In the middle of the seventh season, here is a small guide to take the first steps in Overwatch ranked games or to learn more about the strategies to use
In this guide I will try to simply explain the strategies most used. These strategies are suitable both for players who are facing the qualifiers for the first time, and for the more experienced players who, however, have never deepened the strategies. Since the meta changes and the different teams you will encounter are variable and completely random, I will not describe every single situation in every single map. I will try to explain instead the mechanics and situations of the fundamental strategies currently present.
The only two requirements you will need to use these strategies are:
- knowledge of at least 1-2 characters per class
- knowledge of maps
In addition, to facilitate reading, I will use 2 words in abbreviated form: FL e BL. These will be respectively Front Line (First Line) e Back Line (Rear guard). Finally, as a matter of personal habit, I will use the English classification of the characters: Tank, Healer e DPS. After this introduction we can then move on to the actual guide.
Overwatch: 3 fundamental strategies
in competitive games di Overwatch, there are different types of game: the conquest of the zones, the capture in turns and the transport of the payload. Although these modalities differ in theirs gameplay, applicable strategies remain always the same. With a little experience you will simply have to evaluate which will be the most suitable for your case.
Triple Tank – as the name suggests, we find the team consisting of 3 tanks and supported by a dps and 2 healers. The FL is made up of Reinhardt who will focus on blocking the damage with the shield, while the remaining two tanks serve as support. Particularly suitable for the support are Zarya and Roadhog. In the BL, slightly detached from the tanks, we find Mercy or Ana, Lucio and Soldato-76 who will be divided between finishing the kills of the FL and defending the healers. This formation is very resilient and allows easy defense of the moving payload or of an area under enemy fire. At the same time it is very slow, as the tanks in FL will take a long time to reach the objectives and the elimination of the enemies. This strategy is not recommended in maps where it is easy to get caught behind because once two tanks are flanked, the formation crumbles.
2-2-2 - This strategy is based on a very simple composition. The team will consist of two tanks, two healers and two dps. In FL we will find the two tanks, usually either Wingston or Reinhardt to block the damage together with D.Va, or Roadhog for freedom of action. In the BL we find the two healers, very often Ana, Mercy or Lucio who will have to concentrate exclusively on treatment. The dps will take care of helping the tanks during the attack and defending the healers. Generally a dps with high mobility is chosen, preferably Tracer or Genji, and Soldier-76. This strategy is quite mechanical, as the tanks conquer the goal, the dps eliminate everything that survives the passage of the tanks and the healers focus only on general healing.
- Dive – This strategy it is by far the most difficult and it requires an unparalleled level of coordination. The classic formation sees an FL formed by a very mobile tank and equipped with shields, Winston much used but replaceable with D.Va, and two dps with equal mobility and the possibility of escape. Tracer and Genji are the canonical ones, but depending on the case, Reaper or Phara also do a good job. In the BL we find Ana and Lucio or Zenyatta, and the usual Soldier-76. In this strategy the FL and BL play independently. In fact, in the Divas, the tank will point to healers of the enemy breaking through the opposing lines and the dps will have to support him to speed things up. Once this is done, he will have to aim for the DPS, and then take care of the goal. Meanwhile, the BL will have to try to support the FL from a distance by surviving the enemies. In this case Ana will treat FL, while the other healer and the DPS will defend it. This formation allows you to attack static formations, very often on defenses where the enemy team is barricaded. This strategy it is not recommended if you cannot communicate with the team as a lot of collaboration is required, especially on the timing of the FL.
These three strategies are the most used in Overwatch, but of course there are several hybrids and player-created reworkings. This guide will simply serve you as a model for completing your style of play through good team formation.
Overwatch: some useful advice
The strategies that I have illustrated to you undoubtedly play an important role in the course of an Overwatch game. Unfortunately, the basis of these strategies is the implicit need for at least one or two teammates with whom you can communicate. If you have your own team, you are fine, but if you are a solo gamer, these little tips that I am going to give you could be useful.
First use in-game chat and try to take the reins of the team, agreeing with the listener on which characters to choose. Always be willing to play any role, like the healer or the tank. Alas, especially in the first ranks, many players prefer the choice of dps, although there are already 4 or 5. From experience, a good healer or tank can turn the tide of a game. Also, especially if you are in the lower ranks, be very patient. Even if you lose a game, focus on your role and play it best. Keep in mind that not everyone goes out of their way for the team trying to win at the expense of their stats, so you have to be the first to do so.
That said, your best ally will always remain experience. I hope the guide will be useful to you and I wish you the best of luck in the ranked. Let me know in the comments any doubts or your game results!
