One of the defining features of Overwatch 2 is the ability to switch heroes mid-match, often creating a rock-paper-scissors dynamic—especially for tank players. However, this has led to growing frustration among players, who have long called for changes to make counter-swapping less frustrating. In response, the developers have introduced a new tweak for Season 13, detailed in a recent blog post on the patch notes.

Starting next season, when you swap heroes, your selection will be hidden from the enemy scoreboard for 15 seconds, adding a layer of uncertainty.

Counterswapping deterred in #Overwatch2 ??

Swapping your hero now hides your selection on the enemy scoreboard for 15 seconds, preventing enemies from immediately counter-picking in response to your choice. pic.twitter.com/5bVTHRcff3

— Overwatch Cavalry (@OWCavalry) October 14, 2024

The devs explained that this change is meant to add more “friction” to counter-swapping, particularly in cases where players constantly monitor the scoreboard and quickly change heroes to counter each other. The goal is to slow down these rapid swaps and make the process more thoughtful.

Despite the tweak, the community’s response has been lukewarm. Many players feel it doesn’t truly address the issue. Seasoned players argue that even without seeing the scoreboard, they already have a pretty good idea of how the enemy will counter them based on their hero choice.

One player expressed their frustration on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“This is pointless, we’ve been in this loop of rock-paper-scissors for so long that you can literally guess what the enemy is gonna go to deal with your x tank pick.”

Others pointed out that this change might actually favour the player who counterswaps first, leaving their opponent at a disadvantage. “The first life after a swap is basically free kills now unless you predict it perfectly,” one player noted.

Some players have proposed extending the delay beyond 15 seconds for a greater effect, and I agree. Alternatively, restricting the number of hero swaps per game or point could be a solution. As a Platinum-ranked player, I’m used to counter-picking as a core strategy, but I don’t see how this change will disrupt the approach enough to alter the meta. Ultimately, players want to win, and if the game operates on a rock-paper-scissors dynamic, that won’t change without a major hero rework. Or, as I mentioned, limiting the number of swaps could help.

Either way, with Season 13 dropping later today, players have plenty of new updates to look forward to.