Overwatch 2: Winston Guide

Winston, the brilliant and lovable scientist-gorilla, remains one of the most iconic tank heroes in Overwatch 2. Armed with his Tesla Cannon, he can zap multiple enemies simultaneously, disrupting formations and creating opportunities for his team. Winston hasn’t undergone drastic changes in Overwatch 2, so veteran players will find his playstyle familiar, while newcomers will quickly appreciate his unique approach to tanking.

While Winston isn’t the strongest at directly shielding his teammates, his ability to dive into enemy lines and disrupt key targets makes him an invaluable asset. This is especially true in Overwatch 2’s faster-paced 5v5 format, which favors aggressive tactics. In this guide, we’ll break down Winston’s abilities and share tips to help you dominate the battlefield with him. Let’s dive in!

Winston Overview

Winston is classified as a Tank in Overwatch 2, a role that requires you to create space, soak up damage, and disrupt enemy formations. With his mobility and disruptive abilities, Winston excels at diving into enemy backlines to pressure squishy heroes like supports and DPS, rather than anchoring a frontline or absorbing massive amounts of damage like traditional shield tanks.

As a dive tank, Winston’s primary strength lies in his ability to jump into enemy formations, disrupt their positioning, and quickly escape using his mobility tools. He’s perfect for fast-paced, aggressive playstyles, which align well with Overwatch 2’s 5v5 structure. However, Winston requires good game sense to be effective, as poorly timed dives can leave him isolated and vulnerable.

Abilities

1. Tesla Cannon (Primary Fire)
Winston’s Tesla Cannon is a short-range weapon that emits a stream of electricity, damaging all enemies within its arc. This weapon does not require precise aim, making it ideal for hitting multiple targets or pressuring mobile enemies like Tracer or Genji.
2. Jump Pack (Ability)
Winston’s Jump Pack allows him to leap great distances, dealing damage and knocking back enemies in the area where he lands. This ability is essential for initiating fights, escaping dangerous situations, and controlling the battlefield.
3. Barrier Projector (Ability)
Winston deploys a dome-shaped shield that absorbs incoming damage. The Barrier Projector is useful for protecting teammates temporarily, zoning enemies, or creating safe spaces for dives.
4. Primal Rage (Ultimate)
Winston’s Ultimate transforms him into an enraged beast, significantly increasing his health and granting him powerful melee attacks that knock back enemies. While in Primal Rage, his Jump Pack has a reduced cooldown, making him highly mobile. This Ultimate is perfect for creating chaos, disrupting enemy formations, and securing eliminations.

Role Passive

As a Tank, Winston benefits from reduced knockback and generates less Ultimate charge for enemies when taking damage. This allows him to stay in the thick of battles longer, even under heavy fire.

Winston’s unique combination of mobility, disruption, and consistent area damage makes him a versatile tank, especially for players who enjoy diving into the action and keeping enemies on their toes. Learning to master his timing and positioning is key to maximizing his impact in Overwatch 2.

How To Play Winston

Winston is not a tank designed to deliver massive damage but instead thrives on disruption, isolating enemies, and breaking apart tight-knit team formations. His unique abilities make him a fantastic choice for disrupting enemy strategies, but using him effectively requires strategic play and precision. While Winston is easy to pick up, mastering him is a challenge. Here’s how you can dominate the battlefield with Winston.

Dive into Dive Compositions

Overwatch 2’s switch to 5v5 matches makes Winston the sole tank in competitive matches, meaning his effectiveness depends heavily on your team’s composition. Winston shines in dive compositions, which focus on overwhelming a single target to quickly turn engagements into 5v4 advantages.

Other dive-compatible heroes include Genji, Sombra, Tracer, Moira, and D.Va. Winston’s Jump Pack allows him to leap into the heart of the enemy team, knock them back, and create chaos. This ability makes him an excellent counter to heroes like Symmetra, as he can easily destroy her sentry turrets and pressure her team.

Target and Isolate Weak Links

Winston’s Tesla Cannon is not designed for high-damage output, making him less effective in prolonged 1v1 battles against other tanks. Instead, Winston excels at targeting weaker support heroes such as Zenyatta, Ana, or Mercy.

Here’s how you can isolate and eliminate these high-value targets:
1. Engage with Jump Pack: Leap into the enemy backline and land near your target. The Jump Pack deals damage and knocks enemies back, creating an opening.
2. Deploy Barrier Projector: Place your barrier immediately upon landing to shield yourself from enemy fire. This creates a temporary “arena” where you can focus on your target.
3. Use Tactical Movement: Move in and out of your barrier walls to evade enemy attacks while keeping consistent pressure on your target.
4. Escape Safely: After securing an elimination, use Jump Pack to retreat to your team for healing and support.

Maximize Disruption

Winston’s primary strength lies in his ability to disrupt enemy strategies. Use his Barrier Projector strategically to divide enemy fire and protect your team. Place it in high-traffic areas during fights to provide cover for your allies while leaving enemies exposed to damage.

Primal Rage, Winston’s Ultimate, is a game-changing ability that amplifies his disruptive potential. When activated:
• Scatter Teams: Use the knockback effect of Winston’s melee swings to separate enemies from their teammates. For example, push tanks away from their supports to make them vulnerable.
• Secure Environmental Kills: On maps with environmental hazards, such as Ilios or Nepal, use Primal Rage to knock enemies off ledges for easy eliminations.
• Break Enemy Formations: Push key targets like supports or DPS away from their group, allowing your team to pick them off easily.

Pro Tips for Winston

• Barrier Timing: Deploy your Barrier Projector not just for defense but to strategically block enemy fire and create zones of safety for your team.
• Energy Management: Use Tesla Cannon to apply pressure to grouped-up enemies. Its wide range ensures consistent damage without precise aiming.
• Primal Rage Awareness: Activate Primal Rage to reset your health and extend fights. Use it when you’re low on health to maximize its utility as a survival tool.

Conclusion

Winston is a versatile tank that thrives in chaos, making him a standout choice for disrupting enemy formations and pressuring backlines in Overwatch 2. While his damage output may not rival some other tanks, his unique abilities and mobility allow him to isolate key targets, break team formations, and turn the tide of battles. Whether diving into enemy lines, shielding teammates with strategic barrier placements, or scattering opponents with Primal Rage, Winston excels when used with precision and strategy.

To master Winston, focus on dive compositions, isolate vulnerable enemies, and maximize his disruptive capabilities. By understanding his strengths and using his abilities effectively, you can make Winston a pivotal force in any match, leading your team to victory. With practice and careful positioning, you’ll unlock his full potential as one of the most impactful tanks in Overwatch 2.