A Comprehensive Guide to Roles in Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is an exemplary hero shooter game that is an upgrade of its highly successful precursor, Overwatch. This game introduces a unique role system that brings meaning to each character’s abilities and functions within the team. Understanding these roles can significantly improve your gameplay and overall enjoyment of the game.

In the game, the heroes are categorized into three distinct roles: tank, DPS (damage per second), and support. Each of these roles has unique characteristics and abilities that contribute to the success of the team.

Breaking Down the Team Composition in Overwatch 2

The team composition in Overwatch 2 currently consists of one tank, two DPS, and two support heroes. The team structure was previously different but the current 1-2-2 setup offers a more streamlined gaming experience. Each role within this team has specific duties and when executed correctly, create harmony within the team leading to success.

Understanding the Tank Role

The tanks in Overwatch 2 are the building blocks of the team. They create space for the team, absorb significant damage, and lead the team’s push during the game. The special abilities of tanks, such as reduced critical damage and resistance to knockback effects, make them resilient frontliners on the battlefield.

The current roster of tanks includes thirteen heroic characters, among them being the latest addition to the game – Hazard. Here is the full list of tanks:

• D.Va
• Doomfist
• Hazard
• Junker Queen
• Mauga
• Orisa
• Ramattra
• Reinhardt
• Roadhog
• Sigma
• Winston
• Wrecking Ball
• Zarya

A Look at the Damage (DPS) Role

DPS or Damage heroes command the offensive side of the game. Their key function is dealing with enemies and applying pressure on the opposition. The DPS heroes can either take the enemy head-on or surprise them by clever flanking maneuvers leading to quick kills.

Within the broader DPS category, there are unofficial subdivisions, Main DPS and Flex DPS, which experienced players acknowledge. Main DPS characters excel at attacks from the rear, focusing on quick elimination of enemy support heroes. Flex DPS characters, on the other hand, gradually diminish enemy resources until the right opportunity comes about.

The Necessity of the Support Role

Support heroes are the lifeline of the team. They provide more than just healing, offering utilities that empower and save their teammates while setting up opportunities for team success. For a game like Overwatch 2, understanding the abilities of each of the eight support heroes is key to the team’s success.

The traditional categorization of main support and off-support has become less relevant with the shift to a single-tank format. Today, the success of the team also depends on how well the support players balance healing abilities, utilities, and damage contributions.

Emphasizing Role Understanding

Understanding the roles and their interactions in Overwatch 2 is vital to your success in the game. Each role contributes differently and effectively to the team’s overall strategy. A player’s ability to fulfill their role’s responsibilities while coordinating with teammates can make a significant difference. This understanding will also assist new players in choosing a “main” character that suits their preferred style of play.