Overwatch 2: Roadhog Guide

Roadhog has always been one of Overwatch’s most iconic and intimidating tanks, boasting incredible durability and the ability to one-shot certain heroes with his deadly hook-and-scrap-gun combo. In the original Overwatch, Roadhog was the go-to off-tank, excelling at isolating enemy healers, disrupting key players, and stunning opponents out of their ultimates. His hook, though occasionally controversial for its mechanics, was the hallmark of a skilled Roadhog player.

In Overwatch 2, Roadhog retains much of his signature playstyle, but with the shift to a 5v5 structure and the removal of the second tank in standard team compositions, his role has evolved. Roadhog now serves as the sole tank on his team, requiring players to adopt a more aggressive, frontline playstyle while still making use of his incredible damage potential. Despite these changes, Roadhog remains a powerhouse and a threat on the battlefield. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to dominate as Roadhog in Overwatch 2.

Roadhog Overview

Roadhog is best described as a Bruiser Tank in Overwatch 2. While he lacks traditional defensive tools like barriers or shields, he compensates with his enormous health pool, self-healing capabilities, and devastating close-range damage. His primary role is to absorb damage for his team and disrupt the enemy formation with his crowd-control abilities. Roadhog’s kit thrives on aggression and punishing opponents who stray too close or are out of position.

Despite not being a shielding tank, Roadhog’s mere presence on the battlefield can create space for his team. His Chain Hook is a game-changer, capable of isolating squishy enemies or pulling high-value targets into a lethal Scrap Gun blast. His self-healing ability, Take a Breather, adds to his durability, allowing him to sustain through heavy damage and remain a constant threat in the fight. Combined with his powerful ultimate, Whole Hog, Roadhog has the tools to push objectives and disrupt enemy strategies effectively.

In Overwatch 2’s 5v5 format, Roadhog takes on a more central role as the sole tank in most team compositions. Players must balance his offensive potential with his ability to absorb damage and protect teammates. While Roadhog may not shield his allies in the traditional sense, his massive frame and health pool make him an effective damage sponge. Additionally, his kit allows him to shut down threats, such as fast-moving DPS or key Support heroes, and contribute to team fights by controlling the battlefield and securing eliminations.

Roadhog’s Abilities

Scrap Gun (Weapon)
Roadhog’s Scrap Gun is a devastating weapon designed for close-quarters combat. Its primary fire blasts a spread of shrapnel, dealing immense damage up close and capable of one-shotting many squishy heroes. For mid-range engagements, the Scrap Gun’s alternate fire launches a concentrated projectile that explodes into a damaging spread at a set distance, allowing Roadhog to remain effective even at a distance. This versatility makes the Scrap Gun a reliable tool for dealing damage in various situations.

Take a Breather (Active)
This self-healing ability is one of Roadhog’s defining features. When activated, Roadhog heals a substantial portion of his health over a short duration, making him incredibly difficult to take down. In Overwatch 2, Take a Breather restores an impressive 350 HP, allowing Roadhog to sustain in prolonged fights. Timing this ability is critical, as it takes a moment to activate, and smart usage can mean the difference between survival and being eliminated.

Chain Hook (Active)
Roadhog’s Chain Hook is a versatile ability that excels at isolating enemies. With a well-aimed throw, the hook grabs an enemy and pulls them into close range, setting them up for a deadly Scrap Gun shot. This ability is invaluable for disrupting enemy formations, picking off key targets like Supports or slippery DPS, and even interrupting enemy ultimates. Chain Hook’s low cooldown allows Roadhog to repeatedly assert his presence on the battlefield.

Whole Hog (Ultimate)
Roadhog’s ultimate, Whole Hog, has been reworked in Overwatch 2 into a Transform Ultimate. Upon activation, Roadhog pulls out a powerful Scrap Gun that fires high-impact shrapnel blasts in a wide cone. Unlike its previous channeled version, the reworked ultimate allows players to pause firing, giving them the ability to use other abilities like Take a Breather or Chain Hook. This change also makes Roadhog immune to stuns during the ultimate, allowing for uninterrupted damage output. Whole Hog is highly effective for crowd control, pushing enemies off objectives, and creating space for teammates.

With his reworked abilities and versatile playstyle, Roadhog remains a dominant force in Overwatch 2. When played effectively, he can disrupt enemy strategies, secure crucial eliminations, and tank for his team, all while being a formidable presence on the battlefield.

How to Play Roadhog

Roadhog is one of the most versatile and aggressive tanks in Overwatch 2, with a unique playstyle that combines durability, crowd control, and devastating close-range damage. To master Roadhog, players must focus on positioning, precision, and timing while leveraging his self-healing and disruptive abilities. Here’s how you can make the most of Roadhog and dominate the battlefield.

Roadhog thrives as a disruptor, capable of creating opportunities by isolating and eliminating high-value targets with his Chain Hook ability. Use the hook to pull vulnerable enemies like Supports or squishy DPS characters into close range, where you can finish them off with a devastating Scrap Gun shot. The key to mastering this ability lies in accuracy and target prioritization. Always aim for characters who are isolated or overextended, and avoid targeting tanks unless they are low on health or pivotal to the enemy’s strategy.

Positioning is crucial for Roadhog’s effectiveness. As a tank, your role is to absorb damage and create space for your team, but unlike shield tanks, Roadhog relies on his massive health pool and self-sustain through Take a Breather. Use this ability strategically to heal and mitigate incoming damage, especially during intense skirmishes. Avoid overcommitting, and always stay close to your team to provide protection and consistent pressure on the enemy frontlines.

Roadhog’s Scrap Gun is a versatile weapon with two firing modes. The primary fire is lethal at close range, making it perfect for one-shotting hooked enemies or dealing massive damage in tight quarters. The alternate fire, which shoots a concentrated projectile that detonates at mid-range, allows you to pressure enemies from a distance. By switching between these firing modes, you can adapt to different scenarios and maintain consistent damage output.

When using Chain Hook, aim for enemies near environmental hazards to secure easy eliminations by pulling them off ledges or into pits. Mastering the timing and placement of your hook can turn the tide of battle, as it can interrupt enemy ultimates or abilities, giving your team a significant advantage. Pair this with Scrap Gun for a devastating combo that ensures your target doesn’t escape.

Roadhog’s ultimate ability, Whole Hog, is a game-changing tool for crowd control and zoning. Activate it to push enemies off objectives, scatter grouped opponents, or force them into unfavorable positions. The rework in Overwatch 2 allows you to pause firing and use your other abilities, such as Take a Breather or Chain Hook, for added versatility. For maximum impact, combine Whole Hog with allied crowd-control ultimates like Zarya’s Graviton Surge or Orisa’s Terra Surge.

To excel with Roadhog, always keep an eye on enemy team compositions. Heroes like Ana, with her Biotic Grenade, can counter Roadhog’s self-healing, so prioritize these threats or work closely with your Support teammates to cleanse or mitigate such debuffs. Similarly, high-mobility enemies like Tracer or Genji can be challenging to deal with, but a well-timed Chain Hook can quickly neutralize them.

Map awareness is another essential skill for Roadhog players. Use environmental hazards to your advantage by positioning near cliffs, ledges, or pits where you can hook enemies to their doom. Maps with narrow corridors or chokepoints amplify Roadhog’s effectiveness, as his close-range damage and crowd control shine in such scenarios.

Finally, communication and synergy with your team are key to Roadhog’s success. Inform your teammates when you plan to use your Chain Hook or Whole Hog, and coordinate attacks to maximize impact. Roadhog’s ability to disrupt and eliminate high-priority targets can create openings for your team to secure objectives and win fights.

By mastering these strategies and optimizing your gameplay, you can make Roadhog an invaluable asset to your team in Overwatch 2. Focus on precision, adaptability, and teamwork to dominate matches and secure victory with this formidable tank.

Conclusion

Roadhog remains one of the most impactful and disruptive tanks in Overwatch 2, offering a unique mix of durability, self-sustain, and burst damage. By mastering his Chain Hook precision, leveraging the versatility of his Scrap Gun, and strategically using Take a Breather for survivability, you can dominate the battlefield and create opportunities for your team. His ability to isolate and eliminate high-value targets, combined with his crowd-control potential through Whole Hog, makes him a game-changer in the right hands.

Success with Roadhog comes down to mastering positioning, target prioritization, and effective communication with your team. With practice and smart play, you can ensure Roadhog becomes a cornerstone of your team’s strategy, leading you to consistent victories.