Overwatch: Symmetra rework has reached the test server PTR

Symmetra Rework is finally playable on the Overwatch PTR server. This hero is now classified as a Defense hero, not a support, and of course her kit has also changed significantly. Here are the character’s new skills:

Photon Projector – Primary Fire

The biggest change to Symmetra’s Primary Fire (left mouse button) is that it no longer locks objects. To compensate, the weapon will deal more damage and have a longer range. While the Photon Projector’s damage increases more slowly than before, it also decreases more slowly after the cease-fire, extending the duration of the high-damage deal in big battles.

• No longer locks onto objects
• Distance increased to 10 meters
• Damage increments and decrements now take 2 seconds to increase/decrease damage instead of 1 second as before
• Damage per level increased from 30/60/120 to 60/120/180
• Now creates more ammo instead of losing it when hitting shields (barriers)

Photon Projector – Alternate Fire

Photon Projector’s secondary attack (Alternate Fire) has also changed significantly. It no longer pierces enemies but explodes when touched. The projectile speed is also faster, making it an effective weapon at long distances. Explosive Projectiles are now more powerful when fired from above enemies because they deal splash damage, now easier for Symmetra thanks to changes in Teleporter.

• No longer penetrates objects
• Now explodes on touch
• Projectile speed increased
• Charge speed increased
• Damage changed to 60 damage on touch / 60 explosion damage (splash damage)

“Overall, her weapon retains its basic value while having more flexibility in terms of how it is used. Now, Symmetra is no longer a support hero, so she can deal massive damage and these changes will allow Symmetra to do that.”

Skill 1: Sentry Turret

The most prominent change is that Symmetra’s Sentry Turrets can be fired as projectiles to place them, instead of getting closer to the desired location. Also, Symmetra will only be able to place and last up to three turrets, but each is much more powerful than previous Sentry Turrets. This helps the hero spend less time defending large turrets, as well as making them more durable against laning attacks.

• Turrets are now mounted by firing as a projectile instead of being placed right next to the hero
• Can fire up to 3 turrets, down from 6
• Up to 3 turrets can now be placed, down from 6
• Turret health increased from 1 to 30
• Damage increased
• Slow effect increased

“Symmetra’s turrets help define this character, and now they’re stronger than ever. With the new way of placing turrets, she can place them in places that were previously difficult to reach, or she can drop them in the middle of a firefight while fighting with her weapons.”

Skill 2: Teleporter

Teleporter swaps positions with the old Photon Barrier. However, the new Teleporter now works a lot differently than before, and it is used very differently. Now, instead of creating the exit gate right in front of you, the player can place it further away (up to 25 meters) and the entrance will automatically place right in front of you. For a limited time, you and your teammates can run through the Teleporter and press the Interact/Acknowledge button to teleport to the other portal.

• It is now possible to wager work up to 25 meters away from Symmetra
• The portal will automatically be placed right in front of Symmetra, instead of the team respawn location
• Lasts 10 seconds
• Teleporter portal health reduced to 300
• More things can be teleported, but Junkrat’s tire and D.Va .’s exploding mech
• The entrance gate can now be destroyed

“This change allows Symmetra to bring unique functionality to its teammates and create interesting combos and plays. For example, you can now take Bastion, Torbjörn, and heroes with limited mobility to places they couldn’t reach before. In addition, the Teleporter can teleport new objects such as D.Va’s exploding mech or Torbjörn’s turrets. During testing we found it to be used simply as an escape for heroes that lack mobility like Ana or Zenyatta, but it can also save teammates from Zarya’s Graviton Surge, helping have them teleport to a safe location.”

Ultimate: Photon Barrier

Symmetra’s second ability is now his new ultimate, with significant changes. Instead of creating a circular shield that moves forward, she now creates a giant immobile shield that cuts across the entire map. She can use this ‘wall’ in the middle of a battle to give her teammates a huge advantage, or use it to block dangerous enemy ultimates like D.Va’s Self-Destruct or Junkrat’s RIP-Tire. Since this shield has no size limit, you can throw it down to affect the battle even if you haven’t joined it yet, as long as it’s properly aligned. You can combine your skills and place the Teleporter on both sides of the wall, allowing your teammates (or yourself) to jump back and forth between the shields.

• Creates a large protective shield that stretches and cuts the entire map
• Shield placement can be changed by pressing the ultimate button again
• Has 5000 health

“We’ve been experimenting with these changes for a while now and are still figuring out what exciting new things we can do with Symmetra rework. Every time we come up with new hero ideas or reworked skills, it can take a long time to make sure they’re on track. We’re looking forward to having you give Symmetra a try and give the character some feedback!”

According to PCgamer