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Overwatch 2 has finally released after years of hype and delays, and well-seasoned players are anxiously optimistic about the changes. For Overwatch veterans, the gameplay does not change much from the first entry to the second. New players that may have been waiting for the game to become free-to-play, however, might feel a bit lost about which characters to begin with in Overwatch 2.
For some, the idea of mixing class role types with a first-person shooter game can seem daunting, as one doesn't normally need to choose between a tank, support, or damage-dealing hero, but the Overwatch franchise has always combined these elements into a team-based shooter that utilizes all the classes to excel in the game. Fortunately, some characters are easier than others to play, and those characters will give new players the experience they need before branching out to more challenging heroes.
Reinhardt Is the Best Tank for New Overwatch 2 Players
When a new player first starts Overwatch 2, four tank heroes will be available to choose from: Winston, Orisa, Reinhardt, and Zarya. Like all heroes, they each have specific strengths and weaknesses, but the best starting tank for a player brand-new to the franchise would be Reinhardt. He has a decent amount of health and carries a large shield to block himself and his teammates from taking too much damage. Reinhardt also has a large hammer that can either hit opponents or fire a projectile, and he can knock down all opponents in front of him with his Earthshatter move.
Reinhardt's playstyle has him go ahead of his teammates -- but not too far ahead -- to block or mitigate damage from opponents. He can use his offensive attacks when his barrier is too damaged and needs a recharge. Players should beware not to charge into the fight alone, as Reinhardt can only attack with his shield down, leaving him vulnerable to being taken out by the opposing team. The key is staying and protecting the group as much as possible while dealing occasional damaging blows.
Solider 76 Is the Ideal Damage Hero for New Players
If players want to do nothing other than deal as much damage as possible, they have six choices of damage-dealing heroes to start with: Reaper, Widowmaker, Tracer, Soldier 76, Pharah, and Torbjorn. Each one has specific weapons and supporting abilities, but as far as easing into the game -- especially if one has played other first-person shooters -- Soldier 76 is the best choice.
Soldier 76 is a classic first-person shooter character. His primary weapon is an automatic pulse rifle, and his secondary attack launches rockets, though the rockets are on a cooldown. Soldier 76 can sprint, but he also has an AoE healing ability that drops on the ground and heals anyone standing in the circle. His ultimate is his Tactical Visor. When activated, he aims in the direction of any enemies, and the rifle auto-aims and destroys anyone in the path.
New Overwatch 2 Players Should Pick Mercy for Support
If new players are more interested in the idea of a healing class hero in a first-person shooter, there will be three support heroes from which to choose: Mercy, Lucio, and Moira. All three are relatively easy to learn for new players, but if healing is the focus, Mercy is the best all-around support choice for new players.
Mercy's main ability is a healing beam that targets one player at a time, and her secondary ability is the same beam, except that it turns blue and amplifies the target teammate's damage instead, giving them a competitive advantage. Mercy can use her Guardian Angel ability to fly through the air toward a targeted ally to heal them as fast as possible, and her ultimate ability, Valkyrie, allows Mercy to fly into the air, either healing or damage-boosting several targets at once. She has a secondary automatic pistol, but it's only for use in last-resort situations. Mercy is primarily about supporting her teammates rather than eliminating enemies herself.
While the longevity of Overwatch 2 will only be known over time, it's clear that the game is well on its way to becoming a top-played new release for 2022. New players just starting out with the franchise can try out all the heroes to see who fits best and what abilities are preferred, but beginning with these easy-to-learn characters is the most practical way to start.