Overwatch Season 5 Patch Nerfs Doctrine and D.Mon

Blizzard released Overwatch Season 5’s midseason patch for PC through Battle.net and Steam. The update has a download size of about 9 GB and changes heroes in the standard game and Stadium mode.

Doctrine received several nerfs. Eternal Scepter’s primary-fire recovery time increased from 0.6 to 0.65 seconds. Its infused damage fell from 90 to 80, while infused healing fell from 120 to 110. Shrouded Momentum’s cooldown increased from eight to 10 seconds, and Infuse’s cooldown increased from eight to nine seconds.

D.Mon’s Overstrike perk now provides 125% lifesteal, down from 150%. Power Barrier’s recovery time increased from 0.2 to 0.3 seconds and now has a minimum deployment duration of 0.25 seconds. Propulsors no longer deal impact damage.

Mauga’s base armor increased from 125 to 150, and the burning damage from Incendiary Chainguns rose from 15 to 20 per second. Junker Queen’s base health increased from 375 to 425 in standard play and from 450 to 500 in 6v6. Her Carnage cooldown fell from nine to seven seconds.

Other standard-mode changes include a reduction to Genji’s Deflect duration from two seconds to 1.5 seconds and a reduction to Ana’s Biotic Grenade explosion damage from 90 to 60. Reaper’s base health increased from 275 to 300. Brigitte’s Inspire internal cooldown fell from 1.25 to one second, and its instant healing increased from 12 to 15. Illari’s Solar Rifle reaches maximum charge faster, while Healing Pylon healing increased from 40 to 50 per projectile.

Anran’s Zhuque Fans damage increased from 22 to 24. Jetpack Cat’s base health fell from 225 to 200. Sombra’s Hotfix duration decreased from 12 to 10 seconds, and its Weaken effect fell from 50% to 40%. Ramattra’s Void Accelerator ammunition increased from 100 to 125. The patch includes additional changes for Echo, Emre, Hanzo, Shion, Vendetta and Winston.

Stadium changes include lower damage for Winston’s Tesla Field, higher damage for Cassidy’s Barrage Blastin’ and Silver Bullet, and stronger Swift Strike damage for Genji’s Wyrm’s Maw. Sojourn’s Hard Stuck power deals more damage, while Vendetta’s Apex Bloodlust lifesteal decreased from 4% to 3%.

Blizzard updated its gameplay-sabotage detection tools to identify repeated disruptive behavior. Examples include deliberately failing to participate in team fights, repeatedly jumping off the map and intentionally blocking team progress.

The Taking Reign event runs from Nov. 3 through Dec. 7 and advances the Reign of Talon storyline. Players can complete challenges for rewards. A premium event pass costs 1,000 Overwatch Coins and includes the Legendary Resurgence Doomfist skin, Vendetta’s Heroic Weapon and other cosmetics.

The Excavation Initiative has returned for the same period. Players can earn Loot Boxes by logging in and winning games, with further challenges offering Base, Epic and Legendary Loot Boxes. Junkrat’s Loot Hunt runs from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 and includes double experience for every match.

The OWCS World Finals Cheer Rally runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 7. Players can earn rewards through in-game challenges and broadcasts of the finals, scheduled for Dec. 2-6.

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