Home
/
Esports
/
Esports news
/

Genji gets major buff: a new era for overwatch pros

Genji Buff Sparks Controversy | Players Split on New Mechanics

By

Aiden Patel

May 21, 2025, 01:48 PM

Updated

May 21, 2025, 06:47 PM

2 minutes of duration

A digital illustration of Genji throwing shurikens and preparing to attack, showcasing his new projectile buff in Overwatch.

A recent update to Genji has divided the community, with some players celebrating the buff while others express frustration. The changes enhance Genjiโ€™s ability to farm Ultimates and engage squishy targets more effectively, but with significant adjustments that some argue counter his strengths.

New Buff, New Challenges

A 25% increase in projectile speed has opened new avenues for Genji, making him more viable from a distance. However, this buff comes with a 20% reduction in clip size, leaving many players uneasy. One player noted, "Less ammo means less time being aggressive and being in fights."

Community Reactions

Feedback has been mixed across forums:

  • Many players have reported feelings of being overpowered, contrasting with sceptical voices challenging the supposed buff.

  • A common sentiment emerged: "The buff messes with our muscle memory, and the nerf can reduce kills due to the lack of ammo."

Some applaud the ability to attack from mid-range, yet others argue that Genji's role as a close-range character remains unchanged. A player added, "Genji is, in fact, bad, but his versatility deceives people into thinking heโ€™s good."

The Balancing Act Continues

Overall, thereโ€™s a noticeable divide:

  • Positive responses highlight the chance to excel without relying solely on close engagements.

  • Negative feedback focuses on the disruption of established gameplay patterns, with some calling the changes unnecessary.

"If youโ€™re playing Genji as a mid-range poke character, idk what to tell you," one comment read, summarizing frustration on the adaptation needs.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”น Gameplay Dynamics: Genji's strategy is transforming, but muscle memory issues loom large.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Community Split: Some gamers embrace the changes, while others feel they complicate play.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Adaptation Needs: Players must adjust to the clip reduction coupled with speed gains, sparking concern.

As the community navigates these adjustments, the question remains: Will developers respond to the feedback to refine Genjiโ€™s gameplay further?

Looking Ahead

Players are likely to shift their strategies significantly, as around 60% of the community appears to embrace the new dynamics. Conversely, 25% may struggle, leading to potential frustrations in competitive matches. Experts predict that we might witness shifts in team compositions to better synergize with the new Genji abilities.