Overwatch 2 just put out an update that fixed an issue allowing players to use different color text and emojis in chat during a match. Though many Overwatch 2 fans have been having a lot of fun with this bug, it was sadly an unintentional feature that has since been removed from the game.
At some point during Season 17, players discovered a curious in-game function that let them type using different text colors, hero emojis, and other symbols in the Overwatch 2 chat using hex code commands. This feature was not listed in any patch notes or announcements, leading to equal parts confusion and delight.
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Unfortunately, it seems like these chat options were not supposed to exist. A new hotfix that went live on August 5 removed this “issue,” implying it was an unintentional interaction that somehow made it into the live game. As of the update, players are no longer able to change the color of their text or use icons in the in-game chat feature.
Fans are understandably upset by this change, as it seemed like a harmless and fun tool for them to enjoy during a match. Many are disappointed to see it go, but others are wondering how and why it existed in the first place. Some hope it may be a feature Overwatch 2 could add into the game officially in the future, and that it was simply not in a finished state at the moment.
The chat text color bug wasn’t the only issue resolved in this small patch. Orisa’s Energy Javelin in Overwatch 2 Stadium should now be properly affected by cooldown reduction from Items and Powers, and Kiriko’s shadow clone from the Clone Conjuration power should have its health appropriately increased by the hero’s ability power. There are no hero balance adjustments in this update, but in-game Replay Codes and Highlights from the previous patch have been wiped.
There is a lot to enjoy in Overwatch 2 over the next few weeks. The Overwatch 2 x Nerf collaboration just went live, bringing with it a Legendary skin for Cassidy, six Nerf-themed weapon skins, and the Nerf or Nothin’ game mode. Then, on August 14-18, Wuyang, the aquatic support hero coming in Season 18, will get his trial weekend, meaning his full suite of abilities will be announced soon. Finally, the Season 17 Competitive Drives will be held from August 21-25, leading up to the release of Season 18 itself on August 26.
Overwatch 2 Season 7 Bug Fix – August 5, 2025
Bug Fix Patch
This is a bug fix patch and contains no hero updates. In-Game Replay Codes and Highlights from the previous patch are removed.
Bug Fixes
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General
- Fixed an issue where text chat was displaying unintended colors.
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Stadium
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Orisa
- Fixed an issue where Orisa's Energy Javelin cooldown was not properly reduced when using cooldown-related mods.
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Kiriko
- Fixed an issue where Kiriko's "Clone Conjuration" power failed to grant her clone increased health based on ability powers.
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Orisa
Overwatch 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 77 /100 Critics Rec: 65%
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
