Overwatch 2 is once again adjusting the kits of its more controversial heroes, Sombra and Roadhog. While Roadhog receives a rework that includes the addition of 'Trash Compactor' acting as a de facto shield, it is Sombra's shift to the Support role that has generated the most significant player reaction.
Sombra retains some of her core abilities, including her primary fire, EMP ultimate, and Translocator. However, her kit has been augmented with new abilities and passives designed to fit her new role. She now has 'Hotfix,' which heals allies over time and allows her to hack health packs, and 'Cyberspace,' a biotic grenade mimic. Her 'Conspirator' passive now allows her to see when enemy ultimates are fully charged, and the 'Tactician' support subrole enables her to store excess ultimate charge.
While the transition may prove jarring for some, the move positions Sombra to be a more consistent pick. Although she can no longer hack heroes out of their ultimate abilities, her EMP remains effective for such purposes, and Tracer can still fulfill the role of countering defensive snipers. The author suggests that if played correctly, Sombra could evolve from an outlier into a standard team composition choice.
The primary concern stems from player resistance to change and Sombra's often-contentious history in the game. Her high ban rates in competitive play suggest a pre-existing player aversion that may not be easily overcome by this rework. Furthermore, there is a significant risk that many players will continue to use Sombra as a flanker rather than embracing her intended support playstyle, which prioritizes team sustain and engagement facilitation.
This potential for misapplication, where a support player might engage in 'DPS joyrides' across the map instead of supporting their team, is highlighted as a likely source of frustration. The author posits that this issue is more prevalent in lower ranks, emphasizing that a support's core function is team sustain and enabling allies.
Despite these challenges, the article argues that these are merely growing pains. The author expresses optimism that Sombra's new role will eventually become integrated into player habits, comparing her potential future integration to that of Doomfist and Symmetra, who also underwent significant role shifts.