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How to fix zarya: a balanced approach for team play

Overwatch 2 Players Push for Changes to Zarya | Controversy Over Hero Bans

By

Jordan Miles

Jul 14, 2025, 02:59 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

3 minutes of duration

Zarya using her barriers to protect teammates while engaging in a combat scenario

In a heated discussion, players are calling for a rework of Zarya in Overwatch 2, arguing that current bans are unwarranted and detrimental to gameplay. A recent post sparked major debate on forums, with many players agreeing that Zarya's design needs adjustment for better balance.

The Core Issues with Zarya

Many mid and low-rank players find Zarya synonymous with frustrating gameplay. The crux of the complaint centers around the character's dual bubble charges, rendering her nearly invincible in lower ranks. One suggestion stands out: reverting to her Overwatch 1 form, with single charges on her bubbles and adjusted cooldowns.

"With separate cooldowns and single charges on her bubbles, she would play more collaboratively with her team, rather than being an undamageable force," one player argued.

This proposed change aims to enhance team dynamics and reduce the number of bans on Zarya. Additionally, reducing her cooldowns and adjusting her secondary fireโ€™s ammo cost could provide a better balance, allowing players to utilize her defensive abilities more strategically.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Users have expressed diverse opinions on the suggested changes to Zarya. Key themes have emerged from their discussions:

  1. Balance and Competitiveness: Many believe the current iteration contributes to the issues in competitive play. One commenter noted, "Zarya is obnoxious her design does not fit into single tank 5v5."

  2. Damage Buffs: Some players argue that damage increases are necessary if her bubbles are to be modified at all. Without these buffs, they feel she might become overly vulnerable in the game.

  3. Hero Ban System: Thereโ€™s a strong sentiment supporting hero bans, with players enjoying the unpredictability these changes bring to matches. "Hero bans keep the game so FRESH it's what I've enjoyed most about comp now," shared another participant.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Many players want Zarya to revert to her Overwatch 1 design for better game dynamics.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Zarya is obnoxious" reflects the views of those frustrated with her current state.

  • โœจ Hero bans are praised for making competitive matches more engaging and less predictable.

Culmination

The ongoing dialogue among players indicates a clear desire for change regarding Zarya. As discussions evolve, will Blizzard consider these player insights to modify her abilities? The debate continues among fans, which keeps the community engaged as they seek a more balanced experience in Overwatch 2.

What Lies Ahead for Zarya?

There's a strong chance that Blizzard may take note of the ongoing discussions about Zarya, potentially leading to reworks or adjustments. As the community voices its frustrations, developers often respond to maintain engagement and satisfaction. Approaching changes with a probability of 70% likely means the adjustment of her bubble mechanics to cater more towards team play. Should these tweaks take place, players could see revitalized competitive strategies brewing, as mid and low-rank matches might become less defined by her seemingly dominant presence. If Blizzard implements a mix of cooldown adjustments and balance updates, we might witness a dramatic shift in player dynamics, allowing for a more collaborative gaming environment that many fans are craving.

Echoes of Past Balancing Acts

This situation mirrors the transformative adjustments seen in the early days of MOBA games like League of Legends when champion reworks became a frequent necessity to enhance gameplay dynamics. Much like players today cry for a Zarya overhaul, League players once rallied for champions like Ryze to receive significant changes after overwhelming dominance affected competitive play. Just as Riot Games responded to player feedback and recalibrated champion abilities, Blizzard may eventually yield to the pulse of its community, recognizing that game health often hinges on timely adjustments. In the end, history shows us that just as balance evolves within games, so too do the companies behind them in response to their players' passions.