Overwatch’s Ana Might Be Much More Powerful Than We Thought in Heroes of the Storm

Earlier this week, Blizzard made the announcement that a few more Overwatch characters were making their way over to the sandbox title Heroes of the Storm. One such hero was the healing sniper Ana, also known as Pharah’s mom. Though she will play very similarly to how fans are used to seeing her in the hit FPS, she might actually be more powerful in this new MOBA setting.

In a recent developer update video by blizzard, players got a chance to see Ana in action for her Heroes port. As seen in the video below, Ana’s different abilities are given the spotlight. Much more powerful than Overwatch fans were probably anticipating, her passive and healing abilities are both impressive – but that Biotic Grenade is by far the most interesting development. Here’s a rundown on what to expect.

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Passive 

Shrike allows Ana’s basic attacks to apply damage over time to stack up against the enemy. Any attacks that happen afterwards are granted a buff, giving her more range and more chances at landing the hit. 

Healing Dart

In Overwatch, Ana can fire a shot of healing from her sniper – Her Heroes of the Storm counterpart works similarly. By firing this specific dart, it will give 250 health to the first allied hero.

Biotic Grenade

This is a grenade that Ana can toss into any targeted area. For enemies, 60 point damage and 100% less healing for 2 seconds will occur. For allies, they will be granted 175 health and increased 25% healing for up to 4 seconds.

This particular ability bears some resemblance to the character in Overwatch, but in the setting of Heroes – this is an incredibly powerful move to make. To be able to not only give massive amounts of healing to allies, but actually prevent 100% healing in enemies – Ana will definitely be one of those key characters that can make or break a match. 

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Sleep Dart

Fired the same way as her Healing Dart, this ability will put the first enemy hit to sleep, thus making them completely vulnerable to attacks for up to 3 seconds. That being said, if the target takes on damage after half a second in, the sleep effect will wear off. This particular ability cannot also be used on vehicles, for obvious reasons.

Nano Boost

This allows an instant boost to another ally by fully restoring 200 Mana. In addition to the restoration, 30% spell power will be granted and a huge buff will be granted to their cooldown recharge rate. The only catch is that this boost cannot be used on Ana herself.

Eyes of Horus

This is where the sniper shines. By taking up the prime shot position, this heroic ability allows Ana to fire up to 8 specialized rounds with unlimited range. If used at the right moment, this could be vital to the team’s victory. 

If the round hits an ally, they will receive 300 health; whereas enemies will be hit with 175 damage. The only downside to this particular ability is that while active, Ana will be completely open to attack due to non-mobility. 

Ana does not have a specific date set for when she will make her official debut in Heroes of the Storm, but she is currently available to play in the game’s Public Test Realm in addition to Junkrat.