Overwatch patch adds new map, mode, overhauls Play of the Game, more
Overwatch received a relatively big new patch that brought a new map, gamemode, and a host of balance changes.
Blizzard has released a new patch to the currently ongoing beta for Overwatch. The patch is one of the big ones, clocking in at 1.5GB.
The biggest news here come in the form of a new map, Route 66, and a new gamemode called Weekly Brawl. Weekly Brawl serves a similar function to the Hearthstone's Tavern Brawl, offering a set of different rules in a custom game.
“In one Weekly Brawl, you'll only be able to play Soldier: 76, while in another Weekly Brawl, a random hero will be selected for you each time you respawn,” Blizzard explained.
You can join a Weekly Brawl in a party or solo, and it's available at the main menu. The mode will rotate daily instead of weekly during the beta, but will return to the normal schedule “in the near future.”
The patch also adds a new highlights feature that extends the use of Play of the Game. Anyone can get these clips, after finishing at least one match. Up to five highlights can be stored per session (meaning they'll be lost after logging out).
The Play of the Game feature itself has also been expanded to include more types of “moments” and then compares them against each other to find the best play.
Player Progression
All available and unlocked achievements can be viewed in the Career Profile > Achievements tab
Select achievements will now unlock general and hero-specific sprays (which can be equipped in the Hero Gallery)
Players will now unlock a new portrait frame every 10 levels, instead of only at levels 10, 25, 50, and 100
Players will now receive a promotion every 100 levels
When a player receives a promotion, they will unlock a new portrait frame theme
With each new promotion, the player's level (and the EXP required to level) will be reset
New Legendary skins have been added for several heroes
Plays of the Games have received a polish pass
Joining and Leaving Games
Players will now receive an EXP bonus for playing multiple matches in succession
Players who backfill into a match will no longer receive a loss for that match (even if it ends in a defeat), but can still receive a win
These players will also receive an additional EXP bonus for the match, if completed
Players who leave an in-progress match will now receive an automatic loss
Players who repeatedly leave in-progress matches will also receive a temporary penalty on EXP gained from future matches (this penalty will persist as long as the player continues to repeatedly leave in-progress matches)
Group Improvements
Players can now request to “Join a Group”
When a group leader leaves a game, he or she will now have the option to leave with the group intact
Expanded preferences for groups have been added to the Options menu
Option to allow current group members to invite other players to the group
Option to allow “Anyone,” “Friends,” or “No One” to join your group without an invite
Miscellaneous
The new player experience has been updated
The Tutorial and Practice Range have received a polish pass
Dialogs will now guide new players through the Tutorial, Practice Range, and Practice vs AI modes before recommending Quick Play
Players can now browse the main menu while queued for Quick Play, Play vs AI, or Weekly Brawl! games
“Healing Done” has replaced “Final Blows” as an available end-of-match medal
End-of-match commendations have received another tuning pass
AI heroes will now melee and use Health Packs
See the official blog for detailed balance changes for heroes, as well as further details about the new additions.
