Moira’s overpowered buffs abandoned by Blizzard

The latest Overwatch update for Experimental mode had an explosive effect on the community, so much that Blizzard actually changed its plans. Recent Moira buffs were so powerful that they won’t make it to the final update. This is not the first time Blizzard used Experimental mode to test extreme changes in abilities. However, the Overwatch community blew up negatively in response to this buff.

Moira Buffs

Blizzard wanted to increase the skill needed to play Moira efficiently and make her more fun to play. To accomplish this, the developers tested out huge Moira buffs. In close combat, her Biotic Orb dealt 150 damage, decreasing depending on the location of the enemy. Developers still tried to make Biotic Orb balanced by reducing its damage radius.

Image credits to Blizzard

But Moira’s Fade caused the community’s reaction. Using this ability would grant nearby teammates total immunity for a short time, clearing damage and status effects. This final trump card could change the whole meta of Overwatch esports if used well.

Overwatch testers felt far too strong playing Moira in Experimental mode.

Screenshot from Blizzard.

Abandoned by Blizzard

Blizzard’s development team hoped to introduce drastic changes for Moira. Nonetheless, they might have overestimated its impact.

“Sometimes during earlier phases of development, it’s more helpful to test abilities at their extremes and fine-tune with balancing after” said Blizzard Community Manager Molly Fender.

Many players are actually satisfied that it went this way. A meta with such an overpowered character would make Overwatch even less fun to play. Fans can still expect some changes for Moira in the future. This experience allowed Blizzard to gather knowledge on how to handle smaller Moira buffs in the future.

Written by Charles FUSTER