Overview of Recent Mercy Buffs in Overwatch: Classic
- A hotfix for Overwatch 2 has enhanced Mercy’s abilities in Overwatch: Classic, notably improving her Guardian Angel and Resurrection skills.
- This update seeks to revert Mercy’s abilities to their pre-2017 balance, rather than providing her new enhancements.
- The implementation of this hotfix exemplifies Overwatch 2’s Rapid Balance Update system, which facilitates swift adjustments for bug fixes and gameplay balance between major updates.
Overwatch 2 recently rolled out a significant hotfix that bolsters Mercy’s performance in Overwatch: Classic, ensuring that her iconic prowess from the “Moth Meta”echoes through gameplay during this nostalgic event.
Reviving the Essence of Overwatch: Classic
This revival of Overwatch: Classic is a limited-time game mode initially introduced last year, harkening back to the original Overwatch experience at its launch. On February 4, players were transported back to the dynamics of September 2017, a time characterized by the introduction of heroes like Ana and Sombra, as well as significant gameplay mechanics such as Symmetra’s Photon Barrier and DPS Doomfist. During this period, Mercy emerged as a staple on every team, thanks to her revamped instantaneous Resurrect skill paired with the versatile Valkyrie ultimate, leading to what players dubbed the “Moth Meta.”
Details of the Hotfix
As of February 6, the recent hotfix reestablishes Mercy’s role within the “Moth Meta” by enhancing her Guardian Angel’s speed and range while she is under the effects of her Valkyrie ultimate in Overwatch: Classic. Furthermore, the Resurrection ability has undergone adjustments, reducing the cast time to an instantaneous effect, allowing Mercy to provide timely assistance to her teammates. However, it is important to note that Mercy remains unable to execute her “Superjump” maneuver—a quirk from the original Overwatch that transitioned into her skill set.
Understanding the Motivations Behind the Buffs
Some players might question the necessity of boosting Mercy in a mode synonymous with her previous domination. The truth behind these buffs is that they aim to rectify previous inconsistencies, restoring her to a balanced state reminiscent of 2017, rather than inflicting a new set of enhancements.
Innovative Update Mechanism
This hotfix serves as an illustration of Overwatch 2’s innovative Rapid Balance Update technology. This system empowers the developers to deploy multiple smaller updates, addressing bugs and gameplay balance before the more extensive seasonal changes come into play. Anticipation is building within the community at the prospect of at least one additional hotfix focused on Doomfist as part of this ongoing adjustment strategy.
What’s Next for Overwatch: Classic?
Overwatch: Classic will remain accessible until February 18, paving the way for the commencement of Season 15. Prior to this, players can look forward to the Overwatch 2 Spotlight event on February 12, which promises to unveil new heroes, maps, and substantial PvP updates set to arrive in 2025. To sweeten the deal, players can earn exclusive skins, such as the Lucio Cyber DJ and Flirty Flare Baptiste Legendary skins, through free Twitch drops by participating in the event.
Overwatch: Classic Season 14 Hotfix – February 6
Hotfix Balance Update
This update is a targeted hero balance adjustment. Replay codes from the February 4, 2025 patch remain accessible.
Bug Fixes
Heroes
- Mercy
- Guardian Angel has been enhanced with increased speed and range when activated during Valkyrie.
- Mercy’s Resurrection cast time has been significantly improved.
Developer Comment: Our adjustments aimed to restore Mercy’s playful feel from 2017. Furthermore, we plan to initiate an update for Doomfist in an upcoming patch.
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