Overwatch 2 Mid-Season Patch Notes: Showdown Shuffle Event and Hero Balances Released
Irvine, CA, January 8, 2026 – Blizzard Entertainment has rolled out the mid-season update for Overwatch 2 Season 20, bringing a new event called Showdown Shuffle, balance adjustments to several heroes, and numerous bug fixes. The patch, a full rebase, is notably larger than usual, especially for consoles, and introduces anti-spawn camping turrets to all Stadium maps. Players can also look forward to the Magma Titan Doomfist Mythic skin and other cosmetics.
Game and Event Updates
The patch kicks off with the Showdown Shuffle event, running from January 13 to January 26. In this mode, heroes shuffle mid-match, with wild modifiers adding chaos. Players can earn cosmetics, loot boxes, and Battle Pass XP by completing challenges. Additionally, anti-spawn camping turrets have been deployed to every Stadium map to prevent unfair snowballing and provide better respawn protection.
Hero Balance Changes
Several heroes have received tweaks to improve gameplay balance. Genji gets more ammo for his Shuriken, allowing for sustained pressure. Symmetra’s secondary fire projectile is smaller for better precision, while her Teleporter has reduced shield health to encourage careful placement. Vendetta sees her Projected Edge damage lowered and Soaring Slice starting on cooldown upon respawn to curb her lethality.
Key Facts / Stats
| Hero | Change | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Genji | Shuriken Ammo | Increased from 24 to 30. |
| Symmetra | Photon Projector Secondary Fire | Base projectile size reduced from 0.5 to 0.4 meters. |
| Symmetra | Teleporter | Base shield health reduced from 250 to 200. |
| Vendetta | Projected Edge | Damage reduced from 80 to 70. |
| Vendetta | Soaring Slice | Now starts on cooldown when respawning (not when Resurrected or in Death Match). |
Bug Fixes
The update addresses various bugs, including issues with items like Superflexor not activating on healing for Wuyang, Mercy’s Supply Surge granting unlimited ammo to Winston, and Sigma’s Astrophysical not triggering other powers. Other fixes involve Genji’s Dragonblade not counting as Ability Damage, Colossus Core not granting Knockback Resist, and Mark of the Kitsune miscounting damage. Doomfist’s Block Party has been re-enabled after a bug allowed permanent retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Showdown Shuffle event?
Showdown Shuffle is a limited-time mode from January 13-26 where heroes randomly switch mid-match with modifiers for added chaos. Complete challenges to earn rewards like cosmetics and Battle Pass XP.
Are there any new heroes in this patch?
No new heroes are added, but the Magma Titan Doomfist Mythic skin is introduced, along with anti-spawn camping turrets on Stadium maps.
How does the rebase affect gameplay?
The full rebase reduces the game’s overall footprint after the update, though it may take longer to download initially, especially on consoles.