What Class is Bastion in Overwatch?
Bastion is a Damage class hero in both Overwatch and Overwatch 2. Originally designed as a peacekeeping unit, Bastion boasts the unique ability to transform between different configurations, primarily Recon (mobile) and Sentry (high damage). While some of Bastion’s kit, like his self-repair ability in the original Overwatch, gave him a degree of survivability, and his Tank configuration offers temporary increased defense, his primary role is focused on dealing significant damage to the enemy team. He excels at breaking shields, suppressing areas, and eliminating high-priority targets. Therefore, he firmly resides within the Damage category.
Understanding Bastion’s Role
Bastion’s classification as a Damage hero is rooted in his ability to output immense firepower. However, simply labeling him as “Damage” doesn’t fully capture the nuance of his playstyle. Let’s delve deeper into what makes Bastion a unique and often misunderstood character.
Sentry Configuration: The Damage Dealer
The Sentry configuration is where Bastion truly shines as a damage dealer. While immobile, he unleashes a devastating stream of bullets capable of shredding through barriers and melting enemy health bars. This configuration is most effective when Bastion is protected by his team and positioned strategically to maximize his line of sight. Mastering the recoil and understanding optimal positioning are crucial for maximizing Sentry mode’s effectiveness.
Recon Configuration: Mobility and Versatility
In Recon configuration, Bastion becomes a more mobile and versatile hero. He can move around the map, reposition himself, and contribute to the fight with his rifle. While his damage output in Recon is lower than in Sentry mode, it allows him to flank enemies, secure high ground, and escape dangerous situations. The Recon configuration enhances Bastion’s survivability and enables him to adapt to different combat scenarios.
Tank Configuration: A Temporary Defense
Bastion’s Tank configuration provides a burst of survivability and offensive power. Transforming into a tank allows Bastion to move while firing a powerful cannon that deals area-of-effect damage. During the transformation, Bastion also receives damage reduction. This configuration is excellent for pushing through chokepoints, disrupting enemy formations, and securing key objectives. However, it’s important to note that the Tank configuration is temporary, and Bastion returns to his Recon form once it expires.
Countering Bastion and Team Compositions
Bastion’s effectiveness is highly dependent on team composition and the enemy team’s ability to counter him. Characters like Reinhardt, Orisa, and Winston can provide shields to protect Bastion while he’s in Sentry mode. Supports like Mercy and Baptiste can keep him alive with heals and damage amplification.
However, Bastion also has several weaknesses. Heroes with high mobility, such as Tracer and Genji, can easily flank him and disrupt his Sentry configuration. Snipers like Widowmaker and Hanzo can eliminate him from a distance with headshots. Characters like Zarya can absorb his damage with her barriers and convert it into offensive power.
FAQs About Bastion in Overwatch
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bastion to further clarify his role and abilities:
1. Is Bastion better in Overwatch 1 or Overwatch 2?
Bastion underwent significant changes in Overwatch 2. He lost his self-repair ability but gained a grenade and a reworked ultimate ability. Whether he’s “better” depends on playstyle and team composition. Many agree that Bastion is more viable in Overwatch 2 due to the changes made.
2. What are Bastion’s key strengths?
Bastion’s strengths lie in his high damage output, shield breaking capabilities, and ability to control areas with his Sentry configuration. His Tank configuration also provides a temporary burst of offensive power and survivability.
3. What are Bastion’s main weaknesses?
Bastion’s weaknesses include his lack of mobility in Sentry mode, his large hitbox, and his vulnerability to flanking and sniper fire. He also relies heavily on his team for protection and support.
4. What tanks are good against Bastion?
Wrecking Ball, Reinhardt, and Ramattra are effective tank counters to Bastion. Their mobility and defensive abilities allow them to engage Bastion effectively.
5. What supports are good with Bastion?
Mercy, Baptiste, and Ana are excellent support partners for Bastion. Mercy can provide damage amplification and healing, Baptiste can use his Immortality Field to protect Bastion, and Ana can provide healing and long-range support.
6. What is the best way to play Bastion?
The best way to play Bastion is to position yourself strategically, utilize your Sentry mode effectively, coordinate with your team, and adapt your playstyle based on the situation.
7. How has Bastion changed from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2?
Bastion has had significant changes between Overwatch 1 and Overwatch 2. His self-repair was removed, his Sentry mode is now on a cooldown, he received a tactical grenade ability, and his ultimate ability was reworked from a tank transformation to an artillery strike.
8. Is Bastion considered a beginner-friendly hero?
Bastion can be beginner-friendly due to his straightforward gameplay and high damage output. However, mastering his positioning and understanding his weaknesses require experience and strategic thinking.
9. What is the lore behind Bastion?
Bastion is an SST Laboratories Siege Automaton E54 unit that fought in the Omnic Crisis. After being reactivated, he developed a connection with nature and now seeks to protect it.
10. What is the name of Bastion’s bird?
Bastion’s bird companion is named Ganymede.
11. Does Bastion have a gender?
Bastion is a robot and therefore does not have a biological gender. Some consider him to be non-binary.
12. Is Bastion an Omnic?
Yes, Bastion is an Omnic, a type of robot in the Overwatch universe.
13. What is Bastion’s rarest skin?
The Lego Brick Bastion skin is considered one of the rarest Bastion skins due to its limited availability.
14. What are some good maps for Bastion?
Maps with chokepoints and defensive positions are generally favorable for Bastion. Examples include King’s Row, Eichenwalde, and Hanamura.
15. How do I counter a well-protected Bastion?
Countering a well-protected Bastion requires coordination and strategic thinking. Utilize flanking routes, high-mobility heroes, and heroes with shield-breaking abilities to disrupt his setup.
Conclusion: Bastion, the Damage Specialist
In summary, Bastion’s primary function within the Overwatch universe is that of a Damage class hero. His ability to deal significant damage, especially in his Sentry configuration, makes him a formidable force on the battlefield. While his playstyle requires careful positioning, teamwork, and adaptability, he can be a valuable asset to any team. Understanding his strengths, weaknesses, and optimal strategies is crucial for maximizing his effectiveness. Like many games, Overwatch provides an interactive environment to learn and strategize. You can find more information on the intersection of gaming and education at the Games Learning Society, located at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Embrace the challenge, master the configurations, and unleash the power of Bastion!