Blizzard has been on the roll lately, as evident by the tons of updates released on “Overwatch” Public Test Realm. But perhaps the most interesting one is set of changes coming to Junkrat. The explosive expert is finally getting an interesting nerf.
According to PVP Live, the PTR server in “Overwatch” was recently upgraded with a new update. The only catch, however, is that the studio never mentioned anything about it. But for data miners and enthusiasts, this could be the update for the aforementioned hero.
Possible buffs coming to Junkrat
There was basically a background download, albeit unknown, that weighed around 4.18 GB.
Since it is a background update, it does not necessarily mean something huge. However, based on the history of the studio, such update would mean an incoming huge patch. On the official Reddit page of the game, the studio’s very own community manager Bill Warnecke offered some explanation regarding the update. Basically, they are preparing the game for the 1.14 PTR version. It is reportedly meant to include all the changes that principal lead designer Geoff Goodman discussed before.
Apparently, the upcoming “Overwatch” PTR update will also bring a couple of file format changes. This explains the huge size of the background download. It is also meant to prevent the client from overloading the distribution servers, which usually happens from time to time.
It is worth noting that Goodman talked about their plans to give Junkrat the triple jump ability. Basically, his Concussion Mine charges when a couple of seconds after it is detonated. But with the new changes, he should be able to reuse the skill immediately after detonating it. This should allow him to plunge himself further, giving him the mobility that players have been hoping to see.
More than the Concussion Mine
It holds true that the skill will soon be changed, though there is no definite time announced by the “Overwatch” developer. Interestingly, Goodman confirmed that aside from the bomb, Junkrat’s Rip-Tire would also be getting a buff. Although he did not elaborate, it could either be an increase in its speed or health base.
Either way, this should make the hero more significant in the battlefield.
Furthermore, Blizzard plans to make Roadhog more effective in “Overwatch.” In his latest update, his hook combo has gone astray. He no longer is capable of eliminating an enemy with just a single blow from the combo. The studio now wants to revisit a couple of options and see if they can play around his damage reduction. The only catch, however, is that when they did this to Bastion before, the character became a pain in the head. He was eventually nerfed, though.
