Overwatch 2: Illari Guide

Illari is the 38th Hero introduced to Overwatch 2, bringing a radiant set of abilities that utilize the power of solar energy. Hailing from Peru, Illari grew up immersed in a culture deeply connected to the sun, training tirelessly to join the esteemed Inti Warriors. However, a devastating tragedy left her as the sole survivor, carrying the title of the Last Child of the Sun.

With a unique kit designed around solar energy, Illari is an exciting addition to the Support role. Her abilities offer healing, damage, and tactical utility, making her versatile but requiring strategic gameplay to maximize her potential. Whether you’re new to Illari or looking to refine your skills, this guide covers everything you need to dominate the battlefield with this solar-powered hero. Let’s dive into how to master Illari in Overwatch 2.

Illari Overview

Illari is a Support Hero in Overwatch 2 who blends healing and damage with a focus on precision and strategic placement. Her abilities utilize solar energy to aid her team, providing a balance of offensive firepower and healing utility. Illari’s skill set makes her a versatile support option, offering impactful healing for allies and powerful damage output against enemies.

Here’s a breakdown of her abilities:

Abilities

• Solar Rifle (Primary Fire)
Illari’s main weapon is a precision-based Solar Rifle, combining healing and damage capabilities.
• Primary Fire: Fires concentrated solar energy bursts at enemies, dealing significant damage with accurate shots.
• Secondary Fire: Releases healing energy to restore allies’ health over time.
• Healing Pylon
Illari deploys a stationary Healing Pylon that provides consistent area-of-effect healing to nearby allies. Positioning is critical, as the Pylon can be destroyed by enemies.
• Outburst
This mobility ability allows Illari to release a shockwave, pushing back enemies and propelling herself in the opposite direction. It’s perfect for repositioning or creating distance in intense fights.
• Captive Sun (Ultimate)
Illari’s Ultimate unleashes a massive surge of solar energy, damaging enemies in its path. Those hit are marked, taking additional damage if they sustain attacks. Captive Sun is a powerful team-fight ability, capable of shifting the momentum of battle.

Playstyle Summary

Illari is best played as a mid-range support who balances healing her team and dealing precise damage to enemies. Her abilities reward good positioning and situational awareness, making her a strong pick for players who enjoy high-impact, versatile support gameplay.

How to Play Illari in Overwatch 2

Illari’s Role as a Support

As a support hero, Illari’s primary responsibility is keeping her team alive while contributing damage when possible. Her kit combines mid-range healing and precision-based offensive capabilities, so positioning is crucial. Ideally, you should stay behind your team but close enough to provide consistent healing with her Solar Rifle and Healing Pylon. Avoid overextending, as Illari lacks shields or armor and can be vulnerable in prolonged skirmishes.

When under threat, use her Outburst ability to escape or reposition. Outburst provides a quick burst of mobility, allowing you to distance yourself from enemies trying to target you in the backline. Use it tactically to survive aggressive flanks or regain better positioning.

Mastering the Solar Rifle

Illari’s Solar Rifle is her main tool for both healing and damage, so managing its energy reserves is key. The rifle’s primary fire charges up to unleash powerful, precise shots. A fully charged shot deals significant damage, making it ideal for targeting squishy enemies or finishing off opponents. Accuracy is critical, so aim carefully and prioritize high-value targets.

The rifle’s secondary fire provides medium-range healing beams for your allies. Always monitor your energy gauge and avoid draining it entirely, as a full depletion increases recharge time. Maintain a balance between healing and damage to maximize Illari’s impact. Think of Illari’s Solar Rifle as a versatile tool—supportive when needed but deadly in the right hands.

Strategic Healing Pylon Placement

Illari’s Healing Pylon is a powerful source of passive healing, but its effectiveness depends on placement. Throw the Pylon in areas that are safe from enemy fire, such as behind walls, high up on structures, or even on unexpected surfaces like Mei’s Ice Wall. A well-positioned Pylon can sustain your team during intense engagements while staying out of the enemy’s line of sight.

Since the Pylon can be repositioned frequently, adapt its location as your team moves across the map. Always aim to place it in spots that provide healing coverage while remaining difficult for enemies to destroy. This ability is especially effective when your team is holding a chokepoint or grouped around an objective.

Using Captive Sun Effectively

Illari’s ultimate, Captive Sun, is a powerful tool but requires careful planning. As a channeled ability, it leaves Illari vulnerable to interruptions like stuns or hacks. To avoid being shut down, initiate the ultimate from behind cover or around a corner to reduce your exposure. Once airborne, you’ll gain a clear view of the battlefield, making it easier to target key enemies.

Captive Sun marks enemies, causing a devastating explosion when they take sufficient follow-up damage. Coordinate with your team to maximize its impact. For example:
• Orisa’s Terra Surge can pull enemies together, ensuring explosions hit multiple targets.
• Ramattra’s Annihilation can pair with Captive Sun’s slow effect, keeping enemies in range of his devastating aura.
• Pair with high-damage heroes like Sojourn or Hanzo to quickly trigger the marks and wipe out grouped enemies.

Timing and positioning are critical for making the most of Captive Sun, so use it when your team is ready to follow up.

Tips for Success
• Keep yourself safe by maintaining a balance between healing and damage.
• Use Outburst proactively to escape danger or reposition for better healing and damage opportunities.
• Position your Healing Pylon thoughtfully and relocate it as team dynamics shift.
• Coordinate Captive Sun with allies for maximum value, ensuring marked enemies are quickly eliminated.

Mastering Illari requires an understanding of her unique kit and the ability to balance offensive and supportive gameplay. With practice, you’ll become an indispensable asset to your team.

Conclusion

Illari stands out as a unique and dynamic Support hero in Overwatch 2, blending healing and offensive capabilities with her solar-powered abilities. Her versatile kit, including the Solar Rifle, Healing Pylon, and Captive Sun ultimate, allows her to adapt to various team compositions and situations. Success with Illari relies on strategic positioning, effective energy management, and smart coordination with your team to maximize her healing potential and capitalize on her high-damage opportunities. Whether you’re sustaining your allies or dealing precise damage, mastering Illari can make you an invaluable asset in every match.