Overwatch Season 3 patch nerfs D.Va and Cat/Bastion, buffs Mizuki ahead of busy stretch

Blizzard have released the Overwatch Retail Patch Notes for Reign of Talon: Season 3 - Into The Tiger’s Den, introducing new Damage Hero Shion alongside a wide-reaching set of hero balance changes. Several of the changes directly target compositions and heroes that have defined the current esports meta.

Bastion's Armored Artillery minor perk has been removed entirely, while Jetpack Cat's Frenetic Flight now suffers a steeper fuel regeneration penalty while carrying a target, increased from 2x to 3x slower rate. Transport Shielding has also been weakened, with its duration cut from five to three seconds and its maximum shields reduced from 75 to 50. The changes directly target the Cat/Bastion composition that has dominated OWCS play throughout the season.

Mizuki also received a buff to Katashiro Return, with its cooldown reduced from 12 to 11 seconds and its duration increased from 4.5 to 5.5 seconds. The change strengthens a hero already seeing heavy use in professional play, where Mizuki remains a consistent pick across all regions.

Elsewhere, D.Va's Shield System major perk was nerfed, with its shield conversion reduced from 150 to 100. Other notable Hero Updates include buffs to Reinhardt's Firestrike, Genji's Deflect cooldown, and Vendetta's Onslaught, alongside a Reaper health reduction from 300 to 275.

Check out the full patch notes.

The timing puts these changes squarely in the middle of the competitive calendar. OWCS NA and EMEA Stage 2 have only just begun, while the Korean regular season is halfway through its run. With a new hero in Shion entering the pool alongside this round of balance changes, teams across all regions will need to quickly adapt their compositions and strategies, with those who adjust fastest standing to gain an early edge over the rest of the field.