Recent updates from an Overwatch 2 developer indicate that proposed reworks for popular heroes Reaper and Moira have been shelved, raising questions about the game’s evolving character dynamics.
With continuous character introductions—approximately every two seasons—the Overwatch meta is in a constant state of flux. As a result, certain heroes struggle to maintain their competitiveness in this ever-changing landscape. To address these challenges, Blizzard has historically implemented significant hero reworks, exemplified by recent updates to Sombra and Roadhog. However, new developments have shown that Moira and Reaper’s potential revisions are currently off the table.
Planned Reworks for Moira and Reaper Abandoned
In a recent statement by Gavin Winter, Senior Systems Designer, during a stream with Emongg at the Overwatch Spotlight event, it was revealed that the development team had been exploring major modifications for both Moira and Reaper. Unfortunately, these plans did not yield satisfactory results, leading to their suspension. Moira’s rework had been a topic of discussion for a while, with a prototype tested during the OW2 beta phase. This iteration featured a Necrotic Orb designed to debuff enemies, enabling allies to withstand powerful Ultimate attacks from heroes like D. Va.
Ultimately, these innovative changes were scrapped, leaving Moira’s abilities largely unchanged from her original design in Overwatch 2.
Multiple Reworks Scrapped in #Overwatch2 🧰Gavin Winters confirmed to @emonggtv that reworks for Moira and Reaper were in development, but neither are currently being looked at.pic.twitter.com/niMp1m0tWq
— Overwatch Cavalry (@OWCavalry) February 13, 2025
On the other hand, a rework for Reaper was anticipated back in late 2023, with promises of a refreshed kit meant to modernize his gameplay. However, Alec Dawson later clarified that while testing a new secondary ability, the team ultimately decided against its implementation as it did not align well with Reaper’s character. Updates have been scarce since early 2024, suggesting the rework is indefinitely postponed.
A significant factor in this decision-making process may relate to the introduction of a new Perks system, which equips all heroes with two additional effects or abilities during gameplay. For Reaper, one of the available perks, named Dire Triggers, offers a long-range secondary fire capability, though it remains uncertain if this feature corresponds with the previously abandoned rework.
There remains a possibility that developers could eventually revive discussions surrounding the reworks for both Moira and Reaper. However, given the upcoming changes brought about by the Perks system and the imminent introduction of the Stadium mode in Season 16, it appears that substantial updates for these heroes may not come to fruition in the near future.
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