Why Mei is So Hated in Overwatch 2 History

Mei, one of Overwatch’s original 21 heroes, has undergone a major transformation in terms of both gameplay and community perception. Initially designed as a relatively niche hero, she quickly became one of the most controversial figures in the game’s history. Known for her disruptive abilities and crowd control powers, Mei’s early years were marked by both immense power and widespread hate. This guide takes a deep dive into Mei’s journey from the villainous character everyone loved to hate to her more balanced status in Overwatch 2.

The Rise of Mei’s Villainous Reputation

When Overwatch first launched in 2016, Mei was one of the original heroes. While her design and abilities were initially well-received, cracks in her reputation began to appear shortly after players started using her in competitive play. The biggest factor contributing to Mei’s rise as the “villain” was her iconic Ice Wall ability. This skill, though strategic in the right hands, was often used to disrupt teams in frustrating ways. Whether intentionally blocking teammates or accidentally trapping allies, Mei quickly earned a reputation as a “troll” pick.

But it wasn’t just her Ice Wall that made her notorious. Her primary fire, capable of freezing enemies in place, made her a constant nuisance to players. The inability to escape her freeze left opponents vulnerable to additional damage, often resulting in quick eliminations. This combination of crowd control and survivability made Mei one of the most hated heroes in the game, and even when her meta presence was low, the hatred for her persisted.

Mei’s Initial Balancing and Rise to Dominance

In September 2016, Mei received her first balance change, which significantly improved her ultimate, Blizzard, and made her more viable in competitive play. Blizzard, which previously charged too slowly, became more effective and faster to charge, positioning Mei as a more reliable pick in the meta. With her ultimate now available more frequently, Mei started seeing more play, particularly in competitive settings.

However, despite her newfound power, Mei’s presence in the game only amplified the frustration of opposing players. Freezing enemies and blocking paths with her Ice Wall felt oppressive, and many began to view her as an overpowered, disruptive force.

The meta at the time, which favored characters like Ana and Reaper, didn’t do Mei any favors either, and although she was strong, her use remained limited outside of highly organized play like the Overwatch World Cup and competitive tournaments.

The Nerfs and Mei’s Struggles in the Meta

As Mei’s popularity grew, so did the calls for nerfs. Blizzard responded by increasing the cost of her ultimate and making various tweaks to reduce her impact in the game. However, this didn’t immediately solve the community’s issues with Mei. Despite these nerfs, the hatred for Mei’s disruptive nature didn’t disappear.

By 2017, Mei was considered one of the least picked heroes in Overwatch, struggling to find her place in the meta as the focus shifted toward triple-tank compositions and the dominance of dive strategies. Mei’s ability to lock down tanks and provide significant crowd control was undermined by the fast-paced nature of dive comps, which prioritized mobility over control.

In 2018, Mei was given several buffs to address her low pick rate, but the meta continued to evolve, pushing her further down the tier list. Her viability fluctuated, and she often found herself in a suboptimal spot. Though she wasn’t the villain she once was, she remained unpopular and disliked by many in the player base.

The Impact of GOATS and Mei’s Role

The introduction of the GOATS comp in Overwatch—a strategy built around three tanks and three supports—further pushed Mei to the sidelines. With GOATS dominating the meta, Mei’s lack of sustain and mobility made her an ineffective pick in most situations. However, she still had moments of relevance, particularly in higher-level play where her ability to control objectives and disrupt enemy formations was occasionally useful.

As GOATS began to fade and more diverse team compositions emerged, Mei found herself in a slightly better position. In 2019, she saw a resurgence as a viable pick against the double-shield meta, particularly with the introduction of Wrecking Ball. Her ability to freeze enemies in tight spaces and protect her team from aggressive pushes made her a strong counter to these strategies.

Mei’s Rework in Overwatch 2

When Overwatch 2 launched, Mei received a significant rework as part of Blizzard’s efforts to reduce crowd control in the game. Her freeze effect was removed from her primary fire, and she became more focused on dealing damage. This change was a response to years of frustration from players who found getting frozen to be one of the most annoying aspects of Mei’s kit.

However, the rework came with mixed results. While many players appreciated the change, some found the loss of Mei’s iconic freeze to be disappointing. In particular, Overwatch League players noted that Mei’s damage increase didn’t fully compensate for the loss of her crowd control abilities, and she struggled to find her place in competitive play.

Despite these challenges, Mei began to show more promise in certain team compositions. The removal of her freeze did reduce the frustration that many players felt, but it also made her feel less unique compared to other damage dealers. Mei’s role shifted, and while she was still far from a meta-defining pick, her popularity and utility improved as players adapted to her new playstyle.

Mei’s Legacy: From Villain to Viable Hero

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Though Mei may no longer hold the villain status she once did, her legacy as one of Overwatch’s most controversial heroes is undeniable. From her early days as the “Ice Queen” to her current reworked form in Overwatch 2, Mei has left a lasting impact on the game and its community.

While she may never fully escape the memories of her early days as an annoying troll pick, Mei’s journey shows how a hero can evolve over time. Blizzard’s ongoing tweaks and updates aim to balance her abilities, making her more enjoyable to play against while still retaining her identity as a disruptive force in the game.

Ultimately, Mei’s transformation from the most hated hero to a more balanced and niche pick is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of Overwatch. The “villain” has been dethroned, but her influence on the game and its meta is still felt to this day.