Overwatch 2‘s Season 9 is bringing a game-changing update that’s set to shake things up on the battlefield. Blizzard is introducing passive healing abilities to Tank and Damage heroes.
Before we hit the panic button, let’s clarify. This is not a full-scale replication of the Support hero’s healing powers. Game director Aaron Keller emphasized that this new feature is a “modified, tuned-down version” of the Support passive. The intention here is not to overshadow the significance of Support heroes but to offer a lifeline in those critical moments when Support might be otherwise engaged.
With Tanks and Damage heroes gaining a self-healing ability, the gameplay shifts subtly towards individual resilience. Support players can now explore more varied roles during matches, potentially leading to more diverse and dynamic team compositions.
As Aaron Keller highlighted, Overwatch’s essence is the constant interplay between team power and individual hero prowess. This new update nudges that balance, providing individual players more autonomy over their survival. It’s a move that could make the gameplay feel more forgiving, especially for those moments when team coordination falters.
Season 9’s introduction of passive healing for Tank and Damage heroes could alter the pace and feel of matches. It might lead to longer engagements, more thrilling comebacks, and perhaps a decrease in the frequency of overwhelming defeats. It’s an exciting prospect that could make each match more engaging and less predictable.