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Can Genji Deflect Kiriko Heals? Unveiling the Secrets of Overwatch 2’s Deflection Master

Yes, Genji can indeed deflect Kiriko’s healing Ofuda. When deflected, these healing projectiles become his own, allowing him to heal his teammates with them. This interaction is a prime example of how Genji’s Deflect ability can be used creatively and strategically, turning the tide of battle by repurposing enemy abilities for his team’s benefit. It adds another layer of depth to the already intricate dynamics of Overwatch 2.

Understanding Genji’s Deflect Ability

Genji’s Deflect is arguably one of the most iconic and versatile abilities in Overwatch 2. It’s a defining characteristic of the cyborg ninja and a crucial part of his kit. To fully understand how it interacts with Kiriko’s heals, let’s delve into the mechanics of Deflect.

How Deflect Works

For two seconds, Genji will automatically deflect any incoming projectile towards wherever his crosshair is pointed. This means that the deflected projectile essentially becomes a friendly projectile, acting as if it were shot from a friendly source. This applies to everything from basic shots to powerful ultimates, provided they are projectiles.

There are limitations, of course. Deflect only works on projectiles within Genji’s field of view. If a projectile comes from behind him, it won’t be deflected. He also cannot deflect beam attacks such as Zarya’s primary fire, Mei’s primary fire, Symmetra’s primary fire, or Winston’s Tesla Cannon. These are constant streams of energy rather than discrete projectiles.

The Strategic Importance of Deflect

Mastering Deflect is key to playing Genji effectively. It’s not just about blocking damage; it’s about redirecting it back at the enemy, turning their offense into a liability. A well-timed Deflect can shut down enemy ultimates, eliminate key targets, and provide crucial breathing room for your team. However, the ability’s long cooldown means you need to use it wisely. Predicting enemy attacks and positioning yourself correctly are essential for maximizing Deflect’s impact.

Deflecting Healing

The ability to deflect healing projectiles like Kiriko’s Ofuda opens up new strategic possibilities. By deflecting these heals, Genji can redirect the healing to his own teammates, providing crucial support in the midst of battle. This requires precise timing and aiming, but the payoff can be significant. It’s another tool in Genji’s arsenal for disrupting the enemy team and supporting his own. This complex interplay between abilities highlights the importance of understanding game mechanics, a topic often explored by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs About Genji’s Deflect

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Genji’s Deflect ability:

What ultimates can Genji deflect? Genji can deflect many projectile-based ultimates, including Pharah’s Barrage, McCree’s High Noon (provided he deflects the bullets as they fire), and Soldier 76’s Tactical Visor.
Can Genji deflect D.Va’s Self-Destruct? No, Genji cannot deflect D.Va’s Self-Destruct. This ultimate is a deployable bomb and not a projectile in the traditional sense.
Can Genji deflect Reinhardt’s Earthshatter? No, Earthshatter is not a projectile and cannot be deflected. However, Genji can deflect Reinhardt’s Fire Strike.
Can Genji deflect Ana’s abilities? Yes, Genji can deflect both Ana’s Sleep Dart and Biotic Grenade. If he deflects the Biotic Grenade, it will apply its effects (healing boost and anti-heal) to Genji’s team and vice-versa.
Can Genji deflect Moira’s orbs? Yes, Genji can deflect both Moira’s Healing Orb and Damage Orb. The deflected orbs will then benefit Genji and his team, or damage the enemy team respectively.
Can Genji deflect Zenyatta’s orbs? Yes, Genji can deflect both orbs of harmony and discord.
Can Genji deflect Roadhog’s Chain Hook? While Genji cannot reflect the Chain Hook back at Roadhog, he can block it with Deflect, preventing him from being pulled.
Can Genji deflect Mei’s primary fire? No, Mei’s primary fire (the freezing stream) is a beam attack and cannot be deflected. However, he can deflect her icicles (secondary fire).
Can Genji deflect Zarya’s primary fire? No, Zarya’s primary fire is a beam attack and cannot be deflected.
Can Genji deflect Symmetra’s primary fire? No, Symmetra’s primary fire is a beam attack and cannot be deflected.
Can Genji deflect Winston’s Tesla Cannon? No, Winston’s Tesla Cannon is a beam attack and cannot be deflected.
Can Genji deflect Torbjörn’s turret projectiles? Yes, Genji can deflect the projectiles fired by Torbjörn’s turret.
Can Genji deflect Junkrat’s grenades and RIP-Tire? Yes, Genji can deflect Junkrat’s grenades and even RIP-Tire, potentially turning the ultimate against Junkrat’s own team.
Can Genji deflect Echo’s Focusing Beam? No, Echo’s Focusing Beam, like other beam attacks, cannot be deflected by Genji.
Can Genji deflect Lucio’s Sonic Amplifier projectiles? Yes, Genji can deflect the projectiles fired from Lucio’s Sonic Amplifier.

Advanced Deflect Strategies

Beyond simply blocking damage, skilled Genji players use Deflect in more sophisticated ways:

Predictive Deflection: Anticipating enemy attacks and activating Deflect just before they fire can lead to surprising kills and clutch saves.
Deflect Canceling: Deflect can be canceled early by using Swift Strike or Dragonblade, allowing Genji to quickly reposition or follow up with an attack.
Using Deflect Aggressively: In certain situations, Deflect can be used to push into enemy lines, forcing them to hold their fire and creating an opening for your team.
Deflecting to Protect Teammates: While Deflect primarily protects Genji, positioning it correctly can also shield teammates from incoming projectiles.

Conclusion

Genji’s Deflect is a complex and rewarding ability that requires practice and strategic thinking to master. Understanding its limitations and potential allows players to maximize its impact on the battlefield. Whether it’s deflecting powerful ultimates, redirecting healing projectiles, or simply blocking incoming damage, Deflect is a crucial tool for any aspiring Genji player. The intricacies of gameplay mechanics and strategic decision-making are areas that the Games Learning Society frequently explores and discusses.

Can Genji deflect Kiriko heals?