The Hanzo rework for Overwatch is progressing. Kaplan reveals what is changing and shows concept ideas for the new animations.
The most eagerly awaited update for Overwatch is finally taking shape. Players have been waiting for months (if not since the release of the shooter) for Blizzard to finally make significant changes to the hero Hanzo.
Hanzo has an incredibly bad reputation in the community. It has reached the point where “Hanzo Main” has become an insult to label a poor player. The reason for this lies mainly in the ability Scatter Arrow, which can take out even powerful tanks with just one hit. To do this, Hanzo simply needs to aim right in front of the tank on the ground, and all the projectiles from the Scatter Arrow will hit the tank, sending them back to the respawn room.
Scatter Arrow will become “Rapid Shot”, there are new animations
In the official forum, Jeff Kaplan commented once again on the rework of Hanzo and confirmed that there have already been many internal tests with the new ability.
The Scatter Arrow will be replaced with a “Rapid Shot” (working title). However, how exactly the ability will work is still not known.
The Sonic Arrow, on the other hand, will have a smaller radius and the duration will be decreased. As compensation, the cooldown will be “significantly” reduced, allowing the Sonic Arrow to be used more frequently and provide more reconnaissance.
But something else is changing: Hanzo’s animations. In the future, it should always be clear to friends and enemies which ability Hanzo is currently preparing, rather than only realizing it when one already has the arrow stuck in their head.
Kaplan also published an artwork showing what the Sonic Arrow might look like in the future. While this is not a final implementation, it is the idea the designers have had so far.
However, there is still no date for the changes – not even for the associated PTR. As soon as that changes, you will of course find out here.
What do you think of the planned changes to Hanzo? Is it time for the Scatter Arrow to be retired? Or do you find it absolutely “balanced”?
Either you love him or you hate him – but Hanzo even has his own religion!
