Video game companies commonly leverage April Fools’ Day to showcase absurd ideas, often presenting outlandish game modes or products they never intend to release. Overwatch 2, however, embraces the spirit of the day by introducing a unique game mode called “Totally Normalwatch,” available in the Arcade menu until April 14. This mode exaggerates the abilities of all 42 heroes, delivering a chaotic experience filled with humorous changes.
Notable Changes in Totally Normalwatch
The updates include comical elements such as Hanzo riding Orisa into battle and Ashe’s robot companion B.O.B. abandoning his traditional weaponry to chase down opponents. Moira’s healing abilities have been transformed into damage-dealing mechanics. Previous April Fools’ updates have resulted in similarly outrageous modifications, like making Mauga, typically a towering figure, only a foot tall or giving characters comical new voice lines during their Ultimate abilities.
Potential Permanent Changes
Some of the absurd patch notes from past April Fools’ events have later found their way into the main game through subsequent updates. The recently introduced patch notes could indicate that some of this year’s antics might also persist in the live version of the game.
Patch Notes for Key Heroes
D.Va
- Mech size reduced by 50%.
- Base health for the mech decreased from 375 to 25.
- Fusion Cannon’s rate of fire increased by 100%.
Doomfist
- Hand Cannon removed from primary fire, replaced with a quicker melee attack.
- Seismic Slam cooldown decreased by 1 second.
Zarya
- Particle Cannon’s primary fire now ricochets off of enemies and the environment.
Junker Queen
- Commanding Shout no longer affects allies, now increases overhealth by 50%.
Reaper
- Hellfire Shotguns can no longer be reloaded; once emptied, they must be picked up to restore ammo.
Other Heroes Adjusted in the Patch
- Mercy’s Caduceus Blaster now fires random projectiles.
- Sombra’s hacking ability now grants buffs that enhance movement speed and ammo capacity.
- Genji can heal himself when requesting healing, with a warning against abuse.
- Widowmaker’s grappling hook can now hit enemies, damaging them and granting Overhealth.
The patch represents a tongue-in-cheek approach to game balancing and character abilities, providing fans both humor and excitement during this lighthearted event. Players can look forward to the changes while enjoying the temporarily chaotic gameplay that April Fools’ brings to Overwatch 2.