Overwatch 2 hero tweaking may be scaled back after new Lifeweaver update, according to devs

Overwatch 2 developers Blizzard are no strangers to launching sweeping gameplay updates, and it looks like they have their sights set on a fan-favorite healer with Lifeweaver changes confirmed to be on the way soon—but after that, players may see fewer hero updates for a short while.

As the developers begin to test the return of 6v6 in Overwatch 2, game director Alec Dawson and lead hero designer Aaron Keller have shared their thoughts about upcoming changes to the game in an episode of the Group Up podcast on Aug. 2. On top of this core gameplay shakeup, both developers teased changes to hero design, including an unspecified rework to Lifeweaver.

The two developers were asked a plethora of questions about the future of OW2. These inquiries were sourced and created by the two streamers and spanned topics such as six-versus-six, the general reception of the game, and hero-specific changes. When asked which characters are being looked at, Dawson stated there were “Lifeweaver changes I’m excited about coming in the next patch.” Unfortunately, neither developer went far into the exact changes to the healer’s kit.

Due to this vague announcement, many players on X (formerly Twitter) discussed the changes they want Lifeweaver to receive. Some believe that the character is already “too annoying” to play against and want the rework to focus on nerfing his mobility and self-sustain. Others are hopeful devs will change his kit in a “meaningful” way instead of just shifting around damage or healing numbers.

Alongside the discussion of Lifeweaver’s rework, Keller provided a detailed explanation of the team’s developmental resources. Since the OW2 team is officially investigating the return of 6v6 Keller mentioned the onset of such a huge gameplay change could slow down further hero development or reworks. “The more hero design resources you potentially put into [gameplay] reworks, could theoretically slow down other hero work happening,” Keller said.

While it is unclear how Lifeweaver’s kit will function after this rework, players can experience the changes first-hand on Aug. 27 when the Overwatch 2 patch officially lands. After that, it could be some time until we see significant hero updates come our way.