{ "schemaVersion": 1, "builtFrom": "tools/patch_explainers_src.json + research/patches + data/heroes.json + data/tiers.json", "dataAsOf": "2026-10-16", "currentSeason": { "number": 5, "name": "A Grim Doctrine", "start": "2026-10-06", "source": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/10/" }, "disclaimer": "Plain-language summaries are Hero Playbooks's own wording of Blizzard's notes. 'Who to play or avoid' is Hero Playbooks analysis from our own matchup and tier data; it does not predict win rates.", "explainers": [ { "date": "2026-10-13", "title": "Season 5 first hotfix", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/10/", "plain": "A week into Season 5, Blizzard trimmed the reworked Sombra and new support Doctrine, pushed Roadhog back up after his rework, gave Kiriko more health and took more armor off D.Mon.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "sombra", "name": "Sombra", "role": "Support", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Machine Pistol damage per shot goes down, and the Cyberspace zone's opening blast does half the damage it did, with a slightly longer cooldown.", "why": "Both hits land on her new support kit. Cyberspace is the ability that also weakens enemies, so a weaker blast means less burst when she opens a fight with it.", "facts": [ "Damage reduced from 7 to 6.5.", "Explosion damage reduced from 40 to 20.", "Cooldown increased from 12 to 13 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "venture", "name": "Venture", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "brigitte", "name": "Brigitte", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Sombra got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. We do not predict how win rates will move." } }, { "id": "roadhog", "name": "Roadhog", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "The big center pellet of each Scrap Gun shot hits harder, and Take a Breather comes back faster, blocks more damage and can last a bit longer.", "why": "This partly walks back the self-sustain cuts from his Oct 6 rework: Breather cooldown 2s to 1.25s and damage reduction 35% to 40% are close to where they were before.", "facts": [ "Center projectile damage increased from 34 to 40.", "Cooldown reduced from 2 to 1.25 seconds.", "Damage reduction increased from 35% to 40%." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "doctrine", "name": "Doctrine", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "sombra", "name": "Sombra", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "baptiste", "name": "Baptiste", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "hazard", "name": "Hazard", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "doomfist", "name": "Doomfist", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Roadhog got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Roadhog already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. Size of the effect is unclear." } }, { "id": "kiriko", "name": "Kiriko", "role": "Support", "dir": "buff", "what": "Kiriko's base health rises by 25.", "why": "More health lets her survive one more hit from many burst combos; Blizzard gave no other change, so her healing and Suzu are as after Sep 8.", "facts": [ "Base health increased from 225 to 250." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "low" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "lucio", "name": "Lúcio", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "ashe", "name": "Ashe", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "ramattra", "name": "Ramattra", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "junker-queen", "name": "Junker Queen", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Kiriko got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Kiriko already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. Size of the effect is unclear." } }, { "id": "dmon", "name": "D.Mon", "role": "Tank", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Another 25 base armor removed.", "why": "This is D.Mon's fourth durability cut since launch (325 → 300 → 275 → 250 armor in 5v5 across Sep 8, Sep 17 and Oct 13).", "facts": [ "Base armor reduced from 275 to 250." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "S", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "bastion", "name": "Bastion", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "D.Mon got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. We do not predict how win rates will move." } }, { "id": "doctrine", "name": "Doctrine", "role": "Support", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Doctrine's scepter now heals and damages for less, and Invigorating Drones last a second shorter.", "why": "Eternal Scepter went from 60 to 55 damage and healing per shot, and Invigorating Drones from 6 to 5 seconds, trimming both his output and the uptime of his main buff.", "facts": [ "Damage and healing reduced from 60 to 55.", "Duration reduced from 6 to 5 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "S", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": null, "play": [ { "id": "tracer", "name": "Tracer", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "illari", "name": "Illari", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "sombra", "name": "Sombra", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Doctrine got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. We do not predict how win rates will move." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/10/", "plain": "Season 5 launched with new support hero Doctrine, a Roadhog rework, Sombra moving from Damage to Support without Hack, new Escort map Grímsvötn, smaller hitscan bullets paired with adjusted hit boxes across most of the roster, and a handful of tuning changes.", "general": [ { "what": "Hitscan bullets got thinner for every hero, while many heroes' head, torso and leg hit volumes were resized toward others of a similar type.", "why": "Blizzard says the two changes are meant to balance out, so aim should feel about the same on average. Heroes whose hit boxes grew (for example Lifeweaver's torso 19.7 to 25) are a bit easier to hit; ones that shrank (Reinhardt's shoulders, Zenyatta's head) are a bit harder. How much this shifts any matchup is not known yet.", "facts": [ "Global “large” hitscan projectile size reduced from 0.07 to 0.04 meters.", "Torso hit volume increased from 19.7 to 25.", "Head hit volume reduced from 20 to 17." ] } ], "heroes": [ { "id": "doctrine", "name": "Doctrine", "role": "Support", "dir": "new", "what": "Doctrine joins as a new Support (Survivor sub-role). He heals and damages with a mid-range scepter, can Infuse his next ability for a stronger effect, and his ultimate Deliverance lowers enemy maximum health while giving allies overhealth. He shipped with a few last-minute nerfs.", "why": "Blizzard raised his ultimate cost by 8% before launch, so Deliverance comes up a little less often than in testing.", "facts": [ "Ultimate cost increased by 8%." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "S", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": null, "play": [ { "id": "tracer", "name": "Tracer", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "illari", "name": "Illari", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "sombra", "name": "Sombra", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "roadhog", "name": "Roadhog", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "zarya", "name": "Zarya", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "orisa", "name": "Orisa", "confidence": "medium" } ], "unclear": true, "provisional": true, "text": "These lists come from our first post-patch data on the new hero: counters that 2+ sources agree on, and the heroes Doctrine beats. Treat them as provisional; they may move as more matches are played." } }, { "id": "sombra", "name": "Sombra", "role": "Support", "dir": "role-change", "what": "Sombra is now a Support (Tactician). Hack and Virus are gone; she gets Hotfix (a heal-over-time on allies that can also hack health packs and deployables), Cyberspace (a zone that heals allies, damages enemies and halves their damage and healing), and a passive that shows enemy ultimates that are ready.", "why": "This is a different hero. Our Sombra matchups and tier come from her old Damage kit, so Hero Playbooks does not suggest counters for her until sources catch up.", "facts": [ "Moved from Damage to Support role.", "Hotfixing an ally heals them for 65 instant health and 25 health per second over its duration.", "Enemies within the zone are weakened, which is a new status effect that reduces the target’s own damage and healing output by 50%." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "venture", "name": "Venture", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "brigitte", "name": "Brigitte", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "wrecking-ball", "name": "Wrecking Ball", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "roadhog", "name": "Roadhog", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "ashe", "name": "Ashe", "confidence": "high" } ], "unclear": true, "provisional": true, "text": "These lists come from our first post-patch data on the new role: counters that 2+ sources agree on, and the heroes Sombra beats. Treat them as provisional; they may move as more matches are played." } }, { "id": "roadhog", "name": "Roadhog", "role": "Tank", "dir": "rework", "what": "Scrap Gun now fires two bursts per volley with fewer, weaker pellets plus a bigger center slug. His secondary fire is replaced by Trash Compactor, which soaks up enemy projectiles in front of him for 2 seconds and throws them back as an explosion. Chain Hook leaves targets a little further away and stunned a little shorter.", "why": "Blizzard aimed this at the hook-into-one-shot pattern: the pulled target ends 4.5 m away instead of 3 m and the crit multiplier drops from 2x to 1.5x, so the classic combo is less certain. Our Roadhog matchup data predates the rework.", "facts": [ "Target’s final distance from Roadhog after being pulled increased from 3 meters to 4.5 meters.", "Critical damage multiplier decreased from 2x to 1.5x.", "When activated, begin absorbing projectiles in front of Roadhog for 2 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "doctrine", "name": "Doctrine", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "sombra", "name": "Sombra", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "baptiste", "name": "Baptiste", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "hazard", "name": "Hazard", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "doomfist", "name": "Doomfist", "confidence": "medium" } ], "unclear": true, "provisional": true, "text": "These lists come from our first post-patch data on the reworked kit: counters that 2+ sources agree on, and the heroes Roadhog beats. Treat them as provisional; they may move as more matches are played." } }, { "id": "genji", "name": "Genji", "role": "Damage", "dir": "mixed", "what": "Swift Strike hits for 10 more, Dragonblade swings hit for 10 less but swing 15% faster.", "why": "A stronger dash makes his normal combos finish more targets. Blizzard says the blade change is meant to avoid new damage-boost breakpoints, so the ultimate's total effect is unclear.", "facts": [ "Damage increased from 50 to 60.", "Damage reduced from 110 to 100.", "Swing speed increased by 15%." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "S", "confidence": "high" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "moira", "name": "Moira", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "winston", "name": "Winston", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "zarya", "name": "Zarya", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "ana", "name": "Ana", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "widowmaker", "name": "Widowmaker", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "hanzo", "name": "Hanzo", "confidence": "high" } ], "unclear": true, "text": "Mixed change: overall impact on Genji is unclear. Current counters and matchups are listed for reference. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it." } }, { "id": "ana", "name": "Ana", "role": "Support", "dir": "mixed", "what": "Local Anesthetic takes Groggy's minor-perk slot: Sleep Dart now bursts where it lands, slowing enemies around it and dealing 45 damage over 3 seconds.", "why": "This gives a miss-friendly option to the sleep, but it only changes a perk choice, not her base kit.", "facts": [ "Sleep dart explodes on impact, slowing enemies and dealing 45 damage over 3 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "low" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "genji", "name": "Genji", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "wuyang", "name": "Wuyang", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "wrecking-ball", "name": "Wrecking Ball", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "domina", "name": "Domina", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "roadhog", "name": "Roadhog", "confidence": "medium" } ], "unclear": true, "text": "Mixed change: overall impact on Ana is unclear. Current counters and matchups are listed for reference. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it." } }, { "id": "lucio", "name": "Lúcio", "role": "Support", "dir": "buff", "what": "Sound Barrier lasts a second longer.", "why": "Blizzard says an earlier cut went too far; the overhealth amount stays at the reduced value, so this mostly helps it hold up through a longer fight.", "facts": [ "Duration increased from 5 to 6 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "high" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "baptiste", "name": "Baptiste", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "junkrat", "name": "Junkrat", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "cassidy", "name": "Cassidy", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "zenyatta", "name": "Zenyatta", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "kiriko", "name": "Kiriko", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "domina", "name": "Domina", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Lúcio got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Lúcio already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. Size of the effect is unclear." } }, { "id": "domina", "name": "Domina", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Crystal Charge comes back a second sooner and her passive lifesteal from abilities goes from 75% to 100%.", "why": "Both help her recover health in long fights against teams that push through her barrier.", "facts": [ "Cooldown reduced from 8 to 7 seconds.", "Ability lifesteal increased from 75% to 100%." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "high" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "lifeweaver", "name": "Lifeweaver", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "reinhardt", "name": "Reinhardt", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "wrecking-ball", "name": "Wrecking Ball", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "doomfist", "name": "Doomfist", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Domina got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Domina already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. Size of the effect is unclear." } }, { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Micro Missiles fire faster (11 to 14 per second).", "why": "Same total damage, delivered sooner, so her burst window is shorter and harder to react to.", "facts": [ "Fire rate increased from 11 to 14 shots per second." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "low" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "zarya", "name": "Zarya", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "mei", "name": "Mei", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "symmetra", "name": "Symmetra", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "junkrat", "name": "Junkrat", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "D.Va got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones D.Va already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. Size of the effect is unclear." } }, { "id": "bastion", "name": "Bastion", "role": "Damage", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Reconfigure lasts one second less.", "why": "Less time in turret form per use means less sustained pressure from each cooldown.", "facts": [ "Duration reduced from 6 to 5 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "medium" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "genji", "name": "Genji", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "wuyang", "name": "Wuyang", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Bastion got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. We do not predict how win rates will move." } }, { "id": "emre", "name": "Emre", "role": "Damage", "dir": "buff", "what": "Cyber Frag cooldown drops by a second.", "why": "More frequent burst for securing kills; Blizzard frames it as helping him finish targets.", "facts": [ "Cooldown reduced from 10 to 9 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "high" }, "tierBefore": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "mercy", "name": "Mercy", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "brigitte", "name": "Brigitte", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Emre got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Emre already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change, but only about 10 days of Season 5 matches sit behind it. Size of the effect is unclear." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-09-17", "title": "D.Mon armor and perk nerf", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/09/", "plain": "A hotfix aimed only at D.Mon, cutting her armor, her Focused Fusion major perk and her Fusion Repeater.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "dmon", "name": "D.Mon", "role": "Tank", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Armor down by 50 in 5v5, Focused Fusion bullets do 36 instead of 45, Propulsors burn fuel faster and the Fusion Repeater does slightly less damage on a longer cooldown.", "why": "These hit her durability, her damage and her movement at once, a week after the midseason nerf.", "facts": [ "Armor reduced from 325 to 275 (5v5).", "Damage per bullet reduced from 45 to 36.", "Fuel drain rate increased from 25 to 30." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "bastion", "name": "Bastion", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "D.Mon got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-09-08", "title": "Season 4 midseason balance", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/09/", "plain": "The big midseason pass: nerfs to D.Mon, Kiriko, Mauga and Freja, buffs to Baptiste's Immortality Field and D.Va's health, and many smaller tweaks.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "kiriko", "name": "Kiriko", "role": "Support", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Healing Ofuda travel slower and seek over a shorter range, and Protection Suzu's invulnerability and radius are smaller.", "why": "Slower talismans miss more often at range, and a 0.5 s Suzu window gives less room to cleanse or save allies.", "facts": [ "Projectile travel speed reduced from 24 to 18 meters per second.", "Phased out invulnerability duration reduced from 0.65 to 0.5 seconds.", "Explosion radius reduced from 5 to 4 meters." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "lucio", "name": "Lúcio", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Kiriko got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "baptiste", "name": "Baptiste", "role": "Support", "dir": "buff", "what": "Immortality Field has more health, a shorter cooldown and keeps allies alive at a higher health threshold.", "why": "It is harder to shoot down (150 HP) and comes up 2 seconds sooner.", "facts": [ "Health increased from 125 to 150.", "Cooldown reduced from 22 to 20 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "illari", "name": "Illari", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "soldier-76", "name": "Soldier: 76", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "mizuki", "name": "Mizuki", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "echo", "name": "Echo", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Baptiste got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Baptiste already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "mauga", "name": "Mauga", "role": "Tank", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Base armor down by 25, and firing both Chainguns spreads more and loses damage sooner at range.", "why": "Less durability and less long-range damage when he holds both triggers.", "facts": [ "Base armor reduced from 150 to 125." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "sojourn", "name": "Sojourn", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "hanzo", "name": "Hanzo", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Mauga got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "freja", "name": "Freja", "role": "Damage", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Crossbow and Take Aim explosions hit a little softer, and the Relentless Barrage perk refunds fewer bolts.", "why": "Small per-shot cuts across her main damage tools.", "facts": [ "Damage reduced from 30 to 28.", "Explosive Bolt explosion damage reduced from 80 to 75." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "illari", "name": "Illari", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "moira", "name": "Moira", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Freja got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Mech base health up by 25 in 5v5.", "why": "More time in mech without touching Defense Matrix.", "facts": [ "Mech base health increased from 175 to 200. (5v5)" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "zarya", "name": "Zarya", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "mei", "name": "Mei", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "symmetra", "name": "Symmetra", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "junkrat", "name": "Junkrat", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "D.Va got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones D.Va already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "dmon", "name": "D.Mon", "role": "Tank", "dir": "mixed", "what": "Plasma Saber hits for less, but Call Mech transforms in about half the time and the Portable Fusion Repeater is more accurate up close with a shorter falloff.", "why": "Blizzard called her strong; the net effect mixes a damage cut with faster, safer transformations.", "facts": [ "Damage reduced from 65 to 60.", "Transformation duration has been reduced from 1.95 to 0.95 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "bastion", "name": "Bastion", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "mercy", "name": "Mercy", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "shion", "name": "Shion", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "medium" } ], "unclear": true, "text": "Mixed change: overall impact on D.Mon is unclear. Current counters and matchups are listed for reference. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-08-14", "title": "Jetpack Cat and D.Mon fixes", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/08/", "plain": "A hotfix that pulled back Jetpack Cat's Season 4 movement buff and fixed D.Mon bugs.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "role": "Support", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Base movement speed goes back from 6 to 5.5 m/s, and Purr's self-healing penalty grows.", "why": "This reverses the Aug 11 speed increase three days after it shipped.", "facts": [ "Base movement speed reduced from 6 to 5.5 meters per second.", "Self healing penalty increased from 25% to 40%." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "ashe", "name": "Ashe", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "cassidy", "name": "Cassidy", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Jetpack Cat got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-08-12", "title": "D.Mon launch follow-up", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/08/", "plain": "One day after release, D.Mon got damage and fuel buffs.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "dmon", "name": "D.Mon", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Plasma Saber hits harder, Propulsors use less fuel and regenerate faster, and the Fusion Repeater does more damage on a shorter cooldown.", "why": "These launch buffs were later reversed in part on Sep 8 and Sep 17.", "facts": [ "Damage increased from 60 to 65.", "Fuel drain rate reduced from 40 to 25." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "bastion", "name": "Bastion", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "mercy", "name": "Mercy", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "shion", "name": "Shion", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "D.Mon got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones D.Mon already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-08-11", "title": "Season 4: Heroes of Busan", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/08/", "plain": "Season 4 added tank D.Mon, reworked three maps and made many small hero changes, mostly to perks and cooldowns.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "tracer", "name": "Tracer", "role": "Damage", "dir": "buff", "what": "Recall comes back a second sooner, and a new minor perk speeds up her passive health regeneration.", "why": "More frequent escapes. Note the perk number conflict on her hero page (it says 100% faster; these notes say 50%).", "facts": [ "Cooldown reduced from 13 to 12 seconds.", "Passive health regeneration triggers 50% faster." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "cassidy", "name": "Cassidy", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "mizuki", "name": "Mizuki", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "lifeweaver", "name": "Lifeweaver", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "doctrine", "name": "Doctrine", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "bastion", "name": "Bastion", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Tracer got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Tracer already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "role": "Damage", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Concussive Blast cooldown up by a second.", "why": "Fewer repositions and knockbacks per fight.", "facts": [ "Cooldown increased from 7 to 8 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "ashe", "name": "Ashe", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "baptiste", "name": "Baptiste", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Pharah got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "mauga", "name": "Mauga", "role": "Tank", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Overrun cooldown up by a second in 5v5.", "why": "He has to stay committed to a fight a little longer before he can charge out.", "facts": [ "Cooldown increased from 5 to 6 seconds. (5v5)" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "sojourn", "name": "Sojourn", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "hanzo", "name": "Hanzo", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Mauga got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "doomfist", "name": "Doomfist", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Seismic Slam does 10 more damage.", "why": "Softens targets more before his punch follow-up.", "facts": [ "Damage increased from 50 to 60." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "medium" }, "play": [ { "id": "domina", "name": "Domina", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "mauga", "name": "Mauga", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "widowmaker", "name": "Widowmaker", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "genji", "name": "Genji", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "mercy", "name": "Mercy", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Doomfist got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Doomfist already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-07-30", "title": "Tank barrier and cooldown pass", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/07/", "plain": "A short tank patch that made several barrier and defensive cooldowns come back sooner, often with shorter durations.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "ramattra", "name": "Ramattra", "role": "Tank", "dir": "mixed", "what": "Void Barrier cooldown drops from 16 to 13 seconds but lasts 3 seconds instead of 4.", "why": "More frequent, shorter barriers; whether that is better depends on how fights are paced.", "facts": [ "Cooldown reduced from 16 to 13 seconds.", "Duration reduced from 4 to 3 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "wuyang", "name": "Wuyang", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "zenyatta", "name": "Zenyatta", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "brigitte", "name": "Brigitte", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "winston", "name": "Winston", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "tracer", "name": "Tracer", "confidence": "high" } ], "unclear": true, "text": "Mixed change: overall impact on Ramattra is unclear. Current counters and matchups are listed for reference. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "domina", "name": "Domina", "role": "Tank", "dir": "mixed", "what": "Barrier Array comes back 2 seconds sooner but lasts a second less.", "why": "Same trade as Ramattra: more uptime cycles, shorter each time.", "facts": [ "Barrier Cooldown reduced from 17 to 15 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "lifeweaver", "name": "Lifeweaver", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "reinhardt", "name": "Reinhardt", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "wrecking-ball", "name": "Wrecking Ball", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "doomfist", "name": "Doomfist", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" } ], "unclear": true, "text": "Mixed change: overall impact on Domina is unclear. Current counters and matchups are listed for reference. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "mauga", "name": "Mauga", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Overrun cooldown down from 7 to 6 seconds.", "why": "More frequent engages (partly reversed on Aug 11).", "facts": [ "Cooldown reduced from 7 to 6 seconds." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "sojourn", "name": "Sojourn", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "hanzo", "name": "Hanzo", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "doomfist", "name": "Doomfist", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "orisa", "name": "Orisa", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "winston", "name": "Winston", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Mauga got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Mauga already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-07-14", "title": "Pre-Season 4 balance", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/07/", "plain": "A wide balance patch before Season 4 touching heroes in every role.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "ana", "name": "Ana", "role": "Support", "dir": "buff", "what": "Biotic Grenade's burst damage and healing rise from 75 to 90.", "why": "Bigger swings on every grenade, on top of its anti-heal.", "facts": [ "Explosion damage and healing increased from 75 to 90." ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "genji", "name": "Genji", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "wuyang", "name": "Wuyang", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "wrecking-ball", "name": "Wrecking Ball", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "domina", "name": "Domina", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "roadhog", "name": "Roadhog", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Ana got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Ana already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "sigma", "name": "Sigma", "role": "Tank", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Barrier health down from 275 to 250, and the Hyper Regeneration perk converts less damage.", "why": "Teams that break his barrier get through his defenses sooner.", "facts": [ "Shield health reduced from 275 to 250" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "vendetta", "name": "Vendetta", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "brigitte", "name": "Brigitte", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "zarya", "name": "Zarya", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Sigma got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "junker-queen", "name": "Junker Queen", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Commanding Shout comes back 2 seconds sooner in 5v5.", "why": "Her main team-protection tool is up more often.", "facts": [ "Cooldown reduced from 12 to 10 seconds. (5v5)" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "junkrat", "name": "Junkrat", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "kiriko", "name": "Kiriko", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "moira", "name": "Moira", "confidence": "medium" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "bastion", "name": "Bastion", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "wrecking-ball", "name": "Wrecking Ball", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "winston", "name": "Winston", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Junker Queen got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Junker Queen already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "kiriko", "name": "Kiriko", "role": "Support", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Each Healing Ofuda heals 1 less.", "why": "A small cut to her steady healing.", "facts": [ "Healing per projectile reduced from 13 to 12" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "C", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "pharah", "name": "Pharah", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "lucio", "name": "Lúcio", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "dva", "name": "D.Va", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Kiriko got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] }, { "date": "2026-06-16", "title": "Season 3 launch balance", "url": "https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes/live/2026/06/", "plain": "Season 3's launch patch added Neon Junction and made a large number of hero and perk changes.", "general": [], "heroes": [ { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "role": "Damage", "dir": "nerf", "what": "Health down from 300 to 275.", "why": "He dies to less burst at close range (Blizzard later raised his lifesteal on Jul 14 to compensate).", "facts": [ "Health reduced from 300 to 275" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "B", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "hanzo", "name": "Hanzo", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "cassidy", "name": "Cassidy", "confidence": "medium" }, { "id": "brigitte", "name": "Brigitte", "confidence": "medium" } ], "text": "Reaper got weaker. These are the counters in our current data. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. We do not predict how win rates will move.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "genji", "name": "Genji", "role": "Damage", "dir": "buff", "what": "Deflect cooldown drops from 10 to 8 seconds and the Meditation perk heals more.", "why": "Deflect is his main defensive tool, so it being up more often matters in most fights.", "facts": [ "Cooldown reduced from 10 to 8 seconds" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "S", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "moira", "name": "Moira", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "winston", "name": "Winston", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "zarya", "name": "Zarya", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "ana", "name": "Ana", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "widowmaker", "name": "Widowmaker", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "hanzo", "name": "Hanzo", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Genji got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Genji already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "reinhardt", "name": "Reinhardt", "role": "Tank", "dir": "buff", "what": "Firestrike hits a bit harder and flies faster.", "why": "Blizzard notes two Firestrikes now kill 250-health heroes.", "facts": [ "Damage increased from 120 to 125", "Projectile speed increased from 30 to 33" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "A", "confidence": "low" }, "play": [ { "id": "torbjorn", "name": "Torbjörn", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "jetpack-cat", "name": "Jetpack Cat", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "wuyang", "name": "Wuyang", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "brigitte", "name": "Brigitte", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "anran", "name": "Anran", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "domina", "name": "Domina", "confidence": "high" } ], "text": "Reinhardt got stronger. The counters in our current data are the answer, and the heroes listed after them are ones Reinhardt already beats. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change. Size of the effect is unclear.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } }, { "id": "mercy", "name": "Mercy", "role": "Support", "dir": "mixed", "what": "Damage boost from her staff drops from 30% to 25%, Valkyrie costs more, and the Chain Boost perk adds a little back.", "why": "Teams relying on boosted damage lose some burst.", "facts": [ "Damage boost reduced from 30% to 25%" ], "analysis": { "basis": "Hero Playbooks data as of 2026-10-16", "tierNow": { "tier": "D", "confidence": "high" }, "play": [ { "id": "dmon", "name": "D.Mon", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "doomfist", "name": "Doomfist", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "reaper", "name": "Reaper", "confidence": "high" } ], "avoid": [ { "id": "wuyang", "name": "Wuyang", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "junkrat", "name": "Junkrat", "confidence": "high" }, { "id": "emre", "name": "Emre", "confidence": "medium" } ], "unclear": true, "text": "Mixed change: overall impact on Mercy is unclear. Current counters and matchups are listed for reference. Our counter and tier data was collected after this patch, so it already reflects the change.", "note": "Lists show current (Season 5) data; later patches also affect them." } } ], "offRoster": [] } ], "byHero": { "sombra": [ { "date": "2026-10-13", "title": "Season 5 first hotfix", "dir": "nerf" }, { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "role-change" } ], "roadhog": [ { "date": "2026-10-13", "title": "Season 5 first hotfix", "dir": "buff" }, { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "rework" } ], "kiriko": [ { "date": "2026-10-13", "title": "Season 5 first hotfix", "dir": "buff" }, { "date": "2026-09-08", "title": "Season 4 midseason balance", "dir": "nerf" }, { "date": "2026-07-14", "title": "Pre-Season 4 balance", "dir": "nerf" } ], "dmon": [ { "date": "2026-10-13", "title": "Season 5 first hotfix", "dir": "nerf" }, { "date": "2026-09-17", "title": "D.Mon armor and perk nerf", "dir": "nerf" }, { "date": "2026-09-08", "title": "Season 4 midseason balance", "dir": "mixed" }, { "date": "2026-08-12", "title": "D.Mon launch follow-up", "dir": "buff" } ], "doctrine": [ { "date": "2026-10-13", "title": "Season 5 first hotfix", "dir": "nerf" }, { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "new" } ], "genji": [ { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "mixed" }, { "date": "2026-06-16", "title": "Season 3 launch balance", "dir": "buff" } ], "ana": [ { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "mixed" }, { "date": "2026-07-14", "title": "Pre-Season 4 balance", "dir": "buff" } ], "lucio": [ { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "buff" } ], "domina": [ { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "buff" }, { "date": "2026-07-30", "title": "Tank barrier and cooldown pass", "dir": "mixed" } ], "dva": [ { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "buff" }, { "date": "2026-09-08", "title": "Season 4 midseason balance", "dir": "buff" } ], "bastion": [ { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "nerf" } ], "emre": [ { "date": "2026-10-06", "title": "Season 5: A Grim Doctrine", "dir": "buff" } ], "baptiste": [ { "date": "2026-09-08", "title": "Season 4 midseason balance", "dir": "buff" } ], "mauga": [ { "date": "2026-09-08", "title": "Season 4 midseason balance", "dir": "nerf" }, { "date": "2026-08-11", "title": "Season 4: Heroes of Busan", "dir": "nerf" }, { "date": "2026-07-30", "title": "Tank barrier and cooldown pass", "dir": "buff" } ], "freja": [ { "date": "2026-09-08", "title": "Season 4 midseason balance", "dir": "nerf" } ], "jetpack-cat": [ { "date": "2026-08-14", "title": "Jetpack Cat and D.Mon fixes", "dir": "nerf" } ], "tracer": [ { "date": "2026-08-11", "title": "Season 4: Heroes of Busan", "dir": "buff" } ], "pharah": [ { "date": "2026-08-11", "title": "Season 4: Heroes of Busan", "dir": "nerf" } ], "doomfist": [ { "date": "2026-08-11", "title": "Season 4: Heroes of Busan", "dir": "buff" } ], "ramattra": [ { "date": "2026-07-30", "title": "Tank barrier and cooldown pass", "dir": "mixed" } ], "sigma": [ { "date": "2026-07-14", "title": "Pre-Season 4 balance", "dir": "nerf" } ], "junker-queen": [ { "date": "2026-07-14", "title": "Pre-Season 4 balance", "dir": "buff" } ], "reaper": [ { "date": "2026-06-16", "title": "Season 3 launch balance", "dir": "nerf" } ], "reinhardt": [ { "date": "2026-06-16", "title": "Season 3 launch balance", "dir": "buff" } ], "mercy": [ { "date": "2026-06-16", "title": "Season 3 launch balance", "dir": "mixed" } ] }, "coverage": { "patches": 10, "heroItems": 39, "factsChecked": 66 }, "warnings": [] }