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Blizzard just dropped the final Overwatch 2 update of 2025, and it is a mixed bag of holiday “gifts” and brutal balance shifts. While the “Winter Wonderland” event is in full swing, the real story lies in the data. This December 18 patch targets the dominating new hero Vendetta, destroys console aim assist, and sets the stage for a massive 10th-anniversary year in 2026.
Here is everything you need to know about the update that is currently shaking up the meta.
Vendetta Get a “Slap on the Wrist”
If you expected Blizzard to actually fix the Season 20 balance nightmare, think again. Vendetta, the game’s first melee DPS, has been terrorising lobbies with a 58% win rate. However, instead of a meaningful rework, Blizzard gave her a literal slap on the wrist.
The update reduces the damage of her Palatine Fang horizontal slashes from 50 to 45. While Blizzard claims this shifts “key breakpoints”, it does little to address her oppressive kit. Furthermore, game director Aaron Keller hinted at adding sound effects to her Soaring Slice in the future to make her less stealthy, but that change isn’t even here yet. For now, Vendetta remains the undisputed queen of the roster.
The Aim Assist Massacre
Console and controller players just hit a massive wall. In a move that will likely alienate a huge portion of the casual player base, Blizzard has gutted Aim Assist by 50% for several high-impact heroes.
The tracking assistance has plummeted from 8% down to 4% for hitscan staples like Soldier: 76, Bastion, Ashe, and Tracer. Tanks like D.Va and Mauga, alongside Supports like Ana and Baptiste, also feel the burn. Consequently, the skill ceiling for controller players has spiked overnight. If your aim felt “off” this morning, this is why.
Overwatch 2: Competitive Overhaul & the 2026 Tease
The Challenger system is also seeing a “more extreme” scaling of rewards. Blizzard has tuned the scores to make higher ranks like Grandmaster and Champion significantly more rewarding while dialling back the lower tiers. For instance, a Champion 1 win now nets a massive 568 points, whereas a Diamond 5 win only offers 20.
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year in the franchise’s history. Since it marks the 10th anniversary of Overwatch, Blizzard is teasing huge stuff. We already know that:
- The “Antarctica” map will return in Season 22 after a rework.
- New maps like “Atlantic Arcology” and “Tokyo” are on the horizon.
- The Loot Box pool will receive updates early next year.
Overwatch 2: Additional Patch Highlights
- Winter Wonderland Buff: You now earn 3 Cookies per challenge (up from 2).
- Stadium Mode: Doomfist received massive consistency buffs, while Sigma and Winston were heavily nerfed.
- Ana’s Secret Weapon: Her Artsy Dartsy projectile speed in “Stadium” has been doubled to 300% to hunt down airborne targets.
This is likely the last balance update of the year. The mid-Season 20 patch is expected to land on January 6 or 13, 2026, where Vendetta will likely face the “real” nerf she deserves.
