Overwatch 2 Season 13, Spellbinder, has officially launched, introducing substantial adjustments to the game's hero roster. According to the official patch notes, Sombra has undergone the most significant changes, with her Stealth mechanic being reworked. Sombra now gains Stealth for five seconds after using Translocator, and while hacking enemies or taking damage will temporarily reveal her, it no longer ends her Stealth. Additionally, her Opportunist passive has been reinstated, allowing her to detect critically injured enemies through walls and deal increased damage to hacked targets. Game director Aaron Keller explained in a blog post that these changes aim to enhance Sombra's lethality and prevent her from occupying any position she desires while in Stealth.
Several Tank heroes, including Ramattra, Reinhardt, and Mauga, have also been modified in Season 13. Ramattra's Pummel ability no longer pierces shields but now deals 2.5x more damage to them, addressing player frustration with the previous shield-piercing feature. Reinhardt's Barrier Field health has been reduced by 100, prompting players to decide between using the barrier or taking hits directly. Mauga received a buff, with his incendiary chaingun's ignite damage now lasting four seconds instead of three, providing more effectiveness against smaller, harder-to-hit targets.
Juno, the latest Support hero, has been nerfed, with reduced healing amounts and a shorter falloff range for her Mediblaster. This change encourages better use of her mobility abilities for optimal positioning. Other heroes, such as Brigitte and Hanzo, have also seen minor updates, including increased cooldown for Brigitte's Repair Pack and a slight health boost for Hanzo.
Season 13 also introduces various map adjustments, with four maps—Circuit Royal, Havana, Dorado, and Numbani—receiving tweaks such as added cover, adjusted sightlines, new pathways, and altered spawn locations. A detailed before-and-after breakdown is available in the official patch notes.
The new game mode, Clash, has been adjusted to reduce one-sided matches and make it easier for Attackers to secure at least one segment of the final objective point. Additionally, Season 13 brings a new PvP Halloween game mode and revives previous PvE event modes like Junkenstein's Revenge and Wrath of the Bride. Exclusive My Hero Academia-themed skins are also on offer.
For a spooky twist, Mythic Spellbinder Widowmaker enchants the battlefield with stylish animations and enchanting effects. Engage in Junkenstein’s Laboratory, a Halloween Terror PvP mode with mutations turning heroes into horrors. The My Hero Academia collaboration features exclusive cosmetics inspired by iconic characters, allowing players to choose heroism or villainy with skins like Tracer as Deku and Reaper as Tomura Shigaraki. The Mega Bundle offers the ultimate My Hero Academia collection, available from October 17-30.
This Halloween, the Halloween Terror event offers a mix of new and returning game modes. Experience Junkenstein's Laboratory, a fast-paced Team Deathmatch with cursed talent cards, and return to the chilling co-op adventure of Junkenstein’s Revenge. Uncover the secrets of Adlersbrunn in Wrath of the Bride, a PvE experience filled with puzzles and jump scares.
Two new Hero Mastery courses will be available from October 31 to November 12, allowing players to perfect their skills with Cassidy's Peacekeeper and Brigitte's Shield Bash. Completing challenges will earn exclusive rewards and bonus Battle Pass XP.
The Interactive Scoreboard has been updated for easier access to social features, particularly on controllers. It aims to streamline reporting and enhance social interactions. Matchmaking updates focus on improving match quality and reducing queue times. Public Custom Games now enforce stricter rules against disruptive behavior, and Streamer Protect features have been adjusted based on community feedback.
Shop and Competitive updates include changes to the Top 500 Leaderboard requirements and various hero adjustments. These changes aim to balance gameplay, enhance hero interactions, and improve overall player experience.
