Summary

  • Mei players in Overwatch 2 want a new perk allowing her to skate on her ice for increased movement speed.
  • The Permafrost perk increases the Ice Wall duration but also its cooldown, making it widely disliked by Mei players.
  • Time will tell if Blizzard adjusts Mei's perks in the future.

Some Mei players in Overwatch 2 have suggested overhauling one of her perks by allowing her to skate on the ice she creates and increase her movement speed. This discussion quickly gained popularity largely thanks to Mei players in Overwatch 2 feeling like the hero's minor perks are extremely one-sided, with one perk affecting her Ice Wall being widely viewed as a downgrade for the ability.

The hero perk system in Overwatch 2 is a significant addition to the hero shooter, recently introduced in Season 15. Most perks offer relatively simple boosts to heroes' existing abilities, but even these seemingly small changes allow for completely new ways to play the game. With each hero featuring a total of four perks unique to them, players can choose one minor perk and one major perk each game to further customize their play style and dig deeper into their advantages against certain enemies. All players start with an equal advantage each game and can unlock perks during the match by performing well, with players able to choose different combinations of perks each time they jump into a game.

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Overwatch 2: How to Progress Perks

Overwatch 2 Season 15 has introduced the brand-new Perks mechanic, changing the way in which players approach their matches.

Though some characters' perks in Overwatch 2 can offer bigger advantages than others, one Mei perk has enthusiasts of the character particularly unhappy. The perk is called Permafrost, and increases the duration of Ice Wall by two seconds, but also its cooldown. This essentially makes the perk detrimental both to the ability and Mei's play style in most cases, but this has opened an opportunity for some fans to discuss an interesting alternative. The idea was first put forward by the fan known as Limedoe-, and involves a replacement perk that would allow Mei to create ice on the floor with her primary fire that can then be skated on for a speed boost.

Mei's Perks in Overwatch 2 Explained

Many other fans have gone on to discuss and expand upon the idea, with some debating the possibility of the perk also allowing teammates to speed up. Aside from the previously mentioned Permafrost perk, Mei's other minor perk in Overwatch 2 allows for a 30% increased primary fire range, giving her a big advantage in securing territory and keeping enemies away. When it comes to her major perks, one option allows her Cryo-Freeze ability to damage nearby enemies, with the other allowing her secondary fire to decrease enemy movement upon hits.

Considering how unpopular the Permafrost perk is among the Mei community, it may be a good idea for Blizzard to take a look at the climate scientist first if they ever decide to switch up certain hero perks in Overwatch 2. Fans of the game are still just getting accustomed to these new perks, and as ideal perk combinations and potential exploits are discovered in the future, it's very likely that the team behind the game will have to make some revisions.

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Overwatch 2 Tag Page Cover Art
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Shooter
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 77 /100 Critics Rec: 65%
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Released
August 10, 2023
ESRB
T For Teen // Blood, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Publisher(s)
Blizzard
Engine
Proprietary Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.

Cross Save
yes
Franchise
Overwatch
Steam Deck Compatibility
n/a
Genre(s)
Shooter
Platform(s)
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, PC
How Long To Beat
35 hours
X|S Optimized
n/a
OpenCritic Rating
Strong