Overwatch Season 5 Update Removes Popular Jetpack Cat and Cassidy Synergy

Overwatch has officially launched its new season, introducing a significant balance patch that fundamentally alters the gameplay landscape. While the update brings a new hero, Doctrine, and substantial reworks for both Roadhog and Sombra, one of the most notable changes is the removal of a high-profile synergy between the Support hero Jetpack Cat and the damage dealer Cassidy.

Ending the Jetpack Cat Combo

Previously, players discovered that Jetpack Cat’s unique tether ability—which allows her to attach to teammates and carry them through the air—could be used to position Cassidy high above the battlefield while he activated his Ultimate, High Noon. This maneuver proved lethal, as it made it nearly impossible for enemies to escape the gunslinger’s line of sight.

Blizzard has officially patched this interaction, stating that while Lifeline creates unique moments with several Ultimates, the specific combination with High Noon was “too powerful” at repositioning Cassidy to secure eliminations. As of the new patch, activating High Noon will now automatically force Cassidy to detach from Jetpack Cat’s tether, dropping him back to the ground.

Massive Hero Reworks and Global Adjustments

Beyond the specific nerf to Cassidy, the patch includes a massive overhaul for Roadhog and Sombra. Roadhog has received a new ability, “Trash Compactor,” which allows him to absorb projectiles and fire them back at enemies, shifting his role toward a more traditional tank with both defensive and offensive utility. Meanwhile, Sombra has been moved from the Damage role to the Support category. Her signature “Hack” ability has been removed in favor of “Weaken,” a new status effect that reduces an enemy’s damage and healing output by 50%.

The update also implements a global adjustment to hitscan projectile sizes. Following recent hit volume updates, Blizzard is reducing the size of hitscan projectiles to maintain consistency across the roster, noting that the changes are intended to smooth out hit detection inconsistencies.

Why it matters

For players, this patch marks a major shift in tactical gameplay. The removal of the Jetpack Cat and Cassidy synergy effectively ends one of the most effective “cheese” strategies of the current season, forcing players to rethink their positioning and team composition. The shift of Sombra to the Support role and the heavy adjustments to Roadhog also signal a major meta shakeup, as long-standing playstyles for these characters are no longer viable.

As Blizzard continues to evaluate character interactions on a case-by-case basis, players should expect further adjustments to unique ability pairings. While these changes are global, they impact all players regardless of region. Those who relied on these specific team-ups will need to adapt to a landscape where individual hero mechanics, rather than high-mobility combos, are prioritized for securing eliminations.