Overwatch 2’s new hero, Lifeweaver, has a compelling origin story and a fantastic look, but what players will really want to know is how the support works in practice. So, let’s break down Lifeweaver’s fascinating kit that promises to bring some new dimensions to what a support can do in Overwatch 2.
The main purpose of a support is to back up tanks and damage heroes with healing, and Lifeweaver’s primary fire handles that side of things. It’s called Healing Blossom. You can hold down primary fire to charge a burst of healing and then release the button to provide some healing to a targeted ally.
To defend himself, Lifeweaver will have to switch weapons (like Mercy or Torbjorn). His attack is called Thorn Valley. It emits a rapid-fire stream of projectile thorns, keeping in with his plant aesthetic. The thorns can deal critical damage.
Lifeweaver’s abilities are where things get really interesting. His right click is called Petal Platform. This deploys a platform that can be placed on the ground (it can bounce off of walls first if you’re particularly skillful). When Lifeweaver, an ally or an enemy steps on the platform, it sends them upwards. If you jump just as the platform reaches its apex, you can get an extra height boost.
Lifeweaver’s abilities are based on bio-light.
Blizzard Entertainment
Off the bat, this opens up a ton of offensive and defensive gameplay abilities. It can give a sniper an instant vantage point to land some headshots or give the likes of Ana and Kiriko a clearer line of sight to distant teammates for extra healing. It can also give your allies a swift escape from an enemy or displace an ulting opponent. As shown in the gameplay trailer, it can lift an Orisa to the sky to nullify Terra Surge. I’m not sure if it would work on a self-destructing D.Va mech.
Next, there’s another movement ability, but one that’s only for Lifeweaver. It’s called Rejuvenating Dash. This can quickly zip the support horizontally in any direction while providing him with some healing. Combined with Petal Platform, this makes Lifeweaver one of the more mobile supports, which should prove handy for both attacking and evasion.
Lifeweaver’s Life Grip can reposition an ally.
Blizzard Entertainment
Life Grip
Lifeweaver’s final core ability brings yet another fresh mechanic to Overwatch 2. It’s called Life Grip. It puts a protective bubble around an ally while pulling them back to your location.
Again, it’s easy to see the kinds of situations this could be useful for. As the trailer suggests, if you react quickly, you can save a teammate before they get knocked off the map. You can also use it to quickly relocate an ally, such as an ulting Reaper or another teammate to help you out if an enemy is harassing you in the backline.
I’m not quite sure yet how the ability works vertically. For instance, you might be able to yoink a Reinhardt up to give him a different angle for an Earthshatter.
Life Grip could offer some utility to supports as well. If a teammate wades a little too far into enemy territory, you could yank them back. Or (and you didn’t hear this from me) if the opportunity arises and one of your teammates is using a troll pick, you might subtly haul them above an abyss and send them back to the spawn room. Again, you didn’t hear that from me.
The Overwatch 2 team told me and other reporters a while back that they’ve tried to add an ability like this to the game for years. They’ve finally figured out a way to include it in a way that hopefully makes sense in practice.
Oh, Lifeweaver has a unique passive too. When he dies, he drops a “gift” that another player can pick up. Here’s an interesting wrinkle, though. Both allies and enemies can pick up the flower, which provides a health boost. Allies receive more health from it than enemies do.
Lifeweaver
Blizzard Entertainment
Lifeweaver’s Ultimate
Last but not least is Lifeweaver’s ultimate. It’s called Tree of Life. Lifeweaver places a tree made of bio-light that provides allies with an instant burst of healing as well as more healing over time. The Tree of Life also acts as cover, and could be very handy for helping to capture or defend an objective.
It could be used for trolling as well, in a similar way to Mei’s Ice Wall, but spending an ultimate just to block an ally seems a little much. More practically, you might use Tree of Life to block chokepoints and stop enemies from reaching the objective during overtime.
So, there you have it. Lifeweaver has a huge array of abilities that could upend the dynamics of Overwatch 2 and provide some killer new gameplay opportunities.
“The aim was to create another support hero that didn’t rely on aim skill,” Overwatch 2 lead hero designer Alec Dawson recently told reporters. “Lifeweaver is designed for players that care a bit more about their own positioning, their game sense — those are the skills they check on more than necessarily aim skill.”
Lifeweaver will be available when Season 4 starts on April 11 (and will be free for a limited time before going behind the battle pass). I’ll have some hands-on impressions of him later this week.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
