Overwatch 2 Season 5 Buffs Genji and Nerfs Cassidy

Blizzard has released the Overwatch 2 Season 5 update, which adds the Grímsvötn Escort map, Halloween-themed map versions and balance changes for several heroes. Roadhog and Sombra have also received reworks.

Genji’s Swift Strike damage has increased from 50 to 60. Dragonblade damage has fallen from 110 to 100, while its swing speed has increased by 15%. Cassidy’s Deadeye can no longer attach to Jetpack Cat’s Lifeline, ending the interaction known as “Sky Noon.”

D.Va’s Micro Missiles now fire 14 shots per second, up from 11. Domina’s Crystal Charge cooldown has dropped from eight to seven seconds, and the lifesteal from her Reconstruction passive has increased from 75% to 100%. Bastion’s Reconfigure duration has been reduced from six seconds to five.

Doctrine has received several changes compared with the version available during the Hero Trial. The hero’s ultimate cost is 8% higher, while the damage and healing conversion from the Transfusion major perk has been reduced by 50%. Invigorating Drones now attack at 30% speed, down from 35%. Shrouded Momentum has an eight-second cooldown instead of seven, provides 40% damage reduction instead of 50% and no longer grants critical-hit immunity.

Deliverance’s drone fire rate has increased from four to five. Its overhealth and debuff duration have been reduced from eight seconds to six, while its decay duration has dropped from five seconds to four.

Emre’s Cyber Frag cooldown has been reduced from 10 seconds to nine. Ana’s Groggy minor perk has been replaced by Local Anesthetic, which makes Sleep Dart explode on impact, slow enemies and deal 45 damage over three seconds. Shion’s Rapid Reload minor perk has been replaced by Survival Instinct, which extends Evade’s overhealth duration by one second.

Lucio’s Sound Barrier now lasts six seconds instead of five. His Beat Drop minor perk keeps Amp It Up active for four seconds after Sound Barrier is cast.

The update adds Grímsvötn, a new Escort map. Halloween versions of Hollywood, Lijiang Tower and Château Guillard are available in all queues through Nov. 3. Blizzard has fixed a sightline through a door near Eichenwalde’s first chokepoint that defenders could use.

Mystery Heroes once again has a three-Tank limit. The Advanced Info Panel now displays projectile speed and size for relevant abilities and weapons, along with descriptions of complex mechanics. Enemy-hero text has been removed from the chat box when players use the ping system.

Map Voting will not offer either of a player’s previous two maps within two hours. Escort and Hybrid count as one mode for voting, allowing the system to present at least two different modes. The randomly selected map is exempt from these rules.

Blizzard has adjusted hit volumes for heroes across all three roles. The changes affect head, torso, waist, arm, hand and leg areas for multiple tanks, damage heroes and supports, including Ana, Baptiste, Cassidy, Jetpack Cat, Juno, Kiriko, Lifeweaver, Mercy, Sombra and Zenyatta.

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