'Overwatch' PTR Changes and Patch Notes: Update adds Bastion buff, capture the flag mode
Tuesday afternoon, the Overwatch public test realm — PTR, for short — opened up for PC players to test out a pretty big new update. Included in the patch is a big buff for Bastion, a brand-new Capture the Flag mode and a whole bunch of other balance tweaks.
Here are the full details.
Overwatch PTR Patch Notes: 5 big changes included in the update
These are the five big takeaways from the new PTR patch, with the relevant notes embedded below from Blizzard's site.
1. New Capture the Flag mode added to the Arcade
According to Blizzard, the seasonal Capture the Rooster mode has been the most popular seasonal event thus far, such that it's motivated the team to add Capture the Flag as a regular staple of the Arcade.
Variations of all 12 control point maps — so, all the maps for Nepal, Lijiang Tower, Ilios and Oasis — will be used for Capture the Flag.
2. New server browser will allow for better custom games
Players can already create custom games, but this new server browser mode will allow for additional customization.
"If, for example, you want to increase Pharah's missile speed or remove the cooldown from McCree's Combat Roll, the power is yours," Blizzard's site says.
This new server browser will also allow you to modify a custom game's accessibility. For example, you can allow anyone to search for and join your game, or set it to "invite only" if you want a private match with your buds.
Blizzard emphasizes that this new feature is still being tweaked and tested.
3. Bastion's new buff
The new PTR patch also introduces the buff for Bastion which was teased recently on Blizzard's forums. Here's the full description of his changes:
Configuration: Sentry
4. Slight buffs for Mercy and D.Va, as well as a number of new targeting options for Zarya, Zenyatta, Ana, Sombra and Widowmaker
D.va
5. A new modification to the last point of Eichenwalde will help the offensive team
Eichenwalde
6. Lots of bug fixes, but not for that controversial Year of the Rooster Mei Skin (yet)
General
More Overwatch news, updates, tips and tricks
For more on Overwatch, check out the rest of what Mic has to offer. Here is a list of our predictions for what seasonal events might appear in 2017, a look at a very funny, but naughty meme on the Overwatch subreddit, an interview with the creator of an awesome new Overwatch zine, the full patch notes for Overwatch version 2.03, a full explanation of the different types of health in Overwatch, our definitive ranking of every Overwatch hero, a roundup of awesome gender-bent Overwatch cosplay and a giant Overwatch FAQ for beginners.
