The latest Overwatch patch which pushes Hanzo changes and adds the new Rialto map is now live according to patch notes posted on the game's website.
One of the most interesting new items in this patch is the addition of the Rialto Map. A nighttime version of this map was originally used for the Retribution Overwatch Archives mission. The daytime version is in the Escort (payload) game mode and has a few key differences such as the addition of archways at the docks. Have a look at the map's trailer to get a feel for it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-p85vWBvug
While Rialto is being added to the Quick Play rotation (and is currently available as a special Arcade card), it won't be added to Competitive Play until a later patch.
New map aside, a few heroes have had some changes. The biggest news by far is the replacement of Hanzo's Scatter Arrow ability with Storm Arrows, an ability that allows him to rapidly shoot six arrows at full power with slightly less damage than the maximum. A new Horizontal Leap ability has also been added, allowing Hanzo to make it to hard-to-reach places or back away from a dangerous situation. Overall, projectile speed of his Storm Bow has increased from 85 to 100. Finally, Sonic Arrow has had its cooldown decreased from 20 seconds to 12 seconds, its duration decreased from 10 seconds to 6 seconds, and its radius decreased from 10 meters to 7 meters; this change is intended to allow him to use the ability more frequently to check corners and flanking routes for enemies.
Brigitte has had the cone of her Shield Bash reduces from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. This is arguably both a nerf and a buff for the Swedish support hero; while players will have to be more precise with landing their Shield Bashes, they will also have an easier time of picking out a single target in a crowd. Further changes will be heading to PTR testing for Brigitte according to a post on the game's official forums from Game Director Jeff Kaplan including a reduction to the maximum armor generated from her Ultimate from 150 to 100. Other unmentioned changes for Brigitte are also being discussed behind the scenes.
Lúcio has had some tweaks made to wall riding; it's now possible for him to continue wall riding around corners. It's less likely to be interrupted along a single surface, and it's possible for him to land back onto the same wall provided that he made it far enough away. Additionally, his Soundwave no longer consumes ammo when used and the ability can now be activated while he's reloading.
Three other heroes have had somewhat smaller changes. Genji's Deflect hitbox has been reduced; it should still afford him a degree of protection from projectiles coming directly at him, but there should now be a bit more leeway at firing to either side of him. Junkrat's projectile size has been reduced from 0.3 to 0.2 and his RIP-Tire has had its speed toned down from 13 to 12. Finally, Tracer's Pulse Bomb has had its maximum damage decreased from 400 to 300, making it slightly less effective at tank-busting.
Some other general changes to the game and numerous bug fixes have gone through in this latest patch; be sure to read the full patch notes for all the details. The known issues list for the game has also been updated. You can check out the new Hanzo abilities and new Rialto map live on Overwatch right now.
What do you think of the new Rialto map? Are you satisfied with the Hanzo changes? How do you think the developers will tweak Brigitte? Let us know in the comments below!
