Overwatch 2 Season 17: Bastion Gets Smaller, Cuter, and Deadlier

What happens when a war machine gets a little less intimidating—and a lot more adorable? In the ever-evolving world of Overwatch 2, even the most stalwart heroes are not immune to change. As Season 17 approaches, Blizzard is preparing to unveil a transformation that’s as whimsical as it is strategic: Bastion, the beloved omnic, is about to shrink by 10%. But don’t let the cuteness fool you—this tiny tweak could have seismic effects on the battlefield.

The Shrinking of Bastion: A New Chapter for the Omnic Hero

On June 24, Overwatch 2 Season 17 will introduce a Bastion who’s not just smaller in stature, but potentially larger in impact. Associate hero designer Scott Kennedy revealed that this size reduction is more than a cosmetic adjustment—it’s a calculated move to enhance Bastion’s survivability and shake up the meta.

"Bastion's size will be reduced by 10% when Season 17 launches to give him a survivability boost. While it’s not the most earth-shattering change to ever hit Overwatch, it's a testament to the many different ways we can change and balance the game for every hero." — Scott Kennedy, Overwatch 2 Hero Designer

Why Shrink Bastion?

Bastion has always been a paradox: a gentle soul in a hulking, armored shell. Despite boasting the largest health and armor pool among damage heroes, his imposing frame made him an easy target—a lumbering giant in a world of agile assassins. Kennedy, reflecting on his early days with the Overwatch 2 hero design team, saw an opportunity to reimagine Bastion’s presence:

• Survivability: A smaller hitbox means Bastion will be harder to hit, giving him a fighting chance against snipers and flanking heroes.
• Balance: Internal tests showed that a 15% reduction made Bastion almost comically tiny—so the team settled on 10%, striking a balance between playability and personality.
• Lore Implications: Could this be a sign that Bastion is evolving, adapting to survive in a world that fears and misunderstands omnics? Or is it simply a nod to the community’s affection for the character’s softer side?

The Cuteness Factor: More Than Meets the Eye

In the world of Overwatch, appearances are never just skin-deep. Bastion’s new look is already sparking speculation among lore enthusiasts:

• A Symbol of Change: Is Bastion’s shrinking a metaphor for the omnic struggle—finding strength in vulnerability?
• Community Reactions: Early player feedback ranges from delight (“He’s 10% cuter!”) to tactical excitement (“Smaller Bastion, bigger plays!”).
• Visual Storytelling: Expect fan artists and cosplayers to embrace the new proportions, perhaps even inspiring future skins or in-game events.

What Else Awaits in Overwatch 2 Season 17?

Bastion’s transformation is just the tip of the iceberg. Season 17 is shaping up to be one of the most content-rich updates yet, with features that promise to reshape both gameplay and narrative:

• Mythic Hero Skin for D.Va: A new layer of lore and style for the iconic mech pilot.
• Mythic Weapon Skin for Reaper: Darkness gets a fresh coat of paint.
• Aatlis Map Debuts: Explore a new battleground steeped in Overwatch history.
• Map Voting: Players gain more agency in shaping their matches.
• Aqua Hero Trial: Get a sneak peek at the next addition to the roster.
• Damage Role Passive Change: Healing reduction increases from 25% to 30%, making every shot count.
• Global Health Regen Timer: Now 6 seconds instead of 5, amplifying the impact of sustained damage.

Hero Adjustments and Quality-of-Life Tweaks

• Junker Queen: Commanding Shout now prioritizes Overhealth for allies.
• Pharah: Helix Shields receive balance updates.
• Lifeweaver: Cleansing Grasp gets quality-of-life improvements.

For a full breakdown of Season 17’s features, check out our comprehensive guide to the Overwatch 2 Season 17 release, mythic skins, and patch notes.

The Future of Overwatch 2: Tiny Changes, Big Ripples

Blizzard’s willingness to experiment—even with something as simple as a hero’s size—signals a new era of creative risk-taking. As Overwatch 2 continues to evolve, expect more playful, lore-driven updates that blur the line between narrative and gameplay.

What Does This Mean for Players?

• Bastion Mains: Prepare to rethink your positioning and playstyle. A smaller Bastion could open up new flanking routes and defensive strategies.
• Counterplay: Heroes who rely on landing precise shots may need to adjust their aim.
• Lore Lovers: Watch for subtle story cues—could Bastion’s transformation foreshadow bigger narrative shifts?

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Bastion—and Overwatch 2

As the sun rises on Season 17, Bastion’s journey takes a surprising turn. In a world where even the mightiest machines can become a little more huggable, Overwatch 2 reminds us that change is the only constant. Whether you’re a lore enthusiast, a competitive player, or simply a fan of all things cute, this season promises to delight and surprise.

Are you ready to welcome the era of Tiny Bastion? Share your thoughts and theories with us, and stay tuned to early.gg for the latest Overwatch 2 news, guides, and lore deep-dives.

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Image: Bastion stands amidst a field of wildflowers, 10% smaller but 100% ready for battle. Alt text: "Overwatch 2's Bastion, now smaller and cuter, prepares for Season 17."

Suggested additional visual: Side-by-side comparison of Bastion’s old and new models, highlighting the size reduction and its impact on hitbox.