Exploring the tank role in overwatch 2

As a cornerstone of team composition in Blizzard’s team-based shooter, Overwatch 2, Tank heroes play a crucial role in leading the charge, absorbing damage, and controlling space. Whether you are new to the game or a veteran player looking to refine your role, understanding the Tank hero pool is essential for competitive and casual success.

To see a full list of available Tank heroes, visit the official Overwatch 2 Tank Heroes page.

What Makes a Tank Hero?

Tank heroes are designed to withstand large amounts of damage and disrupt the enemy team's positioning. Each Tank brings unique abilities to shield allies, displace enemies, or control objectives. In Overwatch 2, the 5v5 format means each team has only one Tank, increasing the importance of this role and the need for strategic decision-making.

Key Tank Responsibilities

  1. Creating Space: Tanks move forward to engage enemies, allowing damage and support heroes to operate safely behind them.
  2. Objective Control: Tanks are often the first on the point and the last to leave, thanks to their durability.
  3. Disruption: With displacement abilities and crowd control, Tanks can break up enemy formations and protect teammates.

Notable Overwatch 2 Tank Heroes

Reinhardt - The Armored Juggernaut

Reinhardt is a frontline powerhouse whose massive barrier field protects his team as he leads the charge. Equipped with a rocket-powered hammer, he excels in close-range combat and is an excellent choice for newer players.

  1. Barrier Field: Large, directional shield that absorbs incoming damage.
  2. Charge: Powerful rush that can pin enemies against walls.
  3. Earthshatter: Game-changing ultimate that knocks enemies to the ground in a wide radius.

Orisa - Adaptive Combatant

With her upgraded abilities in Overwatch 2, Orisa took on a more aggressive and mobile role. Her energy javelin and sustainability allow her to lock down areas and push objectives with ease.

  1. Augmented Armor: Sustains more damage and regenerates health over time.
  2. Energy Javelin: Throws a spear that stuns and knocks back enemies.
  3. Terra Surge: Powerful area-of-effect ability that pulls in and damages enemies.

D.Va - A Mobile Disruptor

D.Va’s mech suit provides a blend of mobility, defense, and firepower. With the ability to dive into the backline, eat incoming projectiles, and escape danger quickly, she remains a favorite among aggressive Tank players.

  1. Boosters: Fly in any direction for rapid repositioning or initiation.
  2. Defense Matrix: Absorbs incoming projectiles from the front, protecting allies.
  3. Self-Destruct: Destroys her mech in a massive explosion, clearing objectives and creating pressure.

Winston - Dive Specialist

Winston is an agile, barrier-wielding gorilla scientist who excels in disrupting squishy targets in the backline. Perfect for fast-paced team compositions, his mobility is unparalleled in the Tank category.

  1. Jump Pack: Leaps long distances to initiate or escape.
  2. Barrier Projector: Deploys a dome shield that blocks enemy fire.
  3. Primal Rage: Transforms Winston into a melee powerhouse with greatly increased health.

Choosing the Right Tank for Your Playstyle

Each Tank caters to a different approach to combat. While Reinhardt rewards those who stick with their team and hold the line, heroes like D.Va and Winston offer high mobility and independent play. It is essential to choose a Tank that complements your team’s composition and fits your preferred gameplay style.

Adapting to Different Maps and Modes

The choice of Tank can also depend on the map type - Control, Escort, Hybrid, or Push. For example, narrow corridors on Control maps may favor Reinhardt’s shield, while open spaces on Push maps may benefit from Sigma or Ramattra’s ranged abilities.

Conclusion

Mastering Tank heroes in Overwatch 2 is both a challenge and a rewarding pursuit. As the anchor of any team, Tanks dictate the pace of a match and often determine the outcome. Understanding your strengths, counters, and how to synergize with allies is critical. Whether you favor brute force or tactical positioning, the right Tank hero can turn the tide of battle in your favor.