Summary
Following complaints and backlash from theOverwatch 2community, Blizzard is preparing to release major nerfs for controversial Samoan tank hero Mauga within the next week. According to Blizzard lead hero designer Alec Dawson, these Mauga nerfs may be “harsher” than necessary due to technical issues affectingOverwatch 2before the holiday break.
The December 19 update forOverwatch 2introduced major buffs for Mauga that aimed to improve his viability in Competitive Play matches. Mauga’s base armor was increased to 250, and the hero’s Berserker passive ability received a 10% boost, which improved the hero’s Overhealth conversion rate. However, the buffs that were applied to Mauga introduced a new problem intoOverwatch 2, with the hero becoming severely unbalanced.Overwatch 2players found ways to make Mauga’s ultimate ability stronger than intended, and some even decided to quit the game until proper adjustments were made.
On Twitter,Overwatch 2lead hero designer Alec Dawson confirmed that harsh nerfs will be applied to Mauga within the next week, so players can expect an update on the week of January 8. This update will apply substantial nerfs to Mauga’s overall survivability and ammo stock. The changes that will be made will be “harsher than what’s necessary,” according to Dawson. The lead hero designer notes thatOverwatch 2experienced technical issuesfrom a failed nerf hotfix update before the holiday break, so the development team wants to ensure that further problems involving Mauga won’t arise.
Overwatch 2 Upcoming Mauga Update and Nerfs
TheOverwatch 2community on Twitter appears to be relieved by the confirmation of Mauga nerfs since the tank hero has ruined the in-game experience for many fans in recent weeks. For example,Overwatch 2players used Mauga and Lifeweaver to trap playersand knock them off certain maps. Although Mauga will receive major nerfs,Overwatch 2players still want viable counters to the tank hero to combat opposing strategies. As a result, the player base’s desire for additional buffs to heroes like Junkrat, Illari, and Symmetra remains.
Complaints regardingMauga’s lack of new Epic and Legendary skinshave persisted in the past month as well. Currently, the Bonesplinter and Magma skins for Mauga are available from the Battle Pass and in-game shop. A variety of Rare skins are obtainable for free, but these skins are simply recolors of Mauga’s default appearance. Future updates and seasons will likely bring more changes and skins for Mauga, as Blizzard continues to gauge player feedback regarding the hero.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
