Summary
Thanks to how the newcomer Illari was introduced toOverwatch 2players, there could be some big changes ahead as the game continues to evolve and expand its roster of heroes. Between the firstOverwatchand its sequelOverwatch 2,it’s arguable that Blizzard should have refined its approach to introducing players to new heroes long ago. Despite this, these characters can still meet a mixed reception such as the recent Lifeweaver, which is why the positive response Illari has received from theOverwatchcommunity is something Blizzard ought to pay attention to when it comes to future additions.
SinceOverwatchandOverwatch 2have been and continue to be competitive games that try to provide something for every type of player, introducing any new hero is a balancing act between making the character fun to play without overpowering them. However, this initial focus on Blizzard’s part could be the cause behind why some heroes are received better than others. Illari’s introduction offers an alternative approach that instead prioritizes her relationship with players by making her powerful and fun to play, all while saving any thatnerf Illari forOverwatch2’s competitive crowdsfor a few weeks after launch.
RELATED:Overwatch 2 New Support Hero Illari is Missing Something All the Other Heroes Have
Illari Could Set a New Standard for Overwatch 2
As it’s certainly not the first time fans have criticized new and old heroes for being overpowered, it should be no surprise thatOverwatch 2’s Illari was also called overpowered. However, this isn’t something limited to justOverwatch’s community, as any competitive game will have players on both sides of the argument. But even if Illari is more powerful for the time being as she’s welcomed intoOverwatch 2, this is something that could work in everyone’s favor. By making her a strong Support hero, Blizzard can build hype among Illari’s fans while also identifying areas where she needs to be rebalanced.
But this can achieve more than just establishing a fan following, asOverwatchandOverwatch 2have always struggled to find their own balance with Support heroes alongside Tank and Damage heroes. While a Support character’s in-game role is often less focused on dealing damage and more on helping allies, a player’s experience can becomefrustrating if theirOverwatchteammatesdon’t protect them in return. Though it might not resolve the bigger issue at large, Illari could set a new standard for more heavy-hitting Support characters inOverwatch 2who can give as good as they get.
Illari’s Still Might Not Be a Perfect Model For Overwatch 2’s New Heroes
As much as there is to learn about Illari’s introduction toOverwatch 2that could help Blizzard with future heroes, it’s also just as likely that things simply aligned both within the game itself and the community at large. Unlike the straightforward approach of focusing on attack for Damage heroes and defense for Tanks, Support heroes have always faced bigger challenges for being balanced and worthwhile to play. With Blizzard making her stronger than Lifeweaver right out the gate, Illari has been able to circumvent these challenges, but even now she has patches in-store withfutureOverwatch 2updates.
Additionally, making Illari overpowered from the get-go could potentially alienate some players who might not be as excited by her addition toOverwatch2,but have to fight against her in matches all the same. Thisdouble-edged sword forOverwatch 2’s new heroescould see players growing to resent certain characters if they feel they cannot compete due to how strong or unbalanced they are. So while Illari was added toOverwatch 2with more power than other Support heroes might have seen, Blizzard might be just as likely to return to its old ways after its recent trial run. Given the positive response to her, though, making a hero powerful instead of weak on day one seems like the better option.
Overwatch 2is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:It’s Time For Overwatch 2 to Stop Toying With Mercy Fans
