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Players of Blizzard Entertainment's Hero FPS sequel Overwatch 2 are able to play as Tracer, the time-jumping agent with quick attacks that see her speed across every map in the follow-up to one of the most popular team-based FPS games ever. Similar to other heroes of Overwatch 2 like Genji, Tracer's high mobility makes her an excellent Damage character, a role defined by her high damage output and risky low health. Those seeking to play a hero with easy escape tools and mobility that tricks enemies should consider Tracer while exploring the changes made to the Hero FPS formula displayed in Overwatch 2.

Unlike a majority of characters, Tracer's changes are less reflected in their personal kit, rather reflected in universal changes made to Overwatch 2. For example, the way armor properties react to damage is very different in comparison to the previous title. When armor once mitigated a great amount of Tracer's Pulse Pistol bullets, Overwatch 2 armor only reduces damage by 30%, a far less amount than before. Already highly effective at taking out enemy supports, these universal character reworks in Overwatch 2 make Tracer less likely to be outmatched by Tanks, becoming a threat instead of just an annoyance.

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Every hero in Overwatch 2 is categorized as either a Damage, Tank, or Support role. Tracer fulfills the Damage role well, taking out enemy heroes best in engaged battles that utilize a wide variety of tools designed to keep Tracer alive before she secures an elimination. However, unlike others in the role, Tracer might have the lowest overall health, prioritizing speed over survivability. Players should keep in mind what battles to engage in as Tracer while playing, as constant motion makes it harder for opponents to damage her. Damage heroes also gain a new benefit through the passive abilities changed in Overwatch 2, earning a 25% movement and reload speed buff after an elimination, which helps Tracer immensely.

Strategies for Playing Tracer in Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 Tracer Character Select Screenshot Next to Overview of New Map

Tracer retains every ability from Overwatch, from her signature Recall to the twin Pulse Pistols used to distribute her damage. The Pulse Pistols themselves have had a slight nerf in damage, being reduced from 6 to 5 damage per bullet. Very useful at close to mid-range, the Pistols are rapid-fire shots that run out of ammo quickly, so players should make sure their aim doesn't waver in the face of an enemy hero. The Pulse Pistols struggle against airborne targets, but the changes to armor make it far easier for Tracer to go toe to toe with every other Damage hero, and even some Tanks such as Orisa in Overwatch 2.

Recall serves as an ability that rewinds Tracer back in time to her position around 3 seconds beforehand, restoring her to the state of health she possessed at that period. A player that overextends their reach into a grouped-up enemy team might find Recall useful to retreat before diving back into danger. In contrast, Tracer players who've succeeded in eliminating an enemy hero, especially a highly important Support character, might use Recall to avoid the inevitable onslaught that arrives after the elimination as the opposite team struggles to recover. Although some players may argue the Damage class in Overwatch 2 needs fixing, there's no denying the effective utility that exists in heroes like Tracer throughout those occupying the role.

Usually bound to her alternate fire, Tracer's Blink ability immediately teleports players forward, jumping through space in the same direction they are moving. Depending on the direction being pressed, Tracer can Blink forwards, left, right, or straight backward to reposition herself wherever the best range might be at the moment. Players have three charges of Blink when spawning as Tracer, which slowly recharge after each singular use. Blink serves as a great tool to confuse opponents, throwing off their aim from Tracer's small hitboxes and making it difficult to pin her down.

Take Out Groups with Pulse Bomb

Overwatch 2 Tracer Reinhardt Gameplay

Similarly to the ultimate of the hero Reaper in Overwatch 2, Tracer's ultimate Pulse Bomb deals tons of damage at once to an enemy team. A sticky grenade that latches onto whatever enemy it connects to, Tracer throws the Pulse Bomb in a slight arc before it lands. Players should exercise caution though, Tracer is not invulnerable to her own ultimate, she could easily eliminate herself on accident if still in the Pulse Bomb's range before it goes off. The best strategies to use as Tracer in Overwatch 2 revolve around understanding the mobility tools that make her the most hit-and-run style Damage character in the game, and taking care not to overestimate one's strengths in particularly eventful encounters.

Next: Overwatch 2: How to Unlock Kiriko

Editor’s Note: A lawsuit has been filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which alleges the company has engaged in abuse, discrimination, and retaliation against its female employees. Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations. The full details of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit (content warning: rape, suicide, abuse, harassment) are being updated as new information becomes available.

  • Overwatch 2 Kimiko Poster Promo
    Overwatch 2
    Developer:
    Blizzard Entertainment
    Franchise:
    Overwatch
    Genre:
    First-Person Shooter
    Platform:
    Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
    Publisher:
    Blizzard Entertainment
    ESRB:
    T
    Released:
    2022-10-04
    Multiplayer:
    Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
    Summary:
    Overwatch 2 is the sequel to the Blizzard team-based PVP shooter released in 2016. Overwatch 2 will completely supplant the original entry, shuttering the prior title in favor of 2. This sequel reduces team sizes to five instead of six. Players will choose from one of thirty playable heroes and pick from one of three classes: damage, support, and tanks. PVP remains the core focus; however, Overwatch 2 now has a stronger emphasis on cooperative play with the addition of PvE modes - four-player cooperative excursions where players will take on different tasks against AI opponents. Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play game and will offer a battle pass option like others of its genre instead of its prior loot box system, allowing players to earn cosmetics and more each season.
    How Long To Beat:
    80-100 hours
    Prequel:
    Overwatch