Respawn Reduces Octane Healing, Nerfs Horizon NEWT Scoot in January Patch

Respawn pushed a balance update that trims Octane’s self‑healing and softens one of Horizon’s mobility upgrades, changes aimed at cooling off a powerful Octane-Horizon pairing. The developer’s patch note reduces Octane’s Swift Mend maximum healing from 9 to 6 and minimum healing from 3 to 2, and it specifically calls out pick rate concerns as the reason for the rollback.

The studio explained the move in the patch text: “We have seen an organic drop in his pick rate since the mid season patch went live, which we expected, but that didn't fall enough to a level we felt was healthy so that indicated some of the interactions of his new kit are unhealthy.” Those exact Swift Mend lines in the notes read, “Reduced Swift Mend max healing from 9 to 6” and “Reduced Swift Mend min healing from 3 to 2.” For players who relied on Octane’s increased durability after his rework, the change should make him slightly easier to finish in fights and reduce sustain in drawn engagements.

Horizon’s NEWT Scoot upgrade was also altered. The official patch entry states, “Reduced max Newt Scoot time from 5 to 2.5” and “Reduced New Scoot max speed from 700 to 550.” Some reports paraphrased the new maximum glide time as 2 seconds instead of 2.5 seconds, suggesting minor transcription or rounding differences in early coverage. Importantly, NEWT Scoot is an upgrade option for Horizon, so players who choose the alternate fast-fall option will not be affected by this change. The developer noted the reasoning behind the nerf: “Horizon landed at a comfortable pick rate after her recent buffs, but when combined with Octane, the team comp has proven to be a bit squirrely.”

The update does not only pull back power. EA/Respawn developer notes included in the release also buff several of Horizon’s base tools. Gravity Lift received increased lift speed (300 to 375), longer hover at the top (0.5 to 1.5 seconds) and meaningful cooldown improvements the team summarized as an effective reduction from 35 seconds to 22 seconds. Horizon’s Black Hole ability saw a 30 second cooldown reduction and a rise in health from 175 to 225, with the developer adding that Horizon “is at her lowest pick rate ever, but maintaining a strong encounter win rate. We’re giving her back some of the power that’s been nerfed previously to make her a more attractive pick.”

Other items in the patch address mobility and loot balance. Revenant’s Shadow Pounce has reduced maximum velocity to curb long‑range surprise drops, Overflow Healer healing rates were lowered, early game floor loot gained Infinite Ammo and Over Armor options, and Trident vehicles now auto‑heal and auto‑respawn at spawn locations with improved UI for health and damage.

What this means for players is straightforward. Teams that leaned on Octane plus Horizon mobility should expect tighter windows for escape and repositioning, while Horizon mains who skip NEWT Scoot will see little change. Try the adjusted Gravity Lift and Black Hole in practice lobbies to gauge the buffs, and watch pick and win rate telemetry as the meta reacts. The developer closed the patch note with thanks and a sign‑off that captures the tone of ongoing engagement: “Thank you for your continued feedback. Have a great weekend. See you on the Dropship!”