A new map and balance changes to popular characters McCree, Reaper, and Roadhog has hit Overwatch’s Public Test Region. Two Heroes of the Storm skins have also been added.
Blizzard teased the Horizon Lunar Colony map only yesterday, but PTR users can test it out now. Currently, the map is only available to PC users using the PTR within the Blizzard launcher. Once the testing is complete, all platforms will receive the new map for free, as usual.
The legendary HotS skins are Oni Genji and Officer D.Va, and will be in ‘classic look boxes’. These were available previously to players participating in a HotS event.
New Map
The new map comes from Winston’s backstory. It’s an abandoned base, formerly a research station that experimented on apes, including Winston. Many of the test subjects had a terrible time, but Winston actually enjoyed it, getting along with the human Winston he was named after. Players can even explore Winston’s old room, and an observatory with a huge telescope that the previous Overwatch used.
The Assault game mode will be used for the map, featuring two control points. There’s a lot of verticality with plenty of platforms on multiple levels.
Gravity
Players can experience the map with reduced gravity, exiting an airlock close to capture point A. The reduced gravity mode will be available in custom games. Players will be able to adjust player, projectile, and knockback gravity.
Balance Changes
McCree
If you already hated McCree’s Ultimate, get ready to grind those teeth. His Deadeye Ult will not take just 0.2 seconds to start locking onto opponents and the first-second damage has jumped from 20 to 80 points. Blizzard said McCree was getting killed before his Ult could start taking effect. Must be a problem for the pros.
Reaper
Reaper’s healing has changed in a big way. Instead of collecting orbs from fallen enemies, he will now convert 20% of damage done to other Heroes into health. This will allow Reaper to farm health from tank enemies, especially ones that can’t deal with his up-close damage output.
Roadhog
The big man’s head hitbox has been reduced to “increase his survivability”. There will also be updates to his Career Profile section.
There you have it. I’m super excited about Reaper’s changes and can’t wait for the update to hit consoles.
