Overwatch 2 has introduced its latest Tank hero, Hazard, following the recent release of Juno in Season 12. This character, the 42nd addition to the roster, was unveiled in an action-packed cinematic on November 19, offering an exhilarating glimpse into his Scottish roots and his isotope-enhanced capabilities.
Hazard is crafted for a dynamic gameplay style that emphasizes rapid engagement and evasive maneuvers. Instead of being a traditional frontline protector, he excels in executing quick attacks before swiftly retreating, making him a versatile asset in various combat scenarios.
Understanding Hazard’s Weaponry in Overwatch 2
Equipped with a distinctive projectile weapon, Hazard unleashes a spread of spikes, offering substantial damage potential, particularly at close quarters. Although his weapon is not hit-scan and has a limited firing rate, it proves extremely lethal in the right situation.
- Bonespur: Fires a quick burst of spikes, allowing up to eight shots before requiring a reload.
Examining Hazard’s Abilities in Overwatch 2
Designed with agility at its core, Hazard’s gameplay is centered around swift movement. His Vault passive and Violent Leap ability allow him to traverse the terrain effectively and evade enemy attacks, making it difficult for opponents to pin him down.
Capitalizing on his high mobility is essential; Hazard’s abilities facilitate rapid bursts of damage, encouraging tactical strikes followed by quick retreats. When the heat of battle intensifies, his Downpour Ultimate becomes a game-changer, as it unleashes a barrage of spikes that temporarily immobilize foes, opening them up for a coordinated assault from teammates.
Heroic Passives
- Tank Role Passive: Mitigates knockbacks, reduces critical damage, limits ultimate charge from healing and damage received, and boosts base health in Role Queue modes.
- Vault: Enables traversal over short walls and allows grabbing ledges for strategic positioning.
In-depth Look at Hazard’s Abilities
- Jagged Wall: Deploys a spiked barrier that damages and displaces nearby foes.
- Spike Guard: Activates a defensive shield while firing homing spikes; also reduces incoming damage and regenerates ammo.
- Violent Leap: Propels forward, allowing a second activation to launch an attack that knocks enemies back.
Ultimate Capability
- Downpour: Summons a rainfall of spikes that briefly immobilizes adversaries.
Strategic Tips for Playing Hazard in Overwatch 2
One critical aspect to remember when playing Hazard is to maintain constant movement. Remaining stationary can lead to swift eliminations, so it’s crucial to engage enemies quickly before retreating.
According to Lead Gameplay Designer Alec Dawson, players can synergize Hazard’s unique movement skills to elevate their gameplay. For example, initiating with his Vault passive followed by a Violent Leap can create opportunities to access higher ground for strategic advantages, ultimately impacting the flow of battle.
Another tactical consideration is the utility of Hazard’s Jagged Wall ability. This feature not only isolates enemies but also functions similarly to a Lucio boop; with optimal timing, Hazard can knock foes off the map, catching them completely off-guard.
Executing the Downpour Ultimate effectively is essential for maximizing its impact. Like other area control abilities, precise timing and positioning are crucial to prevent enemies from escaping the barrage. Team communication prior to activating Downpour can significantly enhance its effectiveness and ensure that allies are poised to unleash their damage when the opportunity arises.
Finally, in critical situations, utilizing the Spike Guard ability allows Hazard to mitigate damage while simultaneously replenishing ammo. Mastering this tactic can provide critical support, stalling opponents as teammates regroup or cooldowns become available.
This comprehensive guide on Hazard sets the stage as players can try him out during the limited-time weekend trial. Stay tuned for more updates as Blizzard prepares for Hazard’s full release in the near future.
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