Next Overwatch PTR Patch Will Affect Almost All Characters

Overwatch players can expect more dramatic changes in the next PTR (Public Test Region), patch. Game designer Geoff Goodman reveals that Blizzard intends to put this PTR to better use.

It appears that while almost all patches have been ported from the PTR directly to the live build of Overwatch with very few changes, it appears that this will no longer be the case for any future updates to the game.

In a new post over at the Blizzard Forums, Overwatch designer Geoff Goodman says the team intends to try out “some more significant hero changes” for the entire Overwatch roster.

While players can expect bigger changes to come for their favorite characters, Goodman also stated that due to the more precise way of implementing the PTR, the testing period for the PTR is “likely to be around a big longer” than for previous patches.

Goodman also stated that this new approach will mean that the PTR changes players test out are unlikely to make it through unchanged, unlike previous PTR cycles. The PTR is likely to update some time “later this week”, which is when the team hopes to release it.

The team had previously used the PTR to ensure the game was solid without any outstanding issues. Although Blizzard was able to gather feedback on future changes, the quick turnaround meant the scope of the changes were limited. This left the team unable to test out multiple iterations of various updates.

Some dramatic changes are likely in store for Overwatch when the next patch arrives. However, Symmetra will not be tweaked this time. Goodman revealed that the character’s changes “ended up being much more significant and require more time to finish up.” So, buffs will not be coming for Symmetra in November.

Goodman also noted that “Symmetra is feeling pretty great internally,” even though she is the least played character currently on the roster.

And of course, the name on everyone’s lips is Sombra. Not surprisingly, Goodman made no mention of her. There have also been no definitive signs of her reveal, so she remains pretty elusive at the moment.

Perhaps the longer PTR preriod may result in more developments on her front, but only time will tell.