Overwatch 2 Hero: Epic Surprises Await Fans on October 10!

Highlights

Tanks in Overwatch 2 underwent major changes, with only one frontline character per team and increased health. For example, Orisa received skillset overhauls for versatility.

Roadhog's performance in Overwatch has been underwhelming compared to other tanks, prompting developers to plan a rework for him in Season 7. His survivability and combo potential have been weakened, making it more difficult for him to fulfill his role as a frontline character in the evolving tank meta.

Tanks in Overwatch 2 have undergone significant changes due to the transition from 6v6 to 5v5, resulting in a reduction of frontliners per team to just one. This adjustment includes the addition of a passive ability for the tank role, reducing knockbacks and significantly increasing base health. Some heroes, such as Orisa, have also undergone skillset overhauls to enhance their versatility as solo tanks. However, there is one character who has not performed as effectively as the other tanks in Overwatch 2, and the developers are considering a rework for this character once season 7 begins on October 10.

In May, the Overwatch 2 team revealed their 2023 Roadmap, which teased upcoming story missions, new maps, and other fresh content. Season 5 left some players dissatisfied with its lackluster game modes and underwhelming Questwatch event. Season 6 attempted to make amends with story missions, but with moderate success. Moving forward, season 7 and beyond will focus on hero reworks and new events. One of the characters in dire need of changes is Roadhog, as he has not seen much playtime in high-ranking and professional matches.

Why Roadhog Needs a Rework in Overwatch 2

Roadhog was previously a formidable off-tank in the first game due to his ability to survive and instantly eliminate opponents with his chain hook and scrap gun combo. This allowed him to freely navigate the map as his partner tank would typically choose a more defensive hero to complement his aggressive playstyle. However, this does not mean that he is incapable of being an effective frontline character.

By executing his usual strategy of targeting vulnerable damage dealers and support heroes, Roadhog can divert a significant amount of enemy attention towards himself. With the support of a proficient healer and strategic use of his Take a Breather ability, players can disrupt the enemy team for extended periods of time. Their teammates can then take advantage of this distraction by advancing towards the objective and even launching surprise attacks on the enemy team.

Due to the substantial alterations to the tank role in Overwatch 2, Roadhog mains must exercise caution as they are now the sole frontline presence on their team. If Roadhog is eliminated, there is no longer a shield-bearing Sigma or Reinhardt to maintain the defensive line until his return. Additionally, Roadhog's chain hook and scrap gun combo has been significantly nerfed, rendering it unable to instantaneously eliminate even the most fragile targets. Furthermore, his reload time has been nerfed. Although the developers did increase the duration of his ultimate ability from six to eight seconds, Roadhog still finds himself in a disadvantageous position.

The question of why one would select Roadhog over other more defensive and adaptable tanks in the game often arises.

Roadhog Mains Could See a Character Rework in Overwatch 2 Season 7

The development team has acknowledged that Roadhog is currently in a disadvantageous position in the meta and that his abilities do not align well with Overwatch 2's 5v5 format. In light of this, Blizzard has recently announced their plans to give Roadhog a soft rework. The changes are expected to be implemented in season 7 and onwards, as mentioned in the developers' 2023 roadmap, which may begin as early as October 10. Additionally, other heroes such as Sombra will also undergo significant adjustments to their abilities.

Blizzard has kept the details of Roadhog's rework tightly under wraps. Therefore, players will have to wait until at least October 10 to discover the modifications, additions, or removals that will be made to his skills. The Overwatch 2 team is committed to maintaining the core essence of its heroes, as demonstrated by the reworks given to heroes like Mercy and Orisa. Consequently, it will be intriguing to observe how the team will balance Roadhog's inherently aggressive playstyle with the more defensive role that tanks have in the 5v5 Overwatch format through these upcoming reworks.

Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.