Overwatch 2 Planning Buffs for Reinhardt and Winston

Overwatch 2 is currently working on buffs for Reinhardt’s Charge, as well as Winston’s ultimate and alt fire. While these changes aren’t finalized yet, players can expect these classic Overwatch 2 heroes to get a much-needed boost soon.

Alec Dawson, lead gameplay designer of Overwatch 2, recently spoke with OW2 content creator Spilo about hero balance. During the chat, Dawson shared insights on his hero design philosophy, sharing some of the plans for the future. He also spent time reflecting on mistakes of the past, such as giving certain characters an abundance of tools that allow them to be too versatile compared to other heroes.

Amid the discussion, however, Dawson confirmed some buffs are coming for Reinhardt and Winston soon. Reinhardt’s Charge will likely have its damage increased to 300, which would allow him to instantly kill most heroes, except for tanks in Overwatch 2, by pinning them. Winston, on the other hand, will see improvements to his Tesla Cannon alt-fire and Primal Rage ultimate. While Dawson was not able to give specific details about the ultimate changes yet, he suggested the Tesla Cannon could have its charge time reduced in these future updates.

Possible Reinhardt and Winston Buffs in Overwatch 2

Reinhardt’s Charge pinning damage could increase to 300. Winston’s Telsa Cannon alt fire will likely take less time to charge up. Winston’s Primal Rage ultimate will be improved.

Reinhardt and Winston are two of the original tanks introduced in Overwatch 1. Since the original game’s release, these heroes have either dominated the meta, or struggled to keep up with newer characters. Both Winston and Reinhardt have had issues in Overwatch 2, so hopefully, these changes can help the heroes better stand on their own in the sequel’s one-tank gameplay structure.

Dawson didn’t confirm when these changes would be going into effect, but considering Overwatch 2 Season 11 began not long ago, the finalized buffs will probably arrive in the next few weeks. Most Overwatch 2 seasons have a sizable mid-season patch, so it is possible these buffs could arrive sometime in mid-July, if not earlier.

Winston and Reinhardt weren’t the only two heroes discussed in Dawson’s interview. He touched on Mauga, Overwatch 2’s most recent tank hero, confirming the devs are looking at Cardiac Overdrive, his ability to ignite weaker heroes, and adding incentive for diving. With Space Ranger coming to Overwatch 2 next season, Dawson also teased the new Support hero, saying she is a highly mobile hero that has a mechanic only one other character has touched on so far. Fans will likely learn more about Space Ranger, as well as these other hero changes, in the next few weeks.