In this latest edition of Designer's Notes, we'll go into detail about the balancing changes that'll come with the Y9S3.3 update and give you some insight into the reasons behind them.
BALANCING MATRIX AND TOP OPERATOR BANS
WIN DELTA VS. PRESENCE
Please note that we are using presence to gauge the popularity of an Operator. This notion had to be introduced to reflect the implementation of the pick & ban.
Presence definition: pick rate of an Operator when not banned. Win Delta: The Win Delta is aggregated from Operator's Win Deltas per Bomb Site.
OPERATOR BAN RATE
A WORD ABOUT BALLISTIC SHIELDS IN Y9S4
With the shield update released in Y9S1 we've seen an encouraging evolution of shield usage overall. They have more impact and are a more relevant option than before.
However we do not want them to become an overly oppressive solution for attackers and with those season's learning we will be tuning them for Y9S4 to reinforce their support role.
OPERATOR BALANCING
IANA
Iana should help reduce the reliance on Drones. However, unlike Drones, which are smaller and more elusive, the Gemini Replicator is too easy to detect and destroy.
The primary advantage of using the Gemini Replicator is that it doesn't result in resource loss when destroyed. However, 30-seconds cooldown can be quite restrictive, potentially limiting its use to just a few times per round, which may not feel impactful enough. To address this, we are reducing the cooldown time for when it is destroyed, allowing it to be used more frequently to assist in droning yourself or your teammates.
GEMINI REPLICATOR
- Cooldown (when destroyed): Reduced to 20 seconds (from 30).
JACKAL
Removing the distortion effect when being shot would enable Jackal to use his Eyenox more effectively, making it easier to track enemies even in high-pressure situations. This change would allow him to provide more consistent intel to his team by keeping the visor active for longer periods.
We believe the distortion doesn't serve as an effective counter but rather makes the visor less user-friendly. Therefore, we view this adjustment as a quality of life improvement rather than a substantial buff. Actively following tracks with the visor is an enjoyable aspect of its gameplay, and we aim to make this experience more comfortable for players.
EYENOX MODEL III
- Removed visor distortion when getting shot.
KALI
In addition to the changes to the CSRX 300 detailed below, we are also equipping Kali with a set of Smoke Grenades. This new option is intended to assist her in relocating with some concealment or to strategically funnel defenders into her line of sight by obstructing their vision from other angles.
LOADOUT
- Gadgets: Added Smoke Grenades.
MOZZIE
Mozzie's ability to capture 3 drones is already quite significant, potentially making him more effective than Valkyrie. However, this potential is rarely realized due to drones being destroyed or the difficulty in quickly securing captures, which can make him feel less impactful than Mute. To make this potential more achievable, we are increasing his resources.
We also aim to encourage more active drone hunting. With only 3 Pests, there's limited flexibility between pre-placing them and keeping them for a future use. We hope that additional resources will provide more flexibility, making him interact more with his gadget during the Action Phase.
Additionally, the Impact Grenades will enhance his mobility, enabling him to roam the map faster more effectively using the intel gathered from his captured drones.
PEST LAUNCHER
- Maximum resources: Increased to 4 (from 3).
LOADOUT
- Gadgets: Added Impact Grenades.
ZERO
Unlike standard drones, the Argus Cameras are stationary, so they remain relevant only while the action is in their vicinity. Beyond that point, they may become less useful, which can pressure you to place them in more risky and exposed areas.
However, with the additional coverage, Zero can now place the cameras in more creative ways and less obvious locations, making them harder to spot and destroy. Even if some cameras don't see much action, he can double-down on the same area to ensure the coverage. This also means fewer blind spots, making it easier to rely on Zero's cameras for flank-watch.
Now, he can establish a network that can cover multiple flanks and key areas effectively.
ARGUS LAUNCHER
- Maximum resources: Increased to 6 (from 4).
ZOFIA
We will replace Zofia's Breach Charges with Hard Breach Charges. This adjustment aims to enhance her versatility, enabling her to handle both soft and hard breaching tasks. By equipping her with Hard Breach Charges, we hope to provide teams with greater flexibility in their strategies and operator selections, fostering more creative and diverse strategies, similar to what operators like Capitão or Zero are promoting.
LOADOUT
- Gadgets: Removed Breach Charges. Added Hard Breach Charges.
WEAPON BALANCING
CSRX 300
Being a Sniper in Siege presents quite a challenge. The opportunities to play from a safe and distant position are limited, making it easy for your position to be called out after the first shot. Additionally, the bullet trails of the CSRX 300 are more visible than others, complicating the efforts to remain unseen.
The reductions in duration and size will help make it safer to take a second shot from the same position. Defenders will need to pay closer attention to the trails if they wish to determine Kali's position.
BULLET TRAIL
- Duration: Reduced to 1 seconds (from 2).
- Size: Reduced by 75%.
OPERATORS AFFECTED
- Kali
