Overwatch 2 Perks May Discourage Counterswapping
As part of Overwatch 2's rework, each hero will acquire unique perks that enhance their abilities. These perks cannot be transferred if players switch characters mid-game, incentivizing players to limit counterswapping.
Counterswapping in Overwatch
Counterswapping involves repeatedly switching heroes to exploit weaknesses in the opposing team's lineup. While a legitimate strategy, it can become frustrating, especially for Tank players.
Perks as a Deterrent
Since perks are hero-specific, players face a disadvantage when switching characters. This disincentivizes excessive counterswapping, as players must invest time to develop their perks.
Specific Impact on Tanks
Tanks, typically the lynchpin of a team, often face the toughest time in counterswapping. The new perk system may alleviate this issue by encouraging players to stay with the same hero and optimize their perk progression.
Previous Attempts to Curb Counterswapping
Blizzard has implemented previous measures to discourage counterswapping. Season 13 introduced a scoreboard update that concealed hero picks for 15 seconds after switching mid-fight. While helpful, it didn't eliminate the practice entirely.
Conclusion
While perks do not eliminate counterswapping, they provide an additional deterrent for excessive switching. It remains an integral part of Overwatch, but players may now be more hesitant to engage in it frequently.