In a significant update for Overwatch 2, Blizzard has implemented a hotfix to further enhance Sombra, just days after her extensive rework at the start of Season 13. This update aims to refine her gameplay and boost her effectiveness on the battlefield.
Sombra’s Hotfix Details
Initially, Sombra underwent major changes at the beginning of Season 13. Her Stealth ability was modified, limiting its duration, and the Opportunist passive was reintroduced. On October 21, Blizzard released a hotfix that specifically buffed Sombra’s Translocator cooldown, reducing it from 7 seconds to 6 seconds.
This adjustment is crucial, as the Translocator is the primary means for Sombra to activate her Stealth ability in this new iteration. The reduced cooldown allows her to reposition more frequently, enhancing her mobility and survivability during skirmishes.
Insights from Blizzard’s Lead Gameplay Engineer
Daniel Razza, Overwatch 2’s lead gameplay engineer, shared insights regarding the rationale behind this hotfix. He noted that Blizzard is testing new Rapid Balance Update technology with this change.
Razza explained, “We’re monitoring how this new tech performs and exploring how we can use it in the future.” This approach reflects Blizzard’s commitment to refining gameplay balance more dynamically.
Latest Patch Notes for Sombra
Here’s a summary of Sombra’s recent patch notes following the hotfix:
- Hack:
- No longer ends Stealth but reveals Sombra.
- Ability lockout duration reduced from 1.5 to 1.0 seconds (EMP duration remains unchanged).
- B.O.B. hacked stun duration reduced from 10 to 3 seconds.
- Translocator:
- Cooldown reduced from 7 to 6 seconds.
- EMP:
- Ultimate cost increased by 12%.
- Stealth:
- No longer a passive ability; now activates via Translocator.
- Duration of 5 seconds.
- Added a Stealth timer around the reticle; ability icon removed.
- Taking damage reveals Sombra for 1 second instead of ending Stealth.
- Opportunist:
- Returns to increase Sombra’s weapon damage against hacked targets by 20%.
- Allows Sombra to see critically injured enemies through walls.
Understanding the Stealth Change
The developers emphasized that limiting the duration of Stealth creates more opportunities for Sombra to be vulnerable. This shift encourages players to adopt a more cautious playstyle when navigating behind enemy lines.
According to Blizzard, this change aims to make Sombra’s gameplay more interactive for opposing teams, transitioning some of her power from utility-based gameplay to increased lethality.
Conclusion
With these adjustments, Sombra is poised to be a more dynamic and impactful hero in Overwatch 2. The recent hotfix not only buffs her abilities but also reshapes her role within team compositions. Players will need to adapt their strategies to leverage Sombra’s enhanced mobility while maintaining a careful approach to her playstyle.
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