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The much-anticipated Overwatch 2 beta has allowed players to experience the new PvP modes and newly reworked heroes that will feature in the sequel, some of which feel considerably stronger than others in the current roster. As the PvP beta came out on April 26, 2022, the new meta is beginning to settle and clear, strong picks are emerging within both casual and pro play. A record-breaking 1.5 million Overwatch 2 viewers tuned in on Twitch on release day to watch these new developments.
Although it may seem like not much has changed from the original Overwatch, the Overwatch 2 beta has introduced substantial changes to the hero roster and meta. Specifically, the removal of one tank position has led to 5v5 teams, in turn changing the viability of tank heroes relating to their shielding or diving abilities. Alongside changes to pre-existing Overwatch heroes, the new hero, Sojourn, was introduced with this beta, becoming the 17th hero in the damage role.
There are definitely certain heroes that suit this new meta, especially with the introduction of role passives for Support, Damage, and Tank. Overwatch 2's 5v5 meta has changed the game and created a necessity for supports that can be self-sufficient as there is one less player to peel for them, alongside damage heroes that can flank and pick off these vulnerable squishy targets. The tank meta has changed the most, as they need to be able to survive as a solo front-line or act as a dive initiator.
Overwatch 2 Beta - Moira & Lucio Are The Best Support Heroes
The supports of Overwatch 2 have received the least changes in terms of reworks since Overwatch. That being said, certain supports are rising to the top, especially with the new role passive introducing out-of-combat health regeneration at 15 health per second lending to overall survivability. The most valuable of these new-age supports is undeniably Lúcio, who maintains his high mobility, duel capabilities, substantial AoE healing, strong ultimate ability, and the irreplaceable Speed Boost from the first game.
The lack of changes to supports may have led to the sequel being called 'Overwatch 1.1' by YouTuber videogamedunkey. Yet, another of the best support heroes in Overwatch 2, Moira, benefits from the newly introduced role passive as it triggers when she enters Fade, allowing this hero to begin regenerating health while being untargetable. Moira's ability to self-peel and take down enemy flankers, as well as put out huge amounts of healing, means that she is now one of the best heroes in Overwatch 2.
Although Brigitte is a strong pick within Overwatch 2, the next best support following Moira and Lúcio is Ana. Ana's Sleep Dart is one of the few remaining all-important stun abilities in the game and her anti-healing Biotic Grenade is incredibly useful in shredding the enemy solo tank. However, Ana requires more work than Moira or Lúcio due to the nature of landing hits from her Biotic Rifle and her comparative lack of mobility.
Overwatch 2 Beta's Best Tank Heroes Include Doomfist & Orissa
The all-important solo tank in Overwatch 2 benefits from a role passive that includes improved tenacity through reduced knockbacks. This is particularly useful for front-line tanks without a barrier, like the best current tank hero: Orisa. Orisa has answers for everything the enemy team throws if properly supported after receiving her successful rework. Overwatch 2's Orisa has a new Energy Javelin skill shot that interrupts enemy abilities; a Javelin Spin that deletes projectiles, displaces enemies, and increases her movement speed; and a new ultimate ability, Terra Surge, that pulls enemies out of position and deals substantial damage.
The new Orisa also puts out huge damage at a close range, and the tenacity and extra health from her Fortify ability mean she can be somewhat self-sufficient as a front-line. Another hero receiving a substantial rework in Overwatch 2 is Doomfist, who is now one of the best tank heroes. Keeping his crowd control effects and drastic mobility, Doomfist's rework has introduced a Power Block ability to protect himself from frontal attacks. Doomfist kept his old ultimate ability, Meteor Strike, which deals 300 damage at the center, which is proving perhaps a little too strong for a tank character.
The next best tank hero in Overwatch 2 has to be Sigma. While other Overwatch tanks are suffering in the new meta, Sigma's old brawling playstyle is beneficial as a solo tank. Sigma can spam damage, block incoming abilities with both Kinetic Grasp and Experimental Barrier, and negotiate team fights with his strong ultimate. Overall, Sigma will run well in many comps, especially with the more immobile damage and support heroes, but both Orisa and Doomfist currently outshine the astrophysicist.
The Best Damage Heroes In Overwatch 2's Beta - Soldier 76 & Sombra
It was thought Sojourn would be overpowered at Overwatch 2's launch, and though she certainly is strong, the new damage hero is currently outshined by favorite DPS heroes from Overwatch. Specifically, Soldier 76 is incredibly strong currently due to his self-healing, consistent and burst damage with his Heavy Pulse Rifle and Helix Rockets, and Sprint's speed is amplified by the damage role's new movement speed passive. There is often nothing to punish Soldier on the enemy team, and his flanking ability coupled with the lack of barriers in Overwatch 2 means that Tactical Visor can be used to easily pick off unwary supports.
The new role passive also benefits the slippery damage heroes, like Sombra and Genji. Sombra's Overwatch 2 redesign is proving strong as she is currently one of the best DPS heroes. Sombra can now be near enough permanently invisible as her Hack on enemies or health packs does not break invisibility. She has an unparalleled ability to flank and disrupt the enemy backline, which has been improved in Overwatch 2 as Hack now grants a massive 40% increased damage from her Machine Pistol on hacked targets.
Another damage hero that excels at harassing supports is Genji, who makes the third-best damage hero in Overwatch 2. This ninja's slippery playstyle has benefitted from Overwatch 2's removal of stun abilities, like Brigitte's Shield Bash stun and Cassidy's Flashbang. Now, Genji is pretty much unstoppable due to his mobility and flanking potential, as well as dueling capabilities. Genji always gets value out of his ultimate ability, Dragonblade, as he cannot be interrupted by stuns (other than an enemy Ana's Sleep Dart) and is largely unstoppable with a Nano Boost.
Overwatch 2's new maps and Push modes have allowed a new meta to form and strong heroes to emerge from the roster. Overall, the strongest team composition in Overwatch 2 would likely consist of Doomfist as the tank, the mobile supports Lúcio and Moira, with damage coming from the equally mobile Soldier 76 and Genji. Players can experience this new dynamic in the Overwatch 2 beta until May 17.