Overwatch 2 is set to receive significant buffs for two classic tank heroes: Reinhardt and Winston. Lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson recently hinted at these upcoming changes in an interview with content creator Spilo, discussing plans to address hero balance issues.
Dawson revealed that Reinhardt's Charge ability is slated for a damage increase, potentially reaching 300, enabling one-shot kills against most non-tank heroes. Winston will also see improvements, focusing on his Tesla Cannon alt-fire and Primal Rage ultimate. While specific details on the ultimate adjustments remain undisclosed, a reduced charge time for the alt-fire is a strong possibility.
These buffs aim to revitalize Reinhardt and Winston, who have struggled to maintain relevance in Overwatch 2's one-tank meta. Their performance has fluctuated since the original Overwatch, often either dominating or lagging behind newer characters. These changes should help them better compete.
The timing of these updates remains unconfirmed, but given the recent start of Season 11, a mid-season patch in the coming weeks seems likely – potentially sometime in mid-July.
Beyond Reinhardt and Winston, Dawson also touched upon adjustments for Mauga, the newest tank, and teased the upcoming Support hero, Space Ranger, describing her as a highly mobile character with a unique mechanic. Further details on these heroes and the upcoming balance changes are expected soon. The improvements to Reinhardt and Winston are a welcome sign for players hoping to see these iconic tanks regain their former glory.