Overwatch Balance Reversal: Changes to Mei and Cassidy retracted

Overwatch 2

June 28, 2023

Jaishil Mistry

In a surprising turn of events, Blizzard Entertainment has decided to roll back some significant balance changes made to the popular team-based shooting game, Overwatch 2. The changes, which were introduced at the start of season five, primarily affected two DPS heroes: Mei and Cassidy. However, just two weeks after their implementation, the game’s lead hero designer, Alec Dawson, announced that the team is dialing back on these changes.

The initial changes were part of Blizzard’s effort to reintroduce more crowd control abilities for non-tank heroes as the game transitioned to five-vs-five play. Mei and Cassidy were the primary beneficiaries of this change, but the recent announcement indicates that Blizzard is seeking a more balanced approach.

Source: Overwatch 2

Dawson stated:

“Mei and Cassidy adjustments are both in response to how their kits have been playing since S5 changes. We’re pulling back a bit here on their CC additions and will continue to monitor. Finding more of a middle ground for Mei, damage going up on primary and slow going down. Cassidy’s Magnetic Grenade will have a slightly lower seeking radius and homing duration.”

The adjustments to Mei and Cassidy will be part of a hotfix this week, separate from the larger mid-cycle patch set for next month. Lifeweaver, another hero, will also receive a buff to his kit in the form of more damage to his Thorn Volley as part of the hotfix.

The balance changes had stirred up the Overwatch community. Cassidy’s Magnetic Grenade, with its new movement-hindering effect and increased projectile range, was seen as overpowered. Mei’s primary fire, which had a significantly enhanced slowing effect, raised concerns about its potential as a powerful tool for a hero already heavily used in professional play and Brawl compositions.

The timing of these changes is somewhat unusual, coming two weeks after the changes were made and two weeks before the mid-cycle patch. This suggests that Blizzard felt the need to act quickly due to feedback from players.