Key information
Team 4 introduced five new heroes to Overwatch nearly a year ago, including the highly anticipated Jetpack Cat. While the character was initially received with joy, her presence on the battlefield quickly caused significant disruption due to a powerful synergy with Bastion.
The hero's ability to carry Bastion into the air allowed him to utilize his turret mode from an elevated position, creating a dominant meta. Associate Game Director Alec Dawson noted that the development team identified this potential issue during internal playtesting, even noting that adding Mercy to the pair created an even more formidable trio.
This combination became so potent that it immediately dominated the Overwatch esports scene. Although developers eventually implemented a nerf to reduce the speed at which Jetpack Cat can move while carrying teammates, the character remains a challenging opponent for many players.
Dawson explained that the decision to delay nerfs was intentional. The team aimed to let players experience these extreme gameplay moments before intervening, balancing the need for competitive stability with the desire to preserve exciting, memorable experiences for the community.
