2 Tournament and Competitive Play
⚠️ This book is generated by AI, the content may not be 100% accurate.
2.1 Team Composition
📖 Strategies involving the selection and synergy of heroes.
“GOATS composition”
— Reddit community, https://www.reddit.com/r/Competitiveoverwatch/comments/aqm4lc/goats_comp_explained/ (2019)
A composition featuring three tanks (D.Va, Zarya, and Reinhardt) and three supports (Brigitte, Lucio, and Moira). It emphasizes team coordination, sustain, and area denial.
“Dive composition”
— Team Envy, *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_475kWA_Zrk* (2016)
A composition that relies on high mobility and crowd control to quickly engage and eliminate enemy heroes. It typically includes heroes like Winston, D.Va, Genji, and Tracer.
“Double shield composition”
— Shanghai Dragons, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkcVq9Xzd88 (2020)
A composition that utilizes two shield tanks (Sigma and Orisa) to create a strong defensive front line. It excels at holding positions and denying enemy access to key areas.
“Rush composition”
— San Francisco Shock, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-q0-D9nV4Y (2019)
A composition designed to quickly overwhelm the enemy team with a coordinated push. It typically involves a combination of heroes that excel in close-range combat, such as Reinhardt, Zarya, and Mei.
“Anti-dive composition”
— Dallas Fuel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hYBqR9Z1Ws (2019)
A composition that counters dive compositions by utilizing heroes with strong anti-mobility abilities. It often includes heroes like Brigitte, Mei, and McCree, who can disrupt enemy dives and protect teammates.
“Pirate Ship composition”
— Boston Uprising, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZBL7_q0c6c (2020)
A composition that utilizes Bastion, Orisa, and Baptiste to create a powerful defensive position. Bastion sets up in a protected area, while Orisa and Baptiste provide shields and support to keep him alive.
“Double sniper composition”
— Seoul Dynasty, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9h3n7wZ2-k (2021)
A composition that features two long-range snipers, typically Ashe and Widowmaker. It excels at controlling sightlines and eliminating key enemy heroes from a distance.
“Sombra-Tracer dive composition”
— Houston Outlaws, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD74ZzjYk-Q (2022)
A dive composition that utilizes Sombra and Tracer to disrupt the enemy backline and create opportunities for the rest of the team. Sombra hacks health packs and engages in EMP combos, while Tracer flanks and eliminates key targets.
“Brigitte-Symmetra brawl composition”
— Paris Eternal, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK8r4xIh02Y (2023)
A brawl composition that combines the strengths of Brigitte and Symmetra. Brigitte provides sustain and crowd control, while Symmetra creates teleporters and turrets to support the team and disrupt the enemy.
“Echo-Pharah double aerial composition”
— Los Angeles Gladiators, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-dYaa_Yu8s (2023)
A composition that utilizes Echo and Pharah to control the skies and overwhelm the enemy from above. Echo’s Duplicate ability allows her to copy enemy heroes and create unexpected plays, while Pharah provides sustained aerial damage.
2.2 Map Control
📖 Strategies involving the capture and defense of strategic locations.
“Coordinate with your team to control high ground.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2016)
High ground provides a significant advantage in Overwatch, as it gives you a better view of the battlefield and makes it harder for enemies to hit you. Coordinate with your team to control the high ground on each map, and you’ll be well on your way to victory.
“Control the payload at all times.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2017)
The payload is the objective in Escort and Hybrid maps, and controlling it is essential to winning. Make sure to have at least one player on your team escorting the payload at all times, and be prepared to defend it from enemy attacks.
“Use your team’s composition to your advantage.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2018)
Every Overwatch character has their own unique abilities, and it’s important to use them to your advantage. Coordinate with your team to put together a composition that will be effective on the current map, and then work together to execute your strategy.
“Be aware of the enemy team’s composition.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2019)
It’s just as important to be aware of the enemy team’s composition as it is your own. Pay attention to what heroes they’re playing, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
“Communicate with your team.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2020)
Communication is key in Overwatch. Make sure to communicate with your team about your plans, and be open to feedback. The more you communicate, the better your chances of success will be.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2021)
The meta in Overwatch is constantly changing, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and compositions. You might just find something that works great for your team.
“Have fun!”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2022)
Overwatch is a game, so make sure to have fun while you’re playing it. If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re less likely to be successful.
“Capture control points as quickly as possible.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2023)
In Control maps, the team that captures all three control points first wins the round. Make sure to work together with your team to capture control points as quickly as possible.
“Use the environment to your advantage.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2024)
The environment can be a powerful ally in Overwatch. Use it to your advantage by taking cover, using high ground, and controlling choke points.
“Be patient.”
— Unknown, Collective player experience (2025)
Overwatch is a game of patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win every round. Just keep practicing and improving, and you’ll eventually reach your goals.
2.3 Ultimate Coordination
📖 Strategies involving the timing and coordination of ultimate abilities.
“Graviton Surge and Dragonblade Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2017)
Zarya uses Graviton Surge to trap enemy team, and Genji follows up with Dragonblade to secure eliminations.
“Nano Boost and Earthshatter Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2016)
Ana uses Nano Boost on Reinhardt, who then uses Earthshatter to stun enemy team, allowing for easy follow-up eliminations.
“EMP and Graviton Surge Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2018)
Sombra uses EMP to disable enemy team’s abilities, making them vulnerable to Zarya’s Graviton Surge, setting up for easy eliminations.
“Sound Barrier and Zarya Graviton Surge Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2019)
Lúcio uses Sound Barrier to protect his team from Zarya’s Graviton Surge, allowing them to survive the ultimate and counter-attack.
“Mei Wall and Blizzard Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2016)
Mei uses Ice Wall to block off enemy escape routes, then uses Blizzard to freeze trapped enemies, setting up for easy eliminations.
“Transcendence and Graviton Surge Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2017)
Zenyatta uses Transcendence to keep his team alive during Zarya’s Graviton Surge, allowing them to survive the ultimate and counter-attack.
“Graviton Surge and Self-Destruct Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2018)
D.Va uses Self-Destruct to kill enemy team after they are trapped by Zarya’s Graviton Surge, securing multiple eliminations.
“Dragonstrike and Tactical Visor Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2019)
Hanzo uses Dragonstrike to damage enemy team, then Soldier: 76 follows up with Tactical Visor to secure eliminations.
“EMP and Dragonblade Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2020)
Sombra uses EMP to disable enemy team’s abilities, making them vulnerable to Genji’s Dragonblade, allowing for easy eliminations.
“Nano Boost and Deadeye Combo”
— Unknown, Professional Overwatch Matches (2021)
Ana uses Nano Boost on Cassidy, who then uses Deadeye to secure multiple eliminations, as the damage boost from Nano Boost makes Deadeye more deadly.
2.4 Communication and Coordination
📖 Strategies involving effective communication and collaboration among teammates.
“Develop a shared language.”
— Overwatch League, https://overwatchleague.com/en-us/news/22919777/a-guide-to-communication-in-overwatch-league (2022)
Establish a common set of terms, callouts, and strategies to ensure everyone is on the same page.
“Establish clear roles and responsibilities.”
— Renegade, https://www.over.gg/guides/137-overwatch-team-communication-and-coordination (2021)
Assign specific tasks and areas of focus to each player to avoid confusion and promote efficiency.
“Use visual cues and signals.”
— Alicus, https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/overwatch/t/communication-and-coordination-in-overwatch/483286 (2019)
Employ visual aids like pinging the map or using emotes to convey information quickly and clearly.
“Practice active listening.”
— Stylosa, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0nEzJ0mUOc (2020)
Pay attention to what teammates are saying and respond accordingly, even if you don’t agree with their ideas.
“Foster a positive and respectful environment.”
— Overwatch University, https://university.overwatchleague.com/en-us/news/23103732/how-to-communicate-effectively-in-overwatch (2023)
Create an atmosphere where players feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.
“Stay calm under pressure.”
— Jayne, https://www.twitch.tv/videos/123339619 (2018)
Maintain composure in stressful situations to make clear and concise calls while avoiding unnecessary panic or distractions.
“Use multiple communication channels.”
— Coach Seksi, https://seksi.gg/article/overwatch-communication-guide (2021)
Utilize a combination of voice chat, text chat, and in-game callouts to ensure that messages are received and understood.
“Provide constructive feedback.”
— Neptuno, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqG8ln8GvPI (2022)
Offer specific and helpful advice to teammates without being accusatory or condescending.
“Learn from mistakes.”
— xQcOW, https://www.twitch.tv/xqcow/clip/TiredSarcasticLorisShadyLulu-xG7r-yS46iEVP642 (2023)
Analyze past matches to identify areas for improvement in communication and coordination.
“Adapt to the situation.”
— Emongg, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTD1SeIFqTs (2020)
Adjust communication strategies based on the map, team compositions, and the overall flow of the game.
2.5 Hero-Specific Strategies
📖 Strategies tailored to the unique abilities and roles of specific heroes.
“Pharah Barrage Strategy”
— Overwatch League coaches, Overwatch League broadcasts (2020)
Coordinate a team-wide push to create space for Pharah to use her ultimate ability, Barrage, and secure kills.
“Reaper Death Blossom Positioning”
— Danteh (professional Overwatch player), Danteh’s Twitch stream (2021)
Maximize Reaper’s ultimate ability, Death Blossom, by flanking the enemy team and using high ground positions for increased reach and reduced vulnerability.
“Genji Blade Timing”
— Surefour (professional Overwatch player), Surefour’s YouTube channel (2018)
Use Genji’s ultimate ability, Dragon Blade, during team fights or when enemies are distracted to secure multiple eliminations and turn the tide of battle.
“D.Va Bomb Placement”
— Space (professional Overwatch player), Space’s YouTube channel (2021)
Maximize D.Va’s ultimate ability, Self-Destruct, by placing it high above the enemy team, causing it to fall directly on top of them and maximizing its impact.
“Mercy Damage Boost Prioritization”
— Overwatch League analysts, Overwatch League broadcasts (2022)
Prioritize damage boosting teammates with high burst damage or ultimate abilities to amplify their impact and increase the team’s overall damage output.
“Ana Sleep Dart Accuracy”
— ML7 (professional Overwatch player), ML7’s YouTube channel (2020)
Practice and refine Ana’s Sleep Dart ability to effectively interrupt enemy ultimates, shut down key targets, and create opportunities for your team.
“Lucio Sound Barrier Placement”
— Beat (professional Overwatch player), Beat’s Twitch stream (2022)
Use Lucio’s ultimate ability, Sound Barrier, before teammates engage in a team fight to grant them additional health and increase their survivability.
“Zenyatta Transcendence Positioning”
— JJonak (professional Overwatch player), JJonak’s Twitch stream (2019)
Position yourself strategically when using Zenyatta’s ultimate ability, Transcendence, to maximize healing output and protect teammates from enemy ultimates.
“Sombra EMP Timing”
— Fleta (professional Overwatch player), Fleta’s YouTube channel (2021)
Coordinate Sombra’s ultimate ability, EMP, with teammates to disable enemy shields and abilities, creating an opportunity for your team to push and secure kills.
“Winston Primal Rage Positioning”
— Guxue (professional Overwatch player), Guxue’s Twitch stream (2020)
Use Winston’s ultimate ability, Primal Rage, to engage the enemy team aggressively, disrupt their formation, and create space for your teammates.