A new patch has been deployed on the test server of Overwatch (PTR). The new patch introduces the new hero Baptiste and several other changes to many heroes and the way damage is dealt. We take a look at the PTR patch notes and Baptiste’s abilities.
Who is Baptiste? Baptiste is a new healer/DPS hybrid that Blizzard recently introduced with a background video. He fills the role of an offensive healer with aggressive abilities and has the capacity to make his teammates invulnerable.
The patch for Baptiste on the PTR is already live, but it can currently only be played on PC. However, Baptiste’s appearance has nothing to do with the new map Paris, as some fans assumed.
These are the skills of Baptiste in Overwatch
This is what Baptiste can do: His abilities revolve around a balance between damage and healing, similar to what has been the case with Moira and Ana:
- Biotic Launcher (Weapon): The standard attacks of the Biotic Launcher fire three shots in quick succession. The Biotic Launcher is a type of pulse rifle with 45 shots. With the alternate fire mode, Baptiste shoots small healing grenades, of which he can carry 10.
- Regenerative Burst (Shift): Heals Baptiste and surrounding allies over a short period.
- Amplification Matrix (Ultimate Ability, Q): Creates a small field that amplifies all projectiles from allies. Every projectile that passes through the matrix deals double damage or healing.
PTR patch from February 26 – The patch notes
Changes to damage: In addition to the new hero Baptiste, other changes have been made in Overwatch. Among other things, many types of damage have been adjusted:
- “Beam” damage in Overwatch is now only reduced by 20% by armor. Armor also no longer mitigates damage-over-time effects. Geoff Goodman already mentioned these changes earlier.
- Damage boosts are now calculated when a projectile is fired, not when it hits.
- Knockbacks are now more consistent and flying characters can be slowed down and knocked back.
PTR patch buffs some heroes, nerfs Ana
Changes to the heroes: Many heroes have received minor adjustments. Ana has been slightly nerfed and heals less. Many other heroes have received a buff:
- Doomfist has less cooldown on his abilities
- Hanzo can reveal enemies over a larger radius
- Widowmaker can now see health bars with her ultimate
- Mei does more damage with her blaster, but her ice wall has fewer hit points
- Moira now heals more with her standard healing
- Soldier: 76 deals more damage, can shoot faster after sprinting, and his tactical visor now also targets objects like Junkrat’s remote bombs
The complete patch notes in English have been read out by the US site blizztrack.
What do you think of Baptiste? What is your favorite change in the patch notes?
So far, the fans’ opinion of Baptiste is quite positive, even though there are some jokes:
