Overwatch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the immensely popular team-based shooter Overwatch, is set to bring new heroes, maps, and gameplay changes to the franchise. Among the returning heroes is Zarya, the formidable Russian tank hero known for her powerful barriers and Graviton Surge ultimate ability.
So now, we will explore effective strategies and hero choices to counter Zarya in Overwatch 2, ensuring your team’s success in battle.
Understanding Zarya’s Abilities
Before discussing specific counters, let’s briefly review Zarya’s abilities to understand her strengths and weaknesses:
- Particle Cannon (Primary Fire): Zarya’s primary fire shoots a continuous beam of energy at her target. This beam becomes stronger as Zarya absorbs damage with her barriers.
- Particle Cannon (Secondary Fire): Her secondary fire launches explosive energy projectiles that deal area damage.
- Particle Barrier (Ability): Zarya can project a barrier onto herself or a teammate, absorbing incoming damage and increasing the power of her Particle Cannon.
- Projected Barrier (Ability): This ability allows Zarya to project a barrier onto an ally, protecting them from harm and further strengthening her Particle Cannon.
- Energy: Zarya’s energy level increases as she absorbs damage with her barriers, making her attacks more potent.
- Graviton Surge (Ultimate): Her ultimate ability, Graviton Surge, deploys a gravity bomb that pulls nearby enemies into its center, setting them up for devastating combos with her teammates.
Effective Zarya Counters in Overwatch 2
Countering Zarya in Overwatch 2 involves utilizing heroes and strategies that can exploit her weaknesses and disrupt her gameplay. Here are some effective ways to counter Zarya:
1. Roadhog
- Roadhog’s Chain Hook ability can interrupt Zarya’s Particle Cannon beam, making it difficult for her to maintain high energy levels.
- Roadhog’s high health pool and self-healing ability allow him to withstand Zarya’s attacks and break through her barriers.
- His ultimate ability, Whole Hog, can push Zarya and her teammates away from an objective or disrupt her positioning during team fights.
2. Sombra
- Sombra’s Hack ability can disable Zarya’s Particle Barrier and Projected Barrier, rendering her vulnerable to incoming damage.
- Sombra’s EMP ultimate can remove Zarya’s barriers, energy, and Graviton Surge charge, severely limiting her impact in team fights.
3. Bastion
- Bastion’s high damage output in Sentry mode can quickly destroy Zarya’s barriers and her health pool.
- Zarya’s Particle Cannon beam requires consistent tracking, which can be challenging against Bastion’s rapid-fire attacks.
4. Pharah
- Pharah’s aerial advantage allows her to attack Zarya from a distance, making it difficult for Zarya to charge her Particle Cannon.
- Her Concussive Blast can disrupt Zarya’s positioning and potentially knock her off ledges or into environmental hazards.
5. Tracer
- Tracer’s high mobility and Blink ability make her difficult for Zarya to track with her Particle Cannon.
- Tracer can quickly chip away at Zarya’s barriers and health, forcing her to use her abilities defensively.
6. Crowd Control Heroes (e.g., Mei and Brigitte)
- Mei’s freezing abilities and Brigitte’s stun with her Shield Bash can disrupt Zarya’s movement and interrupt her attacks.
- Crowd control effects can also make it challenging for Zarya to maintain her high energy level.
7. Focus Fire and Burst Damage
- Coordinated focus fire from multiple teammates can quickly deplete Zarya’s barriers and eliminate her before she becomes a significant threat.
- Heroes with burst damage, such as Reaper or Junkrat, can exploit Zarya’s limited mobility and eliminate her quickly.
8. Zenyatta
- Zenyatta’s Discord Orb ability can increase the damage Zarya takes, making her easier to eliminate.
- His long-range attacks can apply consistent pressure to Zarya from a safe distance.
9. D.Va
- D.Va’s Defense Matrix can absorb Zarya’s Particle Cannon attacks and Graviton Surge, preventing them from affecting her team.
- D.Va can also use her Boosters to reposition and disrupt Zarya’s positioning.
10. Communication and Target Selection
Jarvismedium wrote that Zarya is a formidable tank hero in Overwatch 2, capable of turning the tide of battles with her barriers and Graviton Surge. To counter Zarya effectively, it’s crucial to exploit her weaknesses, disrupt her abilities, and focus on teamwork and coordination. By choosing heroes and strategies that can