New Overwatch Patch Overhauls Bastion, Adds Server Browser

A new update is now available for Overwatch that introduces a server browser and makes some major balance changes.

Most of this doesn't come as a big surprise, as many of these changes have already been available on Overwatch's public test realm. The server browser allows players to create their own matches with custom rules or join those set up by others. The video below provides a quick rundown on what it makes possible.

On the balance side, Bastion sees the most significant adjustments. As detailed previously, Blizzard hopes to make him stronger and more self-sufficient. Sentry mode can be entered more quickly, protects Bastion from headshots, and provides a larger magazine size. However, bullet spread is larger and always at maximum, and he can no longer deal critical damage. In Recon mode, he can fire more shots before having to reload and has less bullet spread. Additionally, the Self-Repair ability can now be used while on the move and isn't interrupted when he suffers damage, but it acts off a resource meter similar to D.Va's Defense Matrix. You can read more about all of this here.

Roadhog sees his weapon's spread reduced by 20 percent and his hook nerfed, while the area where Winston can be critically hit has been reduced.

Other key balance changes prevent Mercy from being killed while activating her Ultimate, and Eichenwalde's second gate has been modified to give the attacking team a better chance at successfully moving the payload past that point.

One new change we hadn't seen previously involves the respawn delay. "When attackers outnumber defenders while taking a control point on Assault, Escort, and Assault/Escort maps, the defenders' respawn time will slowly increase until it hits a maximum value or the defense manages to gain the upper hand," the patch notes explain.

Blizzard's accompanying comments explain why this change was implemented: "Until now, stalling an attack by repeatedly throwing yourself at the point has been a common defensive strategy on Assault, Escort and Assault/Escort maps--even when the attackers have a decisive advantage. Typically, this tactic doesn't change the outcome of battle; it simply delays the attackers' progress."

Full patch notes can be seen on Blizzard's forums. There's still no word on when the new character who has been teased over the past week will be revealed

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