Decoding Zarya’s Shield: What Pierces, What Doesn’t, and Why
The burning question on every Overwatch player’s mind when facing a Zarya: Can anything go through Zarya’s shield? The short answer is no, not directly. However, the intricacies of interactions within Overwatch are never quite so simple. While Zarya’s Projected Barrier and Particle Barrier (personal shield) completely absorb incoming damage, turning it into weapon charge, some effects seem to bypass it due to the way they interact with the game’s code or are applied indirectly. Let’s delve deeper.
Understanding Zarya’s Barriers: A Deep Dive
Zarya’s power lies in her ability to convert enemy aggression into raw damage. Her barriers are absorptive, meaning they don’t just block damage; they convert it into energy that powers up her Particle Cannon, increasing its damage output. This makes her a powerful frontline tank capable of turning the tide of battle when played skillfully.
The key is understanding the distinction between direct damage and area-of-effect (AoE) effects or status effects. The shield is a direct barrier to any projectile or hitscan attack that impacts it. Think of it as a temporary HP pool. Once that pool is depleted (200 HP for each shield), any remaining damage from that particular attack bleeds through to Zarya (or the teammate she’s shielding).
However, some abilities work around this. For example, while a direct hit from Junkrat’s Rip-Tire will be absorbed and charge Zarya, the sheer radius of its explosion may damage teammates standing close enough to Zarya, even if her shield blocks the direct hit. Similarly, status effects such as Ana’s Biotic Grenade, can effect Zarya and her teammates, even if the direct impact hit the shield.
Unveiling the Nuances: What Appears to Bypass the Shield
While Zarya’s barrier is a robust defense, several elements can create the illusion of bypassing it or affect targets near her despite its presence:
- Area-of-Effect (AoE) Damage: As mentioned earlier, abilities like Junkrat’s Frag Launcher, Rip-Tire, or Pharah’s Rocket Launcher deal damage in a radius around the point of impact. If Zarya’s barrier absorbs the direct hit, but allies are within the AoE radius, they will still take damage. It is important to understand that it is not her shield which is not working, but rather the scope of the damage dealing attacks.
- Persistent Effects: Some effects linger after the initial impact. For instance, Mei’s Blizzard can freeze targets inside or near Zarya’s shield after the initial projectile is absorbed. The cold AoE effect will still apply.
- Penetrating Projectiles (Indirectly): While no projectiles directly pierce the shield, some heroes, like Hanzo with his Storm Arrows, can fire multiple projectiles quickly. A coordinated assault can overwhelm the shield’s HP, allowing subsequent arrows to hit Zarya or her protected target. The initial arrows are still blocked.
- Ultimate Abilities with Lingering Effects: Ultimates like Sigma’s Gravitic Flux lift targets into the air. Even if Zarya shields a teammate as the ultimate begins, the lifting effect persists after the shield expires or the teammate moves out of its protection.
- Environmental Hazards: Environmental hazards like falling off a map or getting hit by the train on Eichenwalde will bypass the shield as these are considered “instant death” mechanics rather than damage sources the shield can mitigate.
- Hack: Sombra’s Hack interrupts Zarya’s shield deployment, preventing it from activating if she’s in the process of casting it. If a shield is already up, hack will not remove the shield, but will prevent Zarya from deploying further shields.
Mastering Zarya: Strategic Shield Usage
Effective Zarya play revolves around timing and positioning. Here are some tips:
- Predict Incoming Damage: Anticipate enemy attacks, especially high-damage bursts, to maximize shield absorption and charge gain.
- Protect Vulnerable Allies: Use Projected Barrier to protect teammates who are engaging aggressively or are under heavy fire. This is a great way to protect an ulting character, such as Pharah, Soldier: 76, or Reinhardt.
- Shield Self Aggressively: Don’t be afraid to use your personal Particle Barrier when pushing into enemy territory to absorb damage and create space.
- Communicate with Your Team: Coordinate shield usage with your team to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- Track Enemy Cooldowns: Knowing when enemies are likely to use powerful abilities will help you anticipate and counter them with your shields.
The Future of Overwatch and Shield Interactions
As Overwatch evolves, hero abilities and interactions are constantly being tweaked. Understanding the underlying mechanics, such as how Zarya’s shield interacts with different types of damage, is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. Keeping up with patch notes and community discussions is essential for mastering the game. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ offer great insights into the game development and impacts through gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zarya’s Shield
1. Can Reinhardt’s Charge go through Zarya’s shield?
No. If Reinhardt charges directly into Zarya’s shield, the charge will be stopped, and the shield will absorb the damage. However, if the shield is low on health, the excess damage can overflow.
2. Does D.Va’s Self-Destruct bypass Zarya’s shield?
No. Zarya’s shield will block D.Va’s self-destruct. Players inside the bubble will be protected.
3. Can Moira’s Biotic Orb pass through Zarya’s shield?
No. The orb will impact the barrier. Allies in the shield will not be affected.
4. Does Tracer’s Pulse Bomb stick to a shielded target?
Yes. If Tracer’s Pulse Bomb is thrown on a shielded player, it will stick.
5. Can Sombra’s Hack remove Zarya’s shield if it’s already active?
No, Sombra’s hack will not remove an active shield, but it will prevent Zarya from deploying new shields.
6. Does Genji’s Dragonblade bypass Zarya’s shield?
No. Zarya’s barrier will block the Dragonblade’s melee attacks.
7. Can Hanzo’s Dragonstrike go through Zarya’s shield?
No. The Dragonstrike projectile stops upon impact, and the Dragon travels along the wall or ground after the initial impact. The shield blocks the initial damage, protecting anyone behind it.
8. Can Junkrat’s Rip-Tire be blocked by Zarya’s shield?
Yes, but the explosion can still damage allies near the shield if they are within its area of effect.
9. Does Ana’s Biotic Grenade affect targets behind Zarya’s shield?
No. Zarya’s shield blocks the grenade’s initial impact and area of effect.
10. Can Doomfist’s Rocket Punch penetrate Zarya’s shield?
No, the Rocket Punch will be stopped by the shield.
11. Can Orisa’s Halt! pull enemies through Zarya’s shield?
No, Orisa’s Halt cannot pull enemies through Zarya’s shields. It will be stopped upon impact.
12. Does Sigma’s Accretion rock go through Zarya’s shield?
No, the Accretion rock will be blocked and absorbed by the shield.
13. Can Widowmaker’s Infra-Sight reveal enemies through Zarya’s shield?
Yes, Infra-Sight reveals enemies regardless of barriers.
14. Does Zenyatta’s Transcendence heal through Zarya’s shield?
Yes, Transcendence provides healing through barriers.
15. If Zarya shields herself, does it protect her from knockback effects?
Zarya’s shield does not mitigate knockback. A character will still be knocked back.
By understanding these interactions, you can master Zarya and become a formidable force on the battlefield. Good luck, and may your shields always be charged!