10 Best Overwatch 2 Heroes To Counter Winston

Winston is one of the most effective dive tanks in Overwatch 2, known for his high mobility, disruptive playstyle, and ability to pressure backlines with ease. His Jump Pack allows him to engage and escape quickly, while his Tesla Cannon deals consistent AoE damage, making him effective against mobile heroes. With his Barrier Projector providing protection for his team and Primal Rage disrupting enemy formations, Winston can be difficult to deal with if not properly countered. However, despite his strengths, Winston struggles against heroes who can punish his dives, out-damage his sustain, or prevent him from reaching priority targets. In this article, we’ll break down the 10 best heroes to counter Winston, focusing on those who can stop his engages, deny his mobility, and shut him down before he can take over fights.

#10: Reinhardt

Reinhardt is a strong counter to Winston because his barrier can block Winston’s Tesla Cannon, preventing him from dealing consistent damage to his team. Since Winston thrives on diving into the backline and dealing AoE damage, Reinhardt’s ability to hold the frontline and deny space makes it difficult for Winston to engage effectively.

His Rocket Hammer deals high melee damage, allowing him to punish Winston if he jumps into close range. Even if Winston tries to drop his Barrier Projector to create space, Reinhardt’s Fire Strike can easily go through it, dealing extra damage.

Additionally, Earthshatter is extremely effective against Winston, as it can stun him mid-dive, preventing him from escaping or disrupting the team. Since Winston struggles against tanks who can out-damage him in close range and deny his jumps, Reinhardt’s durability, strong melee attacks, and ability to hold the frontline make him a solid counter in Overwatch 2.

#9: Pharah

Pharah is a strong counter to Winston because her aerial mobility allows her to stay out of his reach while continuously dealing damage. Since Winston relies on diving enemies in close range, Pharah’s ability to stay airborne makes it nearly impossible for him to engage her effectively.

Her Rocket Launcher deals high burst damage, allowing her to chip away at Winston’s health while staying completely safe from his Tesla Cannon. Even if Winston tries to use his Barrier Projector to block incoming shots, Pharah can simply reposition and fire from another angle.

Additionally, Concussive Blast can knock Winston away mid-dive, disrupting his ability to engage or escape. If Winston activates Primal Rage, Pharah can continue raining down rockets without worrying about being targeted, as he has no way to reach her.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can attack from long range and stay out of his effective damage zone, Pharah’s aerial control, burst damage, and ability to deny his dives make her a strong counter in Overwatch 2.

#8: Junkrat

Junkrat is a strong counter to Winston because his explosive damage punishes Winston for diving into his team, while his traps can prevent Winston from escaping. Since Winston thrives on mobility and disrupting enemy backlines, Junkrat’s area denial forces him into dangerous situations where he takes heavy damage.

His Frag Launcher deals high burst damage, making it difficult for Winston to stay in fights without getting chunked down quickly. Even if Winston tries to use Barrier Projector for protection, Junkrat’s grenades can still bounce inside and deal consistent damage.

Additionally, Steel Trap is extremely effective against Winston, as it halts his movement completely, preventing him from jumping away after diving. Concussion Mine can also be used to knock Winston away mid-dive, forcing him to retreat or risk getting eliminated.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can punish his dives and force him to take heavy damage, Junkrat’s explosives, traps, and area denial make him a strong counter in Overwatch 2.

#7: Sombra

Sombra is a strong counter to Winston because her Hack ability completely disables his Jump Pack, leaving him vulnerable and unable to escape after diving. Since Winston relies on mobility to engage and disengage, Sombra’s ability to shut down his movement makes him an easy target for elimination.

Her Stealth allows her to track Winston’s movements, preventing him from safely setting up dives. Even if Winston tries to use Barrier Projector for protection, Sombra can Hack him mid-fight, disabling his bubble and making him an easy target for her team.

Additionally, EMP is extremely effective against Winston, as it removes his Barrier Projector and disables his abilities, leaving him with no defenses while reducing his health by 30%. If Winston activates Primal Rage, a quick Hack can cancel his mobility, making him an easy target to focus down.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can disable his abilities and force him into unfavorable fights, Sombra’s Hack, EMP, and ability to track him make her a strong counter in Overwatch 2.

#6: Mei

Mei is a strong counter to Winston because her crowd control abilities can slow and block his movement, making it difficult for him to engage or escape. Since Winston relies on mobility to dive into fights and quickly reposition, Mei’s ability to freeze, slow, and block his path makes it hard for him to be effective.

Her Endothermic Blaster slows and eventually freezes Winston, preventing him from jumping away after a dive. Even if Winston tries to use Barrier Projector for protection, Mei’s spray can still reach inside, dealing consistent damage while slowing him down.

Additionally, Ice Wall is extremely effective against Winston, as it can block his jump path, trap him inside his own bubble, or completely cut him off from his team, forcing him into an unfavorable fight. If Winston activates Primal Rage, Mei’s Ice Wall and freeze effects can limit his movement, making it harder for him to displace enemies effectively.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can control his movement and prevent him from disengaging, Mei’s slow effects, Ice Wall, and ability to deny his mobility make her a strong counter in Overwatch 2.

#5: Zenyatta

Zenyatta is a strong counter to Winston because his Orb of Discord increases the damage Winston takes, making him easier to burst down before he can escape. Since Winston relies on mobility and sustain to survive fights, Zenyatta’s ability to amplify damage forces him to play more cautiously.

His Orb of Destruction deals high burst damage, allowing him to chip away at Winston from a safe distance, where Winston struggles to fight back effectively. Even if Winston dives onto Zenyatta, his charged volley can deal significant damage before Winston can secure a kill.

Additionally, Transcendence is highly effective against Winston’s dives, as it can instantly heal teammates who are caught in his Tesla Cannon or Primal Rage, completely negating his damage. If Winston tries to isolate a target, Transcendence ensures they stay alive while the team focuses him down.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can punish his dives and make him an easy target, Zenyatta’s Discord Orb, long-range damage, and team-wide healing make him a strong counter in Overwatch 2.

#4: Bastion

Bastion is a strong counter to Winston because his high burst damage can quickly melt Winston before he can escape. Since Winston relies on mobility and sustained fights to be effective, Bastion’s ability to deal massive damage in a short period makes it difficult for Winston to survive his dives.

His Assault Configuration (turret mode) deals extremely high DPS, allowing him to shred through Winston’s health and Barrier Projector almost instantly. Even if Winston tries to escape with Jump Pack, Bastion’s sustained fire can continue dealing damage while forcing Winston to retreat.

Additionally, Bastion’s Tactical Grenade provides an extra burst of damage, making it even harder for Winston to sustain through fights. If Winston uses Primal Rage, Bastion can punish him with non-stop fire, limiting his ability to displace enemies effectively.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can burst him down quickly and break his shield, Bastion’s raw damage output, ability to deny his dives, and shield-breaking capabilities make him a strong counter in Overwatch 2.

#3: Ana

Ana is one of the best counters to Winston because her Biotic Grenade completely shuts down his self-sustain, making him much easier to eliminate. Since Winston relies on his Barrier Projector and mobility to survive dives, Ana’s abilities force him into unfavorable engagements where he can’t heal or escape effectively.

Her Sleep Dart is highly effective, as it can put Winston to sleep mid-dive, preventing him from disrupting the backline and giving her team an easy opportunity to focus him down. Even if Winston activates Primal Rage, a well-timed Sleep Dart can neutralize his ultimate for a few seconds, wasting valuable time.

Additionally, Biotic Grenade prevents Winston from receiving healing, meaning he won’t be able to sustain himself with support from his healers or delay a fight with his bubble. If Winston tries to dive Ana directly, her scoped shots allow her to deal consistent damage while keeping her distance.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can deny his healing and prevent him from safely engaging, Ana’s Sleep Dart, Biotic Grenade, and long-range healing make her one of the strongest counters in Overwatch 2.

#2: Roadhog

Roadhog is a strong counter to Winston because his high durability and self-healing allow him to survive Winston’s dives, while his Chain Hook completely shuts down Winston’s mobility. Since Winston relies on quick jumps to engage and escape, Roadhog’s ability to pull him out of position makes it nearly impossible for Winston to disengage safely.

His Scrap Gun deals massive close-range burst damage, meaning that if Roadhog lands a hook on Winston, he can deal significant damage before Winston can react. Even if Winston tries to use Barrier Projector for protection, Roadhog’s shotgun blasts can still deal heavy damage through it.

Additionally, Take a Breather gives Roadhog strong sustain, allowing him to tank Winston’s Tesla Cannon and Primal Rage without being easily eliminated. If Winston dives into Roadhog’s backline, Roadhog can quickly turn the fight by hooking and punishing him for his aggression.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can stop his movement and survive his burst damage, Roadhog’s Chain Hook, self-healing, and close-range firepower make him one of the best counters in Overwatch 2.

#1: Reaper

Reaper is the best counter to Winston because his high burst damage and lifesteal allow him to shred through Winston’s health pool before he can escape. Since Winston relies on mobility and sustained AoE damage rather than burst fire, Reaper’s ability to punish tanks at close range makes him a nightmare for Winston to deal with.

His Hellfire Shotguns deal massive damage up close, allowing him to quickly burn through Winston’s health, even if he tries to drop a Barrier Projector. Reaper’s lifesteal gives him the sustain needed to survive Winston’s Tesla Cannon, meaning he can outlast Winston in almost every 1v1 fight.

Additionally, Wraith Form allows Reaper to avoid damage and disengage if Winston tries to counterattack, making it nearly impossible for Winston to secure a kill. If Winston activates Primal Rage, Reaper can simply keep firing at him, quickly cutting down his extended health pool before he can effectively displace the enemy team.

Since Winston struggles against heroes who can burst him down quickly and sustain through his damage, Reaper’s close-range firepower, lifesteal, and ability to chase him down make him the strongest counter in Overwatch 2.

Conclusion

Winston’s mobility, Barrier Projector, and ability to disrupt backlines make him a powerful dive tank, but the right heroes can shut him down by denying his movement, out-damaging his sustain, and preventing him from escaping. Reaper and Roadhog are the best at bursting him down and punishing his dives, while Ana and Sombra can disable his abilities, making it difficult for him to engage safely. Bastion and Zenyatta can deal heavy damage and break through his defenses, while Junkrat and Mei can trap and slow him, preventing him from escaping. If Winston is overwhelming your team, these 10 heroes will help you counter his dives, stop him from disrupting fights, and take control of the battlefield in Overwatch 2.