Blizzard addresses Jetpack Cat after Cat/Bastion dominates pro play

Blizzard Entertainment have published data on Jetpack Cat's impact on both competitive and professional play, acknowledging the hero's central role in the current OWCS meta and announcing targeted balance changes for Season 3.

The data shows that Jetpack Cat's ban rate followed a standard decline throughout Season 1 and into Season 2, until mid-April, when a significant spike emerged at Champion rank before spreading to Diamond and above. Blizzard directly attribute the surge to Crazy Raccoon debuting the Jetpack Cat/Bastion strategy in OWCS Korea, which prompted widespread adoption across the rest of the professional scene.

Despite its dominance in professional play, the data suggests Cat/Bastion has remained largely contained to the upper echelons of ranked play rather than infiltrating the average Overwatch match. Consistent ban rates at high ranks have effectively kept the composition quarantined outside of the pro scene.

Blizzard have confirmed that Season 3 will bring a balance pass targeting two specific elements of the hero: the fuel regeneration penalty on Frenetic Flight will be increased, and the Transport Shielding minor perk will be weakened. The developer notes that Lifeline will remain a viable tool for Jetpack Cat, but expects the changes to ensure Cat/Bastion's disruptive potential stays confined to professional play.