Overwatch 2 Beginner Guide
Overwatch 2 is a team-based shooter where heroes with very different abilities fight together as a team. With so many distinct kits, it can feel confusing at first -- but understanding the three role types makes everything click much faster.
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Tank, damage, support: the big picture
Tanks are durable heroes who create space and lead fights from the front, damage heroes are responsible for actually eliminating enemies, and supports keep the team alive by healing or empowering allies. A typical team runs one tank, two damage heroes, and two supports.
Pick a role before you pick a hero
With nearly 40 heroes, it's hard to know where to start. It helps to first think about which of the three roles sounds fun to play, then pick one or two heroes with simpler kits within that role to begin with.
Objectives change depending on the map
Overwatch 2's maps come in different types -- capturing and holding a point, escorting a payload to its destination, or a mix of both -- so the way a fight unfolds can look very different from one map to the next even though the core combat is the same.
Worth doing before your first real match
Spending a few minutes in the practice range to get a feel for aiming and ability timing helps a lot. For your first several matches, it's more useful to focus on understanding what your role should be doing for the team than on winning or losing.
FAQ
Which role should I try first?
There's no single right answer, but players who aren't confident in their aim often find support or tank an easier place to start.
Is it normal to switch heroes mid-match?
Yes. Overwatch 2 lets you switch heroes after dying, and adjusting your pick based on the enemy team is a completely normal part of how the game is played.