Blizzard Unveils Overwatch 2 Midseason Patch, Hero Tweaks, and Phantom Thieves Collab

Lead Blizzard released the Overwatch 2 midseason patch on September 16, 2025, deploying hero balance changes, Stadium mode enhancements, and the limited-time Phantom Thieves crossover globally via Battle.net today.

Nut Graf The update overhauls key abilities across damage, support, and tank heroes to refresh the Season 18 meta, while introducing full AI Bot integration and Advanced Custom Games in Stadium. It also launches Overwatch 2’s first Persona 5-inspired event, boosting engagement through new skins and map secrets.

Hero Balance Highlights

Genji’s Deflect cooldown rises from 8 to 10 seconds, and Hanzo’s Storm Arrows projectile size now matches regular arrows.
Torbjörn’s Overload duration increases to 6 seconds; Molten Core DPS jumps from 160 to 190.
Widowmaker’s Grappling Hook cooldown drops to 10 seconds; Venom Mine damage climbs to 125.
Brigitte’s Shield Bash damage boosts to 70; Lúcio’s Sonic Amplifier per-projectile damage falls from 22 to 20.
Orisa gains a 25% Scorched Earth damage buff and 400-health Supercharger; Sigma’s Gravitic Flux now refunds 50% ultimate charge if it hits nothing.

Stadium Mode and Custom Games

Tracer joins Stadium with six new Powers, including “Flash Fist” for extra melee damage after Blink and “Auto Recall” for a one-time free Recall resurrection.
Advanced Custom Games settings unlock full rule customization-rounds, win conditions, map bans-and AI Bots now play every Stadium map to sharpen solo and team practice.

Overwatch 2 x Phantom Thieves Event Running September 16-29, the collaboration brings neon-soaked Persona 5 skins, UI overlays, and hidden map Easter eggs. Players can join the Phantom Thieves heist for themed cosmetics and challenges through the midseason patch.

Bug Fixes and Quality-of-Life General stability fixes address menu crashes and replay code errors. Combat medic perks for Brigitte no longer trigger on non-player entities, and multiple UI and collision issues have been resolved across Quick Play, Competitive, and Custom Games.