Overwatch 2 damage heroes - a complete guide

In Overwatch 2, Damage heroes play a crucial role in securing victories, breaking enemy lines, and carrying out aggressive plays. These characters bring high firepower, mobility, and aggression to the fight, making them central to most team compositions. If you're looking to understand or improve your gameplay with these high-octane heroes, this guide offers a comprehensive overview. You can also view a full list of Overwatch 2 Damage Heroes on Overwatch Central.

What Are Damage Heroes?

Damage heroes, also known as DPS (damage per second) characters, are responsible for dealing the most damage in matches. Their main objective is to eliminate enemies, break through defensive setups, and create opportunities for objectives. Unlike tanks or supports, damage heroes have fewer health points but offer powerful offensive capabilities.

The Role of Damage Heroes in Team Composition

In Overwatch 2, team compositions typically consist of one tank, two damage heroes, and two supports. This setup, known as the 5v5 format, gives damage heroes more freedom and space to maneuver. As a result, their impact on the game has grown, making picking the right damage hero more strategic than ever.

Types of Damage Heroes

Not all damage heroes are the same. They can generally be grouped based on playstyle, which can help players choose a hero that suits their preferences and strengths.

Hitscan Heroes

  1. Soldier: 76 - Known for his versatility, Soldier: 76 offers automatic fire, healing capacity, and sprinting for quick repositioning.
  2. Sojourn - Armed with a railgun that increases damage with energy build-up, Sojourn provides both precision and burst damage.
  3. Cassidy - Ideal for mid-range encounters, Cassidy wields a powerful revolver and has tools to disrupt close-range threats.

Projectile Heroes

  1. Junkrat - Specializing in area denial and chaos, Junkrat fires bouncing grenades that deal massive splash damage.
  2. Pharah - Equipped with a rocket launcher and jetpack, Pharah excels at high-ground combat and vertical pressure.
  3. Echo - A highly mobile character with strong projectile attacks and the ability to duplicate enemy heroes temporarily.

Flankers and Assassins

  1. Tracer - With rapid mobility and short-range attacks, Tracer is a classic flanker who can zip through enemy lines with ease.
  2. Genji - A cybernetic ninja capable of deflecting bullets, dashing through enemies, and climbing walls, Genji requires strong mechanical skill.
  3. Reaper - Built for close-range combat, Reaper can teleport, self-heal by dealing damage, and with his shotguns, quickly eliminate squishy targets.

Tips for Playing Damage Heroes

Mastering a Damage hero takes more than good aim. Here are a few essential tips to improve your effectiveness in matches.

Know Your Matchups

Certain damage heroes counter others. For example, Cassidy's magnetic grenade is highly effective against Tracer, while Pharah struggles against hitscan heroes like Soldier: 76. Understanding strengths and weaknesses can help you switch to the best hero for the situation.

Positioning is Key

Position yourself so you can deal damage without exposing yourself unnecessarily. High ground gives visibility and safety, especially for heroes like Ashe and Hanzo.

Communicate With Your Team

Damage heroes are not meant to operate independently at all times. Coordinate with your supports and tank to maximize your impact. A well-timed ultimate or combination play can turn the tide of a match.

Conclusion

Damage heroes are the engines of aggression in Overwatch 2. Whether you prefer precision attacks, explosive area denial, or high-speed flanks, there is a Damage hero to match your style. By learning their roles, practicing their mechanics, and understanding team strategy, you can become a formidable force in competitive and casual matches alike. Don’t forget to check out the complete list of Overwatch 2 Damage Heroes to explore each hero’s unique strengths and playstyles.