Overwatch 2: Hanzo’s One-Shot Kills Return in Mid-Season Patch, Players Divided

Overwatch 2 players have expressed mixed opinions regarding the mid-season 12 patch released on September 17, which reinstated Hanzo’s capability to one-shot various heroes.

Hanzo and Widowmaker have consistently been among the most contentious heroes in Overwatch due to their potential for one-shot kills.

Previously, the developers removed Hanzo’s one-shot elimination ability in a few past updates; however, the Japanese marksman regained some of that power on September 17, following a series of changes.

Despite the adjustments that reduced the size of his arrows and increased the charge-up time of his bow, Hanzo’s arrow damage was elevated from 120 to 125, allowing for headshots to once again instantly eliminate a target.

I’M GOING TO FUCKING JUMP OFF A CLIFF WHY DID THEY GIVE HANZO ONE SHOT BACK pic.twitter.com/rA9XAMh62U

— SpiritFire (@SpiritFireTweet) September 17, 2024

The buffs ignited a significant discussion within the community, with some players advocating for other heroes to regain their kill combos, while others questioned the necessity of the changes to Hanzo.

Why can Hanzo oneshot 250 hp heroes but Junk can’t with his combo 🥲 pic.twitter.com/v99AIRiDBg

— NTMR Aquamarine (@AquamarineOW) September 17, 2024

“Why can Hanzo oneshot 250 hp heroes, but Junk can’t with his combo?” questioned Junkrat main and Twitch streamer Aquamarine.

However, not all viewers concurred, asserting that Junkrat’s grenade-mine combo is relatively easy to execute.

Debates surged across social media platforms and Reddit, where players discussed the implications of the buffs and their impact on game balance.

“If the goddamn fun eraser called Widow can do it without having to engage in a team fight at all, then he should be able to headshot, too,” one player argued in response.

Good. If the goddamn fun eraser called Widow can do it without having to engage in a Team fight at all, he should be able to headshot too. 🙂

— Miles (@spookyy_miles) September 17, 2024

“Worst thing coming out of this patch. Now he’s a tank buster and can one-shot,” argued another player.

“Hanzo’s one-shot capability has basically reverted… I feel indifferent, but what purpose did the season 9 health changes serve?” a Reddit user asked, alluding to the significant health pool modifications implemented earlier in the year.

“His projectiles are smaller, and his fire rate is reduced, so it logically fits while the health patch accomplishes exactly what it was intended to,” responded someone else.

As it’s still early after the mid-season patch’s launch, the community will have to monitor how Hanzo’s role in Overwatch 2’s meta evolves, and whether the archer’s balance adjustments require further modifications… or if concerns regarding him were overstated.

Source