Overwatch 2: Junker Queen Guide

Hail to the Queen! Overwatch 2’s diverse cast of heroes includes characters with unique personalities and skills, but Junker Queen stands in a class of her own. With her commanding presence and ferocious abilities, she’s one of the most electrifying heroes in the game. Facing off against a skilled Junker Queen can be an unforgettable challenge, as she thrives on aggression and punishing her enemies.

In Overwatch 2, the five-versus-five gameplay setup focuses on teamwork to secure objectives, whether it’s contesting a control point or escorting a payload. Junker Queen’s aggressive playstyle makes her an intimidating force on the battlefield, capable of turning the tide of battles with her unique abilities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about playing Junker Queen, from her abilities to strategies that can help you dominate the competition. Let’s dive in!

Junker Queen Overview

In Overwatch 2, heroes are divided into three primary roles: Tank, Damage, and Support. Each role plays a distinct part in the team dynamic, and Junker Queen stands out as a ferocious and aggressive Tank hero. Whether you queue in Role Queue or Open Queue, understanding Junker Queen’s unique abilities and strengths is key to utilizing her effectively.

In Role Queue, Tanks like Junker Queen are tasked with protecting teammates and leading the charge. She benefits from the Tank passive, which reduces knockback effects and allows her to generate ultimate charge by taking damage or self-healing. In Open Queue, Junker Queen’s aggressive style makes her a dominant force, though strategic use of her abilities becomes even more important.

Junker Queen’s Abilities

Junker Queen’s kit is built around high-risk, high-reward aggression. Her abilities focus on dealing damage, inflicting wounds, and sustaining herself in prolonged fights. Here’s a breakdown of her powerful arsenal:
• Scattergun (Primary Weapon)
A pump-action shotgun that delivers devastating damage up close but loses effectiveness at range. With six shots per magazine, it rewards players who can stay close to their targets.
• Jagged Blade (Active Ability)
Junker Queen hurls her deadly blade at enemies, inflicting wounds that cause damage over time. Activating the ability again recalls the blade, pulling enemies it hits closer to her. If the blade isn’t thrown, her melee attacks with it also apply the wound effect, unlike her unarmed punches when the blade is away.
• Commanding Shout (Active Ability)
This powerful ability allows Junker Queen to rally her team by granting herself and nearby allies temporary health and a speed boost. It’s perfect for initiating fights or helping allies escape tough situations.
• Carnage (Active Ability)
A devastating melee swing with her axe that deals significant damage to enemies in its path and applies the wound effect. Despite the animation appearing narrow, its radius is deceptively large, making it a potent crowd-control tool.
• Adrenaline Rush (Passive Ability)
Junker Queen’s passive is the cornerstone of her survivability. Any damage dealt through her wound effects heals her, enabling her to sustain herself during extended skirmishes.
• Rampage (Ultimate Ability)
With a fierce charge, Junker Queen dashes through enemies in her path, applying wounds and a powerful anti-healing debuff that prevents affected enemies from healing temporarily. This ability is perfect for disrupting enemy strategies and creating chaos in their ranks.

Playstyle Summary

Junker Queen thrives on relentless aggression and thrives in close-range combat. Her abilities synergize around dealing consistent damage while healing herself through her passive. Effective use of her Commanding Shout and Rampage can turn the tide of battles, making her a game-changing presence in Overwatch 2.

How to Play Junker Queen

Junker Queen’s aggressive, brawling playstyle sets her apart from traditional Tank heroes, but mastering her kit requires practice, precision, and a good understanding of team dynamics. While her lack of traditional defensive abilities makes her less effective as a traditional Tank, her high-damage potential and self-healing can turn her into a force to be reckoned with. Here are some key tips to help you succeed as Junker Queen:

Master Wounding Mechanics

Wounding enemies is central to Junker Queen’s effectiveness. Her Carnage axe swing, Jagged Blade, and Rampage Ultimate all apply wounds, dealing damage over time and healing her through her Adrenaline Rush passive.
• Focus on Multiple Targets: Carnage is particularly effective for hitting multiple enemies at once, maximizing both damage and healing. Aim to wound as many opponents as possible to sustain yourself in prolonged fights.
• Prioritize Wound Survivors: Remember that healing from Adrenaline Rush stops when a wounded enemy dies. Target enemies with higher health to keep the healing effect active, while finishing off low-health targets with your Scattergun or melee.
• Combine Abilities: Use Jagged Blade to pull enemies into close range, then follow up with Carnage for devastating damage and self-healing.

Adapt to Her Unique Tanking Style

Junker Queen isn’t a traditional Tank. With just 425 base health and no shields or crowd-control abilities, she struggles to absorb damage for her team in the way other Tanks can. Instead, her strength lies in aggressive disruption and self-sustain.
• Leverage Commanding Shout: Use this ability strategically to give your team a burst of temporary health and speed, allowing you to initiate fights or help allies escape danger. However, it has a long cooldown, so timing is crucial.
• Coordinate With Your Team: Pairing Junker Queen with tankier allies like Brigitte or Bastion can make up for her lack of durability. Similarly, high-output healers like Ana, Kiriko, or Baptiste can compensate for her vulnerabilities.

Handle Long-Range Threats Carefully

Junker Queen’s greatest weakness lies in her inability to deal with long-range enemies effectively. Heroes like Widowmaker, Hanzo, or Echo can make her life miserable due to her limited range and mobility.
• Struggle Against Snipers: Jagged Blade is difficult to land at long range due to its unique trajectory and limited hitbox. Scattergun and Carnage also require close proximity, leaving you vulnerable to ranged enemies.
• Focus on Positioning: Stick to areas with plenty of cover to avoid being picked off by snipers. When possible, try to flank and close the gap quickly using Commanding Shout and Jagged Blade pulls.
• Target Squishies: When facing long-range opponents, prioritize finding flankers or squishy supports who might be easier to eliminate.

Maximize Team Synergy

Junker Queen excels when supported by teammates who can amplify her strengths and compensate for her weaknesses:
• Tanky Allies: Characters like Brigitte and Bastion can bolster your team’s survivability, allowing you to play more aggressively without leaving your team exposed.
• Healing Supports: Pair with high-output healers like Ana or Kiriko to keep you and your team alive in extended skirmishes.

By combining her self-sustain, high-damage output, and a strategic approach to team synergy, Junker Queen can dominate the battlefield despite her unconventional Tank role. Adapt to the challenges of each match and lean into her aggressive playstyle to turn her into a true powerhouse.

Conclusion

Junker Queen stands out as a unique and aggressive Tank in Overwatch 2, offering a playstyle that thrives on high-damage, close-range combat, and self-sustain through wounding enemies. While her lack of traditional defensive abilities may make her challenging to play as a conventional Tank, her capacity to disrupt enemy formations and dominate skirmishes makes her a valuable asset in the right hands.

To succeed as Junker Queen, focus on utilizing her abilities to apply the wounding mechanic effectively, maximizing both her damage output and healing. Play aggressively but smartly, leveraging Commanding Shout to protect and support your team while coordinating with allies who can cover her weaknesses. By understanding her strengths and adapting to her unique role, you can lead your team to victory and make the Queen a fearsome presence on the battlefield.

With practice, patience, and precision, Junker Queen can become a game-changer in your Overwatch 2 matches.