Why Were Kiriko and Torbjorn Banned in Overwatch 2?
The world of Overwatch 2 is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, and occasionally, that evolution hits a snag in the form of game-breaking bugs and balance issues. This leads to the temporary removal – or “banning” as it’s often called – of heroes. Torbjorn was temporarily removed due to bugs in his ability kits that significantly impacted gameplay, particularly concerning his Overload ability. Kiriko, on the other hand, has never been truly “banned,” but access to her in Competitive Play was initially restricted upon her release for balancing purposes. This article will delve into the specific reasons behind these decisions and address common questions surrounding their availability and balance.
Torbjorn’s Temporary Removal: Bug Bites and Balancing Acts
Torbjorn’s removal from Overwatch 2 stemmed from problematic interactions with his kit. The primary offender was the Overload ability, which provides Torbjorn with overhealth, increased movement speed, and a faster firing rate for his rivet gun. A bug was discovered that allowed players to exploit this ability, essentially creating an unfair advantage.
The precise nature of the bug wasn’t explicitly detailed by Blizzard, but its impact on the game was significant enough to warrant immediate action. Removing Torbjorn temporarily was deemed necessary to prevent the exploitation from ruining matches, particularly in the highly competitive ranked mode. This allowed the developers time to address the bug internally and test a fix before reintroducing him to the game.
Kiriko’s Limited Access: Balancing the Newcomer
Unlike Torbjorn’s removal due to bugs, Kiriko’s initial restriction from Competitive Play was a deliberate design choice. As is common practice with new hero releases, Blizzard imposed a two-week period where Kiriko was unavailable in ranked matches. This allowed players to familiarize themselves with the hero in Quick Play and other modes without immediately impacting the competitive landscape.
The reasoning behind this approach is twofold. First, it gives players time to learn Kiriko’s abilities, strengths, and weaknesses before jumping into high-stakes matches. Second, it provides Blizzard with valuable data on Kiriko’s performance in live environments, allowing them to fine-tune her balance based on real-world usage. This ensures that when she is finally introduced to Competitive Play, she is as balanced and fair as possible.
Kiriko’s Unlock System: A Departure from Tradition
Adding another layer to Kiriko’s availability was her unique unlock system. Unlike previous heroes who were automatically available to all players upon release, Kiriko needed to be unlocked either through the Battle Pass or by completing specific in-game challenges. This was a significant departure from Overwatch’s established norm and sparked considerable debate among players.
Players who purchased the Premium Season One Battle Pass instantly unlocked Kiriko. Those who opted for the free track had to progress through the Battle Pass, reaching a specific tier to unlock her. After Season One ended, a set of challenges were introduced allowing players to unlock Kiriko, Sojourn, and Junker Queen for free. This system was intended to incentivize engagement with the Battle Pass while still providing a free pathway for dedicated players to access the new hero.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kiriko and Torbjorn
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding Kiriko and Torbjorn’s status in Overwatch 2:
1. Was Kiriko ever completely banned from Overwatch 2?
No, Kiriko was never completely banned from Overwatch 2. However, she was initially unavailable in Competitive Play for the first two weeks after her release. She was available in Quick Play and other game modes during this period.
2. Why couldn’t I play Kiriko immediately after Overwatch 2 launched?
New players had to unlock Kiriko through the Battle Pass or complete specific challenges. Players who owned the original Overwatch received her automatically. This requirement was part of the new hero unlock system introduced in Overwatch 2.
3. How long was Kiriko unavailable in Competitive Play?
Kiriko was unavailable in Competitive Play for the first two weeks following her release.
4. How could I unlock Kiriko for free?
After Season One, players can unlock Kiriko for free by completing specific hero challenges in the game. These challenges involve achieving certain milestones while playing as other heroes.
5. Why was Torbjorn removed from Overwatch 2?
Torbjorn was temporarily removed from Overwatch 2 due to game-breaking bugs affecting his ability kit, specifically the Overload ability.
6. How long was Torbjorn removed from Overwatch 2?
Torbjorn’s removal was temporary, and he was reintroduced to the game after Blizzard addressed the bugs affecting his abilities. The exact duration varied depending on the complexity of the fix.
7. Why was Torbjorn’s Overload ability causing issues?
The Overload ability allowed for unintended interactions and exploits, creating an unfair advantage for players using Torbjorn.
8. Is Torbjorn still considered overpowered?
Torbjorn’s previous Armor Pack ability, which provided persistent armor, was deemed overpowered and removed. His current iteration is generally considered to be balanced following various adjustments.
9. Does Torbjorn dislike Omnics?
Yes, Torbjorn holds a negative view of Omnics due to his belief that their advanced artificial intelligence poses a threat to humanity.
10. What is the relationship between Bastion and Torbjorn?
Overwatch 2 has established a friendship between Bastion and Torbjorn, which is a significant development in their character dynamics.
11. Is Kiriko a good healer?
Yes, Kiriko is considered a viable and strong healer in Overwatch 2. She offers a high healing output, mobility, utility, and damage potential.
12. What is the relationship between Kiriko and Genji?
Kiriko and Genji share a close, familial bond. Genji treated Kiriko like a younger sister, teaching her about the Shimada Castle and sharing mischievous adventures.
13. What are Kiriko’s main strengths as a support hero?
Kiriko excels at providing high healing output, cleansing debuffs with Protection Suzu, and boosting her team’s speed with her ultimate ability, Kitsune Rush.
14. How did Blizzard decide to nerf Kiriko in Season 6?
Blizzard nerfed Kiriko’s Protection Suzu due to concerns about its effectiveness in negating various ultimate abilities and crowd control effects, making it less versatile in specific situations.
15. What happens if I didn’t unlock Kiriko in Season 1?
If you did not unlock Kiriko in Season 1, you can acquire her through hero challenges or by purchasing her in the shop.
The Ongoing Evolution of Overwatch 2
The temporary removal of heroes and the implementation of unlock systems are all part of the ongoing process of balancing and refining Overwatch 2. Blizzard is committed to providing a fair and engaging experience for all players, and these decisions are made with that goal in mind. The key is for the company to maintain effective communication with the players, who should know the reasoning behind these changes.
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