The "Overwatch" game is exciting as it allows and encourages players to experiment. However, most new players lament that it is hard to even choose which character to play. This "Overwatch" Characters and Hero Guide serves to assist players new to the game by giving some info about the numerous "Overwatch" characters.
"Overwatch" Characters and Heroes
There are currently 21 "Overwatch" characters that are playable, according to Gamepedia. Each has its own ability and are grouped in four classes or roles namely, offense, defense, tank and support.
The are 6 "Overwatch" characters that belong to the offense category. They are Genji, McCree, Pharah, Reaper, Soldier: 76 and Tracer.
The defense group is also composed of 6 "Overwatch" characters. They include Bastion, Hanzo, Junkrat, Mei, Torbjorn and Widowmaker.
The tank class consists of 5 "Overwatch" characters. They are D.Va, Reinhardt, Roadhog, Winston and Zarya.
The last class, support, is composed of only 4 "Overwatch" characters. Lucio, Mercy, Symmetra and Zenyatta belong to this category.
List of Abilities Per "Overwatch" Characters
As a beginner, it is probably best to know exactly what each character is capable of doing. Being well-informed would surely mean a more informed decision when finally choosing which "Overwatch" characters to include in one's team. Listed below are the 21 "Overwatch" characters with their respective abilities as enumerated by Trusted Reviews.
Offense Class "Overwatch" Characters
Genji - One of Genji's ability is the "Shuriken," which can rapidly fire 3 stars to a single target or fire 3 stars simultaneously for a wider ranged attack. He can also use "Deflect," a move which utilizes his Kitana to reflect opponents' projectile attack back at them. With "Swift Strike," Kenji quickly moves to the target and slashes at him. However, Kenji is known for his ultimate ability, the "Dragonblade," which gives him the ability to kill any target, an ultimate skill for an "Overwatch" character.
McCree - As an offensive "Overwatch" character, McCree's main attack is known as "Peacekeeper," using his gun. He can also employ "Combat Roll," a rolling dodge that at the same reloads his weapon while his "Flashbang" stuns enemies with a flash grenade. His ultimate ability is called "Deadeye" which marks then targets his enemies.
Pharah - For offense, Pharah utilizes "Rocket Launcher" to deal heavy damage with a corresponding AoE. Parah can "Jump Jet" by using jet packs to leap into the air and evade attacks. As an offensive "Overwatch" character, Pharah is known for "Barrage," firing mini rockets to deal damage to a group of enemies.
Reaper - This offensive "Overwatch" character's main attack is called "Hellfire Shotguns" which, as the name suggests, deals a ton of damage to the enemy in close range combat using his shotguns. Reaper has two evasive abilities; "Wraith Form" transforms him into an intangible shadow that can pass through enemies, can't be damaged but can't fire either while "Shadow Step" allows him to teleport. His ultimate skill is "Death Blossom," which makes his shotguns rapid-firing weapons of destruction.
Soldier: 76 - A pretty reliable offensive "Overwatch" character, Soldier: 76 uses "Heavy Pulse Rifle" handy fully automatic whose aim doesn't waiver when used. He also employs "Helix Rockets" for multiple enemies within the limited vicinity, can use "Sprint," an evasive move and "Biotic Field" a healing ability that can also be used on teammates. "Tactical Visor," his ultimate ability, lets him hit his nearest enemy and once dead, the next nearest enemy is then chosen as the target.
Tracer - This offensive "Overwatch" character uses "Pulse Pistols," can use "Blink" a teleportation ability and can use "Recall," a time reversal which restores her health, ammo and location to a previous point in the game. "Pulse Bomb," her ultimate ability, enables her to place a powerful bomb to any surface dealing massive damage.
Defense Class "Overwatch" characters
Bastion - As a defensive "Overwatch" character, Bastion is pretty impressive. When using "Configuration: Recon," Bastion can deal damage at medium range with his submachine gun. Using "Configuration: Sentry" he deals massive damage with his Gatling gun and a barrier. "Self-Repair" heals himself but is risky because he can't use weapons and is immobile. For his ultimate ability, Bastion employs "Configuration: Tank," manifesting a powerful long-range cannon on wheels that can inflict serious AOE damage.
Hanzo - "Storm Bow" an arrow attack is Hanzo's basic attack while "Sonic Arrow" can be fired to locate enemies and mark them for his team and allies. "Scatter Arrow" can hit multiple targets because the arrowhead splits into many shards that bounce off walls. However, his "Overwatch" character is known for his "Dragonstrike," an arrow that summons the spirit of the dragon damaging everything in its path.
Junkrat - This defensive "Overwatch" character has interesting abilities. For instance, his basic ability "Frag Launcher," enables him to throw grenades from a distance because the grenade continues to bounce only exploding when it comes to contact with an enemy. His "Concussion Mine" can either launch Junkrat into the air or send enemies flying. He also uses "Steel Trap" which injure and renders enemies immobile while "Total Mayhem" is activated when Junkrat is killed dropping lots of grenade in the process. His ultimate skill, "Rip-Tire," is a powerful motorized tire bomb with the amazing capability of climbing even walls.
Mei - As a defense class "Overwatch" character, Mei uses "Endothermic Blaster" to deal damage to enemies, slowing them down and eventually freezing them. "Cryo-Freeze" shields herself with ice and at the same time rejuvenating within the icy enclosure while "Ice Wall" deceives enemies' sight. As her ultimate ability, "Blizzard" creates a snowy and windy storm over a large area damaging enemies and eventually freezing them if they stay too long.
Torbjorn - "Rivet Gun" may be used in long range as well as close-range where it shoots out molten metal. With "Forge Hammer," Torbjorn can build, repair and even upgrade turrets to have a proper defense. "Armour pack" upgrades armors of allies while "Build Turret" ability utilizes metal from dead enemies for increasing turret HP and maybe even install a cannon and rocket launcher. "Molten Core," his ultimate ability, enables Torbjorn to have a drastically increased armor while giving him the ability to build turrets faster - a perfect skill for a defense class "Overwatch" character.
Widowmaker - This defense class "Overwatch" character has serious skills. Her "Widow's Kiss" utilizes her sniper rifle that can damage at long range but may also be used in close combat. "Grappling Hook" allows her to climb hard to reach but perfect for snipers spots while "Venon Mine" allows her to stick a poison gas mine anywhere. A scary skill, "Infra-Sight" allows her to see targets even through walls.
Stay updated for the next installment of the 'Overwatch' Characters and Heroes Guide which will cover support and tank "Overwatch" characters. For now,enjoy the fight between Widowmaker and Tracer.