An exploit in Overwatch is currently causing Symmetra to be able to kill all opponents in less than a second on the PTR. We reveal what went wrong.
In the current PTR of Overwatch, players can test Symmetra’s rework. She is no longer a support character but has been assigned to the damage category. However, during the rework, a serious bug occurred. Thanks to an exploit, she can achieve absurd damage values of a whopping 735 DPS. Even tanks like Roadhog or D.Va die in less than a second.
What is the error with Symmetra? Symmetra’s weapon is supposed to deal a specific amount of damage over the course of a second – that is, continuous damage that increases over time. Currently, however, it deals damage in fixed intervals. The first interval occurs right when the weapon is fired and deals 49 damage. If you repeatedly press the fire button, each “shot” deals 49 damage.
How does the exploit work? Only with a macro is it possible to squeeze out the optimal damage performance from Symmetra. Keyboards and programs allow simulating clicks and timing them precisely to the frame. If you shoot in all four frames (that is, every 21 milliseconds in Overwatch), that is the fastest way to deal damage. Thus, even tanks melt away in mere moments, as this little clip shows:
Caution: Using such macros in Overwatch is prohibited and can lead to account closure. However, the rules on the PTR are not as strict – that is where such bugs are meant to be found.
It is expected that Blizzard will fix the error before the release of the rework. Until then, one can have fun with the erroneous damage on the PTR.
This makes Symmetra currently the strongest heroine in Overwatch.
What do you think about the fact that Blizzard is now playing “behavior police” in Overwatch?
