Overwatch 2 is finally out, and players that haven't played the original may be surprised how much has changed with some characters (and, perhaps, how much is the same for others). Even outside the three new characters that have been added to the game, several Overwatch mainstays have received either small tweaks or complete overhauls.
Knowing how to get the most out of each characters' weaponry and abilities is essential for success in Overwatch 2, especially now that smaller, five vs five matches mean there's less room for suboptimal play.
Genji's Katana Has Defensive Utility
Overwatch 2's resident ninja is, perhaps, the most agile and maneuverable character in the game. While he normally prefers to use his long-range shuriken attacks to stay out of danger, his iconic katana is an integral part of his kit - but not in the way one might expect.
While the sword can be strong offensively (especially when Genji triggers one of Overwatch's best ultimate abilities), it's most useful for Deflect. This move lasts two seconds and, while it's up, Genji deflects all incoming projectiles back at whoever is attacking him. Not only is it critical for keeping Genji alive, but it can do a surprising amount of damage to strong enemies.
Symmetry Photon Beam Demolishes Barriers
Symmetra has had several reworks since her introduction in the original Overwatch, but he's now in a great place as a defensive specialist capable of charging up while taking down enemy barriers. The Photon Beam starts out as a relatively weak weapon, but, when attacking barriers, it both recharges its own ammunition and grows stronger.
Players would be wise to take Symmetra against teams with a Reinhardt, Winston, or Sigma, all of who rely on shields to protect themselves or their allies. While Symmetra's alternate firing mode, Photon Blast, isn't as impressive, it does have longer range and can be useful in maps with long sight lines.
Cassidy's Revolver Deals Massive Damage
Cassidy, who may be better known as McCree to players who haven't jumped into Overwatch in a while (his name was changed after misconduct allegations surfaced against his namesake), has received some significant changes to his kit in Overwatch 2, but he remains one of the strongest mid-range duelists in the game.
Cassidy's Flashbang, which let him stun nearby enemies, has been removed and replaced with a grenade. This means that Overwatch's favorite cowboy needs to keep his distance a bit more, which shouldn't be an issue given the incredible accuracy and damage output of his Peacekeeper firearm, which is especially useful against exposed enemies like flying Pharahs.
Junkrat's Frag Launcher Can Play The Angles
Junkrat is a defensive-oriented character that's best played when opponents have to come to him, and a big reason for his effectiveness is that the grenades from his Frag Launcher can bounce off walls and don't explode immediately if they don't make direct contact with an enemy.
This unique weapon property means that Junkrat can attack enemies over obstacles (like shields or terrain) or around corners where he can't be hit back. However, players should be cautious, as the grenades' arc makes hit hard to hit flying or exceptionally fast enemies.
Reaper Can Heal While He Hurts
Reaper may be the most "edgy"-looking character in Overwatch 2, but some canon comics have shown a lighter side to him in the past (and inspired some great Overwatch memes). Reaper can only fight in close quarters due to his weapons having exceptionally short range, but, luckily, they also help him stay alive in the thick of things.
Reaper's Hellfire Shotguns actually got slightly nerfed in Overwatch 2 (their damage went from 6 to 5.4 damaged per "pellet" and had their spread increased), but they're still great against anyone not fast enough to get away. Furthermore, Reaper gains a portion of the damage his shotguns deal back as health, so he's a bit tricky to take out of a fight as long as he has targets close to shoot.
Soldier 76 Is A Classic FPS Fighter
Every character in Overwatch 2 has their own gameplay quirk, but those coming from other great first-person shooters that want something more familiar would do well to try out Soldier 76. He boasts a simple automatic Heavy Pulse Rifle with an alt-fire that shoots three spiraling rockets in a straight line.
However, simplicity doesn't equal a lack of quality. Soldier 76's weapon is remarkably reliable in almost any situation, and it's one of the best for taking out flying enemies or opponents that overextend themselves into the open.
Bastion Is More Versatile In Overwatch 2
Everyone in Overwatch 2 has a weapon, but Bastion actually is one. In the original Overwatch, Bastion was a fairly immobile tank-buster that could transform into a turret, but he couldn't move while doing it. He's been completely reworked in Overwatch 2, he's not a more burst-oriented mobile fighter.
In recon mode, where Bastion spends most of his time, Bastion's weapon fires relatively slowly but with high damage and accuracy. In Configuration: Assault, Bastion transforms into a tank for 6 seconds and his DPS increases dramatically. either way, Bastion is a terrifying offensive presence that opponents will have a harder time working around now that he isn't anchored to one spot while he shoots.
Mei Is A Stone Cold Killer
Mei may have a warm and inviting appearance, but anyone that's played against her know that she's anything but. The Endothermic Blaster has two firing modes, and both are extremely effective.
Mei's basic firing mode no longer fully freezes/stun enemies in Overwatch 2, but its damage has been significantly increased and it instantly applies a 50% slow debuff on the target.. When enemies are further away, the gun's alternate firing mode creates a sharp ice shard that shoots out with high accuracy, letting Mei ping enemies across the battlefield.
Roadhog's Scrap Gun Is Devastating
Roadhog had his issues in Overwatch, but his Scrap Gun was never the problem. Thankfully, in addition to receiving small buffs to his healing and Ultimate Ability (which heal more and are stun-proof, respectively), his gun has remained unchanged.
Roadhog's Scrap Gun is a high-powered/low ammo shotgun-style firearm, but its short range is overcome by Roadhog's Chain Hook, which pulls enemies towards him like Mortal Kobat's Scorpion. This can be useful against enemy tanks, but it's almost a guaranteed one-hit-KO against squishier targets.
Sojourn Is New And Terrifying
Overwatch 2 disappointed some fans by only launching with three new characters, but it's quickly become clear that all three are well-worth the wait. Sojourn is the Damage character of the group, and her Railgun is possibly the best weapon in the game. It rapidly shoots with high accuracy in a similar way to Soldier 76's Pulse Rifle, but, on hits, it also charges a powerful railgun-style blast that can take out several enemies instantly.
The weapon is strong on its own, but, when paired with Sojourn's great mobility, she becomes a terrifying offensive threat that isn't easy to take out in return.
Source:gamerant.com