The Torbjörn overhaul is now live in Overwatch

The rework for Overwatch hero Torbjörn went live with the most recent patch.

Torbjörn is the latest hero to get the overhaul treatment, following the likes of Symmetra and Hanzo, both of whom received major changes fairly recently.

Arguably one of the most neglected heroes throughout Overwatch’s lifespan so far, Torbjörn has been long due a rework. Similarly to Symmetra before her most recent overhaul, Torbjörn’s original design meant he was an incredibly niche pick, really only viable as a defensive hero on certain maps and even then usually superseded by more versatile options.

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The new Torbjörn is designed to be a little less specialized, in theory widening the set of circumstances in which he can be effective and also simply buffing his raw output in order to compete with alternative picks.

One of the biggest changes is to Torbjörn’s ultimate, Molten Core. Though it will keep the name, the ability now sees Torbjörn deploy molten lava from his claw arm, creating damage pools where the globules land that last for 10 seconds.

Torbjörn’s other new ability is Overload, which replaces Armor Pack. Overload lasts for five seconds, during which Torbjörn is granted 150 armor, and increased attack, movement, and reload speed.

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The trademark turrets remain, although they’ve been adjusted. Now, Torbjörn’s turrets are a thrown projectile, rather than being placed, and automatically build themselves. Turret levels have been removed, but the new turrets have the same damage output as what was previously the “level 2” turret.

Finally, Torbjörn’s Rivet gun has received a direct buff, with its reload time reduced, primary projectile speed increased, and alternate fire recovery time lowered – although the latter also receives a minor damage nerf to balance the other improvements.

Patch notes for the Torbjörn changes can be seen below, and the full patch notes can be read here.

GENERAL

• Reduced the size of Torbjörn’s head hit volume by 10%

RIVET GUN

• Primary Fire
  • Projectile speed increased from 60 to 70 per second
  • Reload time reduced from 2.2 to 2 seconds
  • Turret targets enemy hit by primary fire
• Alternate Fire
  • Recovery lowered from 0.8 to 0.6 seconds
  • Damage per shot lowered from 150 to 125
  • Reload time reduced from 2.2 to 2 seconds
  • Spread randomization readjusted

FORGE HAMMER

• Radius increased to align with Quick Melee

DEPLOY TURRET

• Turret is now a thrown projectile
• Automatically builds over three seconds
  • No longer has different levels
  • Same damage output as previous level 2 turret
• Maximum health reduced from 300 to 250
• Now incurs a 5 second cooldown when deployed
• Now incurs a 10 second cooldown when destroyed in combat
• No longer able to deploy a new turret if it’s in combat
  • While the turret is firing
  • If the turret has taken damage within three seconds
• Can now be destroyed using the Interact input
• Completes self-building once deployed, even if Torbjörn is eliminated

NEW ABILITY: OVERLOAD

• Replaces Armor Pack
• Lasts for 5 seconds
• Cooldown is 12 seconds
• Temporarily grants 150 armor
• Increases attack, movement, and reload speeds by 30%

NEW ULTIMATE: MOLTEN CORE

• Switches weapon from Rivet Gun to his claw arm
• Lasts 6 seconds
• Fire up to 10 molten globules that create damage pools where they land for 10 seconds
  • Globules bounce off walls and ceilings until they hit the ground
• Base damage is 130
• Damage increases from 130 to 190 against enemies who have armor
  • Heroes affected by armor: Bastion, Brigitte, D.Va, Orisa, Reinhardt, Torbjörn, Winston, Wrecking Ball
  • Heroes who can grant armor to their allies: Brigitte

Please note that Torbjörn will be unavailable in Competitive Play for two weeks.