Overwatch Kanezaka Challenge update drastically nerfs Sigma: patch notes
A new Overwatch patch has gone live on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Switch consoles bringing in a new Hanzo-themed mini event, the new Kanezaka death match map and some nerfs to Sigma.
The big addition this patch is theKanezaka Challenge, which has players tasked with winning matches to unlock an exclusive player icon, spray and eventually a special Kyōgisha Hanzo skin.
That’s not all, however. Overwatch finally has a new map in the form of Kanezaka, which is amusingly positioned just below Hanamura, making it the game’s second Japanese map.
Kanezaka is filled with all sorts of secrets, cat cafes, night clubs and even possible hero teasers for characters coming to Overwatch 2, so it’s definitely worth exploring.
Finally, the update also features a variety of nerfs, the biggest of which goes to Sigma who sees his barrier cooldown increased from one second to two and a half.
With Sigma being nerfed like this, it will be interesting to see if his meta dominance continues, given the fact that being able to rapidly redeploy the barrier was such a big part of his kit.
Elsewhere, Wrecking Ball is seeing his personal shields gained decreased from 100 HP to 75 HP per person, which should decrease his effectiveness and make him slightly more vulnerable.
Ashe is also seeing a nerf with her damage when aiming down sights decreased from 80 to 75, however, her ADS recovery time is reduced, so the devs are trying to compensate for lowing her damage.
The Kanezaka Challenge runs until January 25 to be sure to check it out and unlock those rewards.
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Full patch notes:
NEW MAP: KANEZAKA
KANEZAKA CHALLENGE
Celebrate the release of Overwatch’s newest map with the Kanezaka Challenge! Through January 25, earn limited-time rewards, including the new Kyōgisha Hanzo skin, by winning games and watching Overwatch on Twitch.
Learn more about theKanezaka Challengeon the Overwatch website.
GENERAL UPDATES
Feature Update: Replay Viewer Custom Spectator Options
HERO UPDATES
Developer Comments: Ashe being able to eliminate 200 health enemy heroes with one headshot while assisted by 30% damage boost became too dominant, especially when combined with the other improvements to her weapon. We are lowering the maximum damage but also the shot recovery time to keep her overall damage output relatively the same.
Storm Arrows
Developer Comments: This rate of fire change improves the feel and effectiveness of the Storm Arrows ability and though small, adds up over the course of firing 5 arrows.
Experimental Barrier
Developer Comments: We’re increasing the cooldown of Sigma’s barrier to require a higher commitment to its placement and open up additional opportunities for counterplay.
Wrecking Ball
Adaptive Shield
Developer Comments: Wrecking Ball’s high mobility and potential for massive shield health have left him a bit too survivable after the overall damage and crowd control in the game have been tuned down. We are reducing the amount of additional shields he generates per target though the base 100 shields from the ability remains unchanged.
