In an extremely short amount of time since Sigma, Overwatch‘s newest hero was introduced, a brand new developer update has been released where Jeff gives us the breakdown as he does so well. Sigma also hit the Public Test Region earlier today, giving players a first-hand look at the hero. You can check out the newest developer update below.
According to Jeff, Sigma, whose full name is Siebren de Kuiper, hails from the Netherlands. As a dedicated astrophysicist, he was performing experiments aboard the International Space Station when something went horribly wrong. He is taken into government custody, given the codename “Subject Sigma,” and becomes an experiment himself. Once Talon gets word of the new gravitational abilities he possesses, they snatch him and exploit his unstable state of mind to use him for their own gain.
Sigma’s role in Overwatch is that of a “Barrier Tank,” similar to Reinhardt, Orisa, and even Winston, who all throw down some form of a shield. Sigma’s version is called Experimental Barrier and can be launched in any direction by holding alt-fire and stopped in place by releasing the button. Another tap of the alt-fire button recalls the shield and allows it to regenerate. With the addition of Experimental Barrier, it is now the second strongest tank shield in the game at 1500 health, right behind Reinhardt’s shield at 2000 health. Since the shield can fire in literally any direction, it could be perfectly placed to completely neutralize a Pharah ult, or push choke points with ease.
Sigma’s primary fire, Hyperspheres, sends a pair of short-range projectiles that implode either on contact or after bouncing off a surface. What’s interesting about the Hyper Spheres is when they explode, there is a small amount of AOE damage, as well as a slight gravitational pull towards the area. His primary ability, called Kinetic Grasp, functions similarly to a combination of D.Va’s Defense Matrix and Zarya’s Barrier, absorbing incoming damage when active and transforming it into a shield for himself. This ability, based on the amount of damage he absorbs, can add up to 400 points of additional shield to his health bar, which vanish after a short period of time.
Sigma’s second ability, called Accretion, forms a ball of debris which he fires at an enemy, dealing damage and knocking them back. The ability will be useful on maps such as Ilios and Nepal to “boop” enemies off the ledge. Finally, Sigma’s ultimate ability, called Gravitic Flux, allows him to fly slowly upwards, showing a ground target area, much like Doomfist’s ult. When triggered, all enemies within the target are thrust into the air, suspended for a few seconds, and then slammed back down, dealing massive damage. According to Jeff, the ability will deal about half of each enemy’s max health when they hit the ground. The strategy here seems to be to have your teammates hit the suspended enemies midair and have Sigma finish them off with the end of his ult.
The addition of Sigma and his specific ability set at this time could be due to the recently announced role lock mechanics, forcing a 2-2-2 team composition. The new system is expected to make its appearance in the near future, so you better get your practice in with Sigma now, who is currently available to play in the PTR on PC along with role lock.