Overwatch 2 Hero Reworks: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Tanks and Newcomer Strategies

Unlike the original game, Overwatch 2 reworks many hero abilities. For beginners aiming to ramp up quickly, this guide offers clear starting points and practical insights.

Overwatch 2 Guides

1. How to change the server and region in Overwatch 2
2. How to quickly level up and upgrade the battle pass in Overwatch 2
3. The best tanks for newcomers to Overwatch 2 – which hero should you choose?

After the launch of Overwatch 2, even veteran players often need to relearn core mechanics of each class and pay attention to how changes affect specific characters. Tanks stand out in this game for their higher health pools and greater survivability, making them especially central to frontline setups.

doom fist

This hero has seen significant adjustments and now functions as a sturdy tank. Doomfist boasts better survivability, able to absorb more damage with less struggle. A new ability called Power Block helps soak hits, making the character particularly friendly to players who are just starting with Overwatch 2.

Dawn

Zarya also received multiple updates, with many changes strengthening the character. Unlike Doomfist, Zarya is a more aggressive, light-tank option that thrives when pushing the fight forward. If a damage dealer on the team encounters trouble, Zarya can be used to quickly disrupt the enemy lineup.

The defensive toolkit remains highly effective:

1. Protective Barrier lets the hero stay invulnerable for a period.
2. Distant Barrier surrounds an ally with a protective energy shield.

Zarya’s health pool has been increased, reinforcing her role as a durable frontline fighter. Overall, beginners will find her gameplay approachable thanks to her balanced kit and reliable sustain.

Queen of the Vultures

The Vulture Queen is a new addition in Overwatch 2 and suits players who favor aggressive engagement. Her health reserve is modest, but she compensates with unique abilities that shape fights.

The combo of Rampage and Adrenaline Rush yields strong damage, suppresses enemy healing, and gradually restores the hero’s own health. This combination can shift the momentum of a battle, particularly when opponents underestimate the threat.

The Queen also wields a serrated blade that deals heavy damage, and reactivating it causes the weapon to strike a target with increased force. For a smooth experience, having a healer on the team is important, given the Queen’s relatively lower health and its reliance on support to stay in the fight.

roadhog

Roadhog was once tricky for players to master due to his high health and self-sustain. With a healer present, this hero can sustain prolonged fights, trading heavy hits with opponents without retreat. The kit emphasizes close-range trades, aided by a chain hook to pull enemies in and a turbocharged punch that lands devastating blows.

For moments of delay or disruption, Roadhog can use a self-heal and damage reduction tool, granting a temporary window to reset a clash or recover health during a skirmish.

Reinhardt

The towering gray-bearded knight in heavy armor is straightforward to learn. Health and utility have improved, and the kit supports an aggressive, frontline playstyle. The Jumpstart push move helps corral foes against barriers and walls, while the Energy Barrier shields the hero from incoming attacks.

Orisa

Orisa stands out as a stronger tank with a modern rework. Her abilities focus on absorbing damage and keeping teammates safe. The spear spider absorbs damage and repels nearby enemies, while the Protective Field adds health and reduces incoming damage. At this patch, Orisa enjoys increased resilience and reliability on the battlefield.

Together with supportive teammates who help sustain her health, Orisa becomes a formidable obstacle for opponents who rely on quick flanks and sustained damage.

Other guides

• How to change the server and region in Overwatch 2
• How to quickly level up and upgrade the battle pass in Overwatch 2