Junkrat, Widowmaker, Orisa, and Roadhog get buffs on Overwatch PTR

A Deathmatch mode is coming, too.
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

With Summer Games in full swing over on the Overwatch live server, Overwatch’s public test region is back up with a whole bunch of hero balance changes—and a new game mode.

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Overwatch lead engineer Bill Warnecke teased the upcoming PTR patch in early August, noting that both Junkrat and Roadhog would receive buffs. Later, Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan spoke about potential Orisa buffs. Well, the latest Overwatch PTR patch that just went live adds all three of those changes, as well as a Widowmaker upgrade. Outside of hero balance, Overwatch’s PTR is now home to two new game modes, Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch.

Junkrat’s buffs are intended to give the Australian hero more flexibility and versatility. His mines can now be used for mobility, as he’s got an extra Concussion Mine available. RIP-Tire, too, has been tweaked. Movement speed is getting a 30 percent increase, while the wall-climbing time limit has been removed.

Related: Free-for-all and Team Deathmatch modes coming soon to Overwatch’s Arcade

“RIP-Tire’s damage has always been very good, but it was often difficult to steer the tire into position before it was destroyed,” the patch notes said. “Increasing its speed will allow players to effectively detonate the tire more often and decrease the amount of time that Junkrat is vulnerable while controlling it.”

Junkrat’s best bud, Roadhog, is getting a survivability buff with Take a Breather. Not only can it now be used while moving, but Take a Breather also allows Roadhog to take 50 percent less damage when it’s being used.

“These changes help Roadhog be much more aggressive when looking for hook targets or blocking for his team,” according to the patch notes. “The combination of these effects significantly increases Roadhog’s sustainability and survivability.”

French sniper Widowmaker is another hero getting a buff. Though she’s a powerful hero in a skilled players’ hands, her abilities often felt weak. To remedy that, Blizzard reduced the cooldown for her Grappling Hook from 12 seconds to eight, while allowing her Venom Mine affected targets to be visible through walls—but only for Widowmaker herself.

Lastly, Orisa just hasn’t caught on yet. Blizzard is hoping her buffs will make her a more viable tank. Projectiles shot from the Fusion Driver have had their speed increased by 20 percent, while the Protective Barrier has been increased in size by 20 percent. The shape has also been changed to allow for more coverage from enemies shooting from below.

Blizzard hasn’t revealed when this patch will hit the Overwatch live server, but it’ll likely be a while—at least until the Summer Games event is over.


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Nicole Carpenter
Nicole Carpenter is a reporter for Dot Esports. She lives in Massachusetts with her cat, Puppy, and dog, Major. She's a Zenyatta main who'd rather be playing D.Va.