Jeff Kaplan and the development team have recently released a new update for the popular Blizzard FPS. A few Overwatch heroes are seeing some changes, including a full rework of Symmetra, but a handful of interesting social features are also inbound for the title, each of which is currently hanging out in the game’s Public Test Realm (PTR).

First off, Kaplan details the ability to reward others for good behavior by giving them props. Essentially, when you play alongside a hero that is simply on point and doing everything correctly with a great attitude, you can endorse them in three different ways – “Sportsmanship, Good Teammate, and Shot caller.” If any player receives enough endorsements from others, rewards will be given out. Of course, this opens the gates for trolls to come in and report players just to ruin their endorsements, but we imagine Blizzard will find a way to combat this behavior.

Another feature that is currently live in the Overwatch PTR is one that has been requested for quite some time. “Looking for Group” is a system that many online multiplayer gamers enjoy seeing. This allows people to create groups that are tailored to their needs. Only want teammates with a mic? Need a certain meta to dominate the opposition? All of this and more will be achievable with “Looking for Group.” Check out the video below to learn more:

Of course, these social features are’t the only goodies coming to Overwatch. As mentioned above, Symmetra is getting a full rework, but a few other heroes are receiving some updates. In addition to Doomfist and Orisa getting a few upgrades, the Horizon Lunar Colony map is also receiving some updates. You can read more about these below:

HERO UPDATES

Doomfist

Meteor Strike

• Bonus movement speed increased from 150% to 200%

The Best Defense…

• Shield gain increased from 30 to 35 for normal abilities

Developer Comments: The increased movement speed on Meteor Strike gives Doomfist new options in how and where to deploy it. His passive is also being increased, allowing him to survive more often when diving into enemies.

Orisa

Supercharger

• Ultimate cost reduced by 15%

Developer Comments: Supercharger wasn’t getting enough use, considering its impact. This change allows Orisa to use her ultimate more aggressively, knowing that she will be able to generate them more easily.

MAP UPDATES

Horizon Lunar Colony

Point A

• Added a staircase on the right when exiting the hydroponics room
• Removed the door to the lower room on the right
• Removed the small wall on the catwalk above Point A
• Added some cover walls to the catwalk area
• Moved the door next to the staircase that led to Winston’s room
• The door is now on the side of the wall in the training pit
• Moved the large health pack to the back of the room
• Removed some clutter in the upper left computer room

Hydroponics Room

• Switched the positions of the large and small health pack
• Changed some of the hydroponic plant cover on the right side

Point B

• Defender spawn room exits moved from the front to the sides out of direct line of fire
• Small rooms added at spawn room exits
• Additional cover added near the spawn room exits
• Added a route and larger platform leading to the back right corner
• Raised the platform to the same height as the attackers’ platform on the opposite side of the point
• The location of the old defender exit is now an alcove with a small health pack
• Both teams can still pass behind the point, but there is now a cut-through in the middle of the wall for better access.
• The area above the window overlooking the point is now covered
• A large platform with cover has been attached to the left side of the catwalk
• The upper platform for the attackers has been reduced
• The doorway leading to the platform is slightly smaller

Developer Comments: We’ve wanted to make some gameplay improvements to Horizon Lunar Colony for some time now. The defenders’ spawn room had a problem with its main exit that allowed defenders to quickly duck back inside and regain health while attackers shot at them without doing damage. Since we were already reworking the entire back area, we decided to make some more changes addressing player feedback. The idea behind the rework of Point A was to not only help the defenders a bit, but also provide some gameplay options aside from sitting on the point and trying to hold it for as long as possible. Easier access to high ground, as well as limiting the routes for attackers (or at least allowing for defenders to more easily spot the attackers), will allow more opportunity for counters and create a better gameplay experience.

We’ve made a lot of additions and changes to the art throughout the map for you to discover as well.

There is also a plethora of bug fixes that have joined the latest update, but those can be found right here. For the time being, everything above is currently in the PTR. Overwatch is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers as this story develops, and for other gaming news going on right now, check out the following:

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What say you, gamers? Excited for all of these changes that will be coming to Overwatch in the near future? Have you had a chance to check them out in the PTR yet? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!