Can Genji Still Deflect Ults in Overwatch 2? The Ultimate Guide

Yes, Genji can still deflect certain Ultimates in Overwatch 2. However, it’s not a blanket “reflect everything” ability. The success of deflecting an Ultimate depends on whether the Ultimate is a projectile and whether Genji can catch it within his deflect window and field of view. This makes understanding the specifics of each Ultimate crucial for maximizing Genji’s potential.

Genji’s Deflect: A Deep Dive

Genji’s Deflect ability is one of the most iconic and strategically important tools in his kit. For two seconds, Genji automatically deflects incoming projectiles towards wherever his crosshair is pointed. Crucially, deflected projectiles act as if they were shot from a friendly source, including deflected Ultimates. This means you can potentially turn enemy Ultimates against their own team! The limitations, however, are just as important. Genji can only deflect projectiles within his field of view, and he cannot deflect beam-type weapons. Mastering Deflect requires quick reflexes, game knowledge, and precise aiming.

The Nuances of Deflection

Deflecting isn’t just about pressing a button; it’s about timing, positioning, and understanding projectile speeds. A poorly timed deflect can leave you vulnerable, while a well-timed one can completely shut down an enemy push or even result in a team wipe. Knowing which Ultimates can be deflected and how to position yourself to intercept them is key to truly mastering Genji’s Deflect. For example, predicting the trajectory of a Pharah Barrage requires different skills than deflecting a McCree High Noon shot.

Deflectible Ultimates: A Comprehensive List

Here’s a breakdown of some Ultimates Genji can deflect:

• Hanzo’s Dragonstrike: This is a classic example. Genji can deflect the initial arrow, which then guides the dragons. Deflecting the arrow can send the dragons back towards Hanzo and his team, potentially wiping them out.
• Pharah’s Barrage: A well-timed deflect can send a hail of rockets back at Pharah, often resulting in her own demise. This requires excellent reaction time.
• McCree’s (Cassidy’s) Deadeye (High Noon): If Genji deflects a shot from Deadeye before it locks on, the deflected projectile acts as if shot from a friendly source and will target the enemy.
• Soldier 76’s Tactical Visor: Genji can deflect Soldier’s shots during Tactical Visor, turning his rapid fire against him and his team.
• Tracer’s Pulse Bomb: Deflecting this requires precise timing, but it’s incredibly rewarding. A deflected Pulse Bomb can eliminate key enemy targets.
• Junkrat’s Rip-Tire: Deflecting the tire itself will turn it into a friendly tire, but can be difficult as the tire moves extremely fast.
• Ashe’s B.O.B.: Genji can deflect Ashe’s Dynamite, causing the explosion to damage her teammates.

Non-Deflectible Ultimates: What Genji Can’t Touch

Understanding what Genji cannot deflect is just as crucial. Here are some Ultimates that are immune to Deflect:

• Zarya’s Graviton Surge: This is a beam-type ability and therefore cannot be deflected.
• Mei’s Blizzard: The projectile is too large to deflect.
• Symmetra’s Photon Barrier: It is a barrier and cannot be reflected.
• Winston’s Primal Rage: While Genji can block some of Winston’s melee attacks during Primal Rage with Deflect, he cannot deflect the ultimate itself. It’s a melee-focused Ultimate.
• Reinhardt’s Earthshatter: Earthshatter is a ground-based ability and is not a projectile.
• Moira’s Coalescence: This is a beam-type ability.
• Sombra’s EMP: EMP is an area-of-effect ability and is not projectile-based.
• Sigma’s Gravitic Flux The initial cast is deflectable but the slam damage is unavoidable once active.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Genji’s Deflect

1. Can Genji deflect Roadhog’s Hook?

No, Genji cannot deflect Roadhog’s Chain Hook. However, he can block it, preventing himself from being pulled.

2. Can Genji deflect Brigitte’s Whip Shot?

Yes, Genji can deflect Brigitte’s Whip Shot, turning it against her and her team.

3. Can Genji deflect Kiriko’s Healing Ofuda?

Yes, Genji can deflect Kiriko’s Healing Ofuda. The deflected ofuda will then heal Genji’s teammate, but will still try to seek Kiriko’s initial target if they are in range, so positioning becomes crucial.

4. Can Genji deflect Ana’s Sleep Dart?

Yes, Genji can deflect Ana’s Sleep Dart, potentially putting Ana or one of her teammates to sleep.

5. Can Genji deflect Zarya’s primary fire?

No, Genji cannot deflect Zarya’s primary fire. It is a beam-type weapon.

6. Can Genji deflect Mei’s primary fire?

No, Genji cannot deflect Mei’s primary fire. It is a beam-type weapon.

7. Can Genji deflect Winston’s Tesla Cannon?

No, Genji cannot deflect Winston’s Tesla Cannon. It is a beam-type weapon.

8. Can Genji deflect Symmetra’s primary fire?

No, Genji cannot deflect Symmetra’s primary fire. It is a beam-type weapon.

9. Does Deflecting Increase Dragonblade Damage?

No, Genji cannot increase the damage of his Dragonblade through deflection.

10. What is the cooldown on Genji’s Deflect?

Genji’s Deflect has an 8-second cooldown. This makes timing and resource management incredibly important.

11. What does Genji say when he uses Dragonblade?

Genji’s ultimate line is “Ryūjin no ken wo kūrae!” In English, this translates to “The dragon becomes me!” or “Eat the dragon’s blade!”.

12. Can Genji deflect Doomfist’s Rocket Punch?

Genji cannot deflect the punch projectiles back to Ramattra, but he does stop all damage.

13. Is Genji’s Ultimate Dragonblade melee only?

Dragonblade is a melee-based ultimate, meaning it consists of close-range sword strikes.

14. Does Genji deflect work during Dragonblade?

Yes, Genji can use Deflect while Dragonblade is active, allowing him to defend himself while closing in on enemies.

15. How do you counter Genji’s deflect?

The best ways to counter Genji’s deflect are to either bait it out and wait for the cooldown, use beam-type weapons that cannot be deflected, or use abilities that can interrupt his Deflect.

Mastering Genji’s Deflect: Tips and Strategies

• Anticipate Enemy Abilities: Pay attention to enemy cooldowns and positioning to predict when they are likely to use abilities you can deflect.
• Practice Timing: Spend time in the practice range to perfect the timing of your deflects against different projectile speeds.
• Use Deflect Aggressively: Don’t be afraid to use Deflect offensively to create space and pressure enemies.
• Protect Your Team: Use Deflect to shield your team from incoming damage, especially against heroes like Pharah and Soldier 76.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Position yourself strategically to maximize the effectiveness of your Deflect.

Conclusion: Deflection is Key

Genji’s Deflect remains a powerful ability in Overwatch 2, capable of turning the tide of battles. Understanding which Ultimates and abilities can be deflected, as well as mastering the timing and positioning required, is essential for any aspiring Genji player. Remember to consider these insights when developing gaming curricula for students. For more information on the role of games in learning, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. By mastering Deflect, you can become a true force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.