Blizzard has rolled out a hotfix targeting Overwatch 2’s Stadium mode, tweaking balance for multiple heroes just a week into Season 18. The patch, live since September 4, adjusts hero abilities while addressing bugs and competitive scoring.
Tank hero Orisa received the biggest buff, with her Refraction Tiles Item now blocking 75% of beam damage during Javelin Spin, up from 50%. Brigitte saw her Righteous Cleave healing range doubled, though her Scavenged Steel Item was nerfed to maintain balance.
By contrast, Pharah, D.Va, and Junker Queen were hit with reductions. Pharah’s Recursion Batter and Blitz Barrage powers were weakened, D.Va’s defensive tools saw cutbacks, and Junker Queen’s Royal Bullets Power was dialed down.
Beyond hero balance, Stadium’s competitive mode now softens rank losses by factoring in individual round victories, reducing the sting of close defeats. The update also fixes several bugs affecting powers, items, and match stability.
Season 18 launched on August 26 with new hero Wuyang, a refreshed Perks system, and the addition of Payload Race mode to Stadium. Blizzard continues to push post-launch events, including the Cowboy Bebop crossover and Summer Games 2025, with new skins and loot boxes available through September.
The adjustments show Blizzard’s quick response to community feedback as Stadium evolves into one of Overwatch 2’s most competitive features.
