What Class is Reaper in Overwatch?
Reaper, the enigmatic masked terrorist, is unequivocally a Damage-class hero in both Overwatch and Overwatch 2. This designation places him firmly in the category of characters designed to deal high amounts of offensive damage to the enemy team. His kit is built around close-range engagements and the ability to disrupt enemy formations, making him a formidable force on the battlefield.
Understanding Reaper’s Role as a Damage Hero
Reaper’s role as a Damage hero isn’t just about raw power; it’s also about his unique playstyle. He thrives in close-quarters combat, using his dual shotguns to inflict devastating damage. His abilities, such as Wraith Form and Shadow Step, allow him to engage, disengage, and reposition effectively, making him a highly mobile and unpredictable threat.
Close-Range Specialist
Reaper’s primary method of attack involves his Hellfire Shotguns, which are most effective at very close ranges. This forces players to engage enemies head-on, focusing on flanking and surprise attacks to maximize their effectiveness. Unlike long-range damage dealers, Reaper’s success lies in his ability to get up close and personal with his targets.
Flanking and Disruption
Reaper’s mobility tools make him an excellent flanker. Shadow Step allows him to teleport behind enemy lines, while Wraith Form provides brief invulnerability and increased movement speed, enabling him to escape dangerous situations or reposition for another attack. These abilities make him adept at disrupting enemy formations and taking out key targets.
Self-Sustain and Survivability
Reaper’s kit also includes a self-healing mechanic that restores health equal to 35% of the damage he inflicts, making him surprisingly difficult to kill when in the thick of combat. This passive ability, coupled with Wraith Form, allows him to survive longer than most damage heroes in close engagements, making him a resilient and dangerous opponent.
Reaper’s Evolution from Overwatch to Overwatch 2
While Reaper’s core role remains consistent, Overwatch 2 has seen some tweaks to his gameplay. These changes generally reinforce his existing strengths, focusing on his ability to be a powerful close-range assassin. He continues to be a dominant force when played strategically, requiring players to leverage his mobility and damage output to their fullest potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reaper
1. Is Reaper a DPS (Damage Per Second) hero?
Yes, the term DPS is often used interchangeably with “Damage” in the context of games like Overwatch. Reaper is definitely a DPS hero, designed to consistently deal high damage output to enemies.
2. What is Reaper’s primary weapon?
Reaper wields dual Hellfire Shotguns, which are most effective at close range.
3. How much health does Reaper have?
Reaper has 250 total health, making him one of the tankier damage heroes in the game.
4. What is Wraith Form and how does it work?
Wraith Form allows Reaper to become invulnerable and increases his movement speed for a short duration. It is primarily used to escape dangerous situations or reposition for attacks.
5. What is Shadow Step used for?
Shadow Step is a teleportation ability that allows Reaper to move to a designated location within a certain range. This ability is mainly used for flanking or repositioning to advantageous positions.
6. How does Reaper self-heal?
Reaper heals himself for 35% of the damage he inflicts, making him quite durable in combat.
7. What kind of playstyle does Reaper require?
Reaper requires an aggressive playstyle that focuses on close-range engagements, flanking, and disruption of enemy lines.
8. Is Reaper good in Overwatch 2?
Yes, Reaper remains a viable and strong character in Overwatch 2. His close-range damage and mobility are still highly effective.
9. Who is Reaper in the Overwatch lore?
Reaper was formerly known as Gabriel Reyes, the former Blackwatch Commander who was thought to be deceased. He is a central antagonist in the Overwatch lore, resurrected with new and terrifying powers.
10. Does Reaper have a family?
Yes, according to the lore, Reaper was once a man named Gabriel Reyes who had a wife, Martina, and a son.
11. Why does Reaper wear a mask?
Reaper wears a mask to hide his identity and to act as a breathing apparatus. He wants the world to believe he is dead, as Gabriel Reyes.
12. Is Reaper a good hero for beginners?
While Reaper’s abilities are relatively straightforward, mastering his close-range playstyle and knowing when to engage or disengage can take some time and practice. He can be rewarding for beginners willing to learn his nuances.
13. How can you counter Reaper effectively?
Reaper can be countered by characters who can maintain their distance from him and exploit his lack of long-range capabilities. Characters like Pharah and Echo can often outrange him.
14. Is Reaper a necromancer?
While he is undead, Reaper is not a necromancer in the traditional sense within Overwatch lore. His abilities come from the modifications done to his body by Moira. There is a necromancer class in Final Fantasy XIV also called Reaper, but they are unrelated.
15. How strong is Reaper in the lore?
In the lore, Reaper is incredibly powerful due to his wraith form and ability to come back from fatal damage. His hellfire shotguns have been described as capable of taking down even powerful characters like Winston.
Conclusion
Reaper is a compelling Damage hero in Overwatch, renowned for his high close-range damage, mobility, and self-sustain. Understanding his role and abilities is key to mastering him on the battlefield. His unique blend of aggression and strategic play makes him a significant threat to any team he faces. Whether you’re a new player or an experienced veteran, Reaper is a character that demands attention and offers a powerful playstyle in the world of Overwatch.