Overwatch January 8, 2026
66 days ago · 14 heroes changed · Full patch notes ↗
Win rate impact data is not available for this patch.
Balance Changes
The increased falloff range helped reinforce Ashe’s role as a long-range hitscan, but it has made her damage output too consistent at far distances. Partially reverting this change reins in her long-range pressure while preserving this identity.
- Ammo gained reduced from 2 to 1.
- Secondary fire falloff range reduced from 40-60 meters to 35-55 meters.
Recent fire-rate improvements enhanced the feel of Bastion’s primary fire but also increased his damage output more than desired. Reducing damage slightly offsets this while keeping the improved weapon flow intact.
- Damage reduced from 25 to 23.
Empowered Punch can be held indefinitely, creating situations with limited counterplay. Adding a duration sets clearer expectations while maintaining its intended impact. The Power Matrix adjustment aligns its effective area more closely with Doomfist’s model for gameplay clarity.
- Empowered punch now deteriorates after 20 seconds.
- Projectile absorption area scaled down to more closely match the size of Doomfist's model.
Extended Boosters successfully encouraged more aggressive Booster usage, but the damage bonus was too high for a minor perk. Reducing the value maintains its purpose while lowering overall lethality.
- Additional Booster damage reduced from 100% to 40%.
The primary-fire adjustments improve Freja’s baseline weapon consistency and reduce her reliance on empowered bolts. Increasing Take Aim’s damage restores an important breakpoint against 225-health targets while keeping its overall impact in check.
- Maximum spread reduced from 2 to 1.5 degrees.
- Spread now ramps up more slowly and fans out horizontally.
- Impact damage increased from 30 to 35.
Genji’s ammo allows more consistent pressure in fights and secure kills without needing to reload as often.
- Ammo increased from 24 to 30.
Illari offers less utility than other offensively oriented supports, so increasing her damage raises her impact and improves her effectiveness when she’s positioned well and landing shots.
- Maximum damage increased from 70 to 75.
- Minimum damage increased from 20 to 25.
Soundwave can be disruptive on a short cooldown. Increasing its cooldown reduces how frequently it can be used and slightly lowers Lucio’s overall pressure.
- Cooldown increased from 4 to 5 seconds.
This change increases Coalescence generation to better align its impact with other support ultimates.
Whole Hog’s knockback can make confirming eliminations difficult. This small damage increase improves its reliability, especially in open spaces.
- Damage per pellet increased from 6 to 7.
Reducing the secondary-fire projectile size increases the precision required to use it effectively. Lowering Teleporter durability provides clearer counterplay and encourages more deliberate placement.
- Base projectile size reduced from 0.5 to 0.4 meters.
- Base shield health reduced from 250 to 200.
While recent changes improved ability flow, Vendetta’s overall lethality has remained too high. These adjustments reduce key breakpoints and alter the combinations required to secure eliminations.
- Damage reduced from 80 to 70.
- Soaring Slice now starts on cooldown when respawning (does not apply when Resurrected or in Death Match)
- Damage reduced from 80 to 70.
- Damage reduced from 40 to 35 per spin.
Drill Dash could feel too reliable when used in close proximity. Reducing the radius requires slightly more control and better aligns the ability’s impact with its visual size.
- Radius reduced from 2.4 to 2.0 meters.
Zenyatta’s limited survivability and defensive options can limit his overall impact. Increasing Discord Orb’s amplification improves his contribution when he’s able to position safely and keep the Discord Orb active.
- Damage amplification increased from 25% to 30%.