With the changes to many heroes in Overwatch, the meta is shifting. Junkrat’s popularity has increased significantly due to the rework in Patch 1.14. But what exactly is behind this, and what could it mean for the meta of Overwatch?
A “best tactic” in Overwatch has still not really been established. However, it is slowly becoming clear that the small, inconspicuous changes to the Australian junkyard demolitionist Junkrat could have significant consequences.
The Buff: What do the changes mean for Junkrat?
The most important change in Patch 1.14 is the second charge on Junkrat’s mine. The demolitionist always had the problem of having to decide whether to be mobile or to deal high burst damage to a hero. Other heroes usually had both options.
With the introduction of the second charge, Junkrat finally has a choice and alternatives. He can quickly change position while still having a mine left for an encounter with an opponent.
Instead, he can also use both mines for an even higher damage spike or for even faster movement. Additionally, using a second mine allows him to charge his ultimate faster.
The future of Junkrat: RIP-Tire
There is also a small and inconspicuous but important change on the PTR. Junkrat’s tire will be slightly faster. This change may seem like just a “nice touch” at first glance.
However, upon closer inspection, it means that the tire is now more likely to reach its target and can better avoid enemy fire. The distance the tire can travel before it runs out is also greater.
Implications for other heroes
Junkrat becoming stronger not only changes his popularity and playability. It also affects other heroes. With the new strength of the Australian, Zarya and Reinhardt also become more popular.
Zarya is strong against Junkrat because she can easily negate his damage with her shields. Additionally, she gets charge on her particle cannon much faster, as every attack from Junkrat is associated with a small AoE (“Area of Effect”), which Zarya can use to her advantage during charging.
On the other hand, Reinhardt has good synergy with the demolitionist. He acts as a mobile shield and can protect Junkrat. Meanwhile, Junkrat can deal high damage relatively unhindered and can still escape easily when things get dicey.
However, Junkrat’s buff has also weakened heroes like Tracer, Doomfist, and Winston, as they are not really effective against the new burst peaks. They fall too quickly or get caught by the steel traps. This particularly deals a heavy blow to the dive meta.
Benedict says: It is quite possible that Junkrat can finally make a mark in the meta. However, the changes to D.Va are particularly bad for the crazy explosion fanatic. She can relatively easily outmaneuver him and take him down with her new strength.
Also, Mercy’s new resurrection is a direct counter to his newly increased damage. In my opinion, the development of the meta has never been so interesting as it is right now. It’s really hard to predict anything. Maybe there is finally a balance that does not favor any tactic but rewards pure player skill instead.
What do you think? Will Junkrat have a chance to be played more frequently in tournaments? Or is this phenomenon just a temporary test?
Another theory about the upcoming meta is, by the way, the return of the tank meta!
