Overwatch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular team-based shooter game, introduced several updates in its fourth season, including a new support hero named Lifeweaver. However, despite the initial excitement surrounding this pink and pansexual healer, players quickly realized that Lifeweaver wasn't as powerful as they had hoped. The Overwatch community came to a consensus: Lifeweaver was underwhelming. This led top 500 streamers to take on the challenge of reaching Grandmaster with this hero, hoping to prove its worth. Alongside these hero updates, Overwatch 2 also received a patch that introduced changes to the On Fire system, which has sparked a debate among players.
The New On Fire System in Overwatch 2:
On June 13, 2023, Overwatch 2 implemented a patch that brought various updates, bug fixes, map changes, and reintroduced the On Fire visual element. While the On Fire status doesn't provide any gameplay benefits, it serves as a visual indicator to showcase a player's performance and contribution to the team's objectives. Furthermore, players now have the option to customize the effect, adding a touch of personalization to their gameplay experience.
Players' Concerns about the New On Fire System:
Some members of the Overwatch 2 community have raised concerns about the revamped On Fire system, suggesting that it has become too easy to achieve and may even be buggy. A post on the Overwatch 2 subreddit prompted a discussion about whether being On Fire is now more attainable in the sequel compared to the original game.
Players expressed their views, with some claiming that almost anyone can be On Fire without doing much. They reminisced about the days in Overwatch 1 when earning the On Fire status required considerable effort. The current system, according to them, is too generous, with one player remarking, "Yeah, I don't think you should get on fire for killing someone on fire. It's too much."
Another player suggested that the rewards for pushing the objective should be reduced, as they found it excessive to gain On Fire status simply by pushing the payload. They argued that while contesting an objective should contribute to earning the status, pushing the payload alone should not instantly grant it.
Concerns were also raised about the "fire stealing" mechanic introduced in Overwatch 2. Players debated whether this new feature, which allows killing an On Fire enemy to immediately gain the effect, had disrupted the balance of the game. Some speculated that this mechanic, coupled with an overall increase in fire generation, may be the reason for the perceived ease of attaining the On Fire status.
Possible Adjustments in the Future:
Given that the reintroduction of the On Fire system is relatively recent, it is likely that Blizzard, the game's developer, will assess and potentially adjust its parameters based on player feedback. Although the current sentiment among players leans towards the system being overly generous, it remains to be seen how Blizzard will address these concerns.
At the End:
As Overwatch 2 continues to evolve, players have raised concerns about the new On Fire system, which some feel is too easy to achieve. The community has expressed a desire for a more balanced and rewarding gameplay experience, highlighting potential issues with fire generation and the "fire stealing" mechanic. With Blizzard's reputation for actively listening to player feedback, it is plausible that adjustments will be made to address these concerns in future updates. In the meantime, Overwatch 2 players await further developments to see how the game evolves and whether the On Fire system undergoes refinements to strike a better balance.