit.

Space Ranger should prioritize healing above all else.

If Space Ranger were to join Overwatch 2 during Season 12 as a support hero, sharing similarities with Mercy, it could greatly enrich the variety of support characters. Regrettably, it appears that the Overwatch 2 community will have to exercise patience, as it will take some time before they can experience playing as Space Ranger. As 2024 approaches, it is hoped that Blizzard will provide additional details regarding the Martian hero's unique abilities.

Overwatch 2 is a shooter game developed by Blizzard and published by Blizzard. It was released on October 4, 2022, and is available on multiple platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and PC. The game supports crossplay between PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. For more information, please visit the Official Site, Xbox Games Store, Nintendo eShop, Playstation Store, or Steam.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming release of Space Ranger in Overwatch 2. I am particularly interested in the possibility that she may resemble Mercy, my favorite support hero. I believe that Space Ranger should prioritize teamwork and strategic healing, similar to Mercy and Lifeweaver. This would be a great way to add more variety to the support role and make it more appealing to players who enjoy playing a more supportive role.

I am also intrigued by the rumors that Space Ranger may have a burst-fire smart SMG as her primary weapon and utilize rocket pods for enhanced mobility. These abilities would give her a unique playstyle that would set her apart from the other support heroes. I am eager to see how Blizzard implements these abilities and how they will affect the overall gameplay of Overwatch 2.