Does Bastion Counter Reinhardt in Overwatch 2? A Deep Dive

Yes, Bastion can be a strong counter to Reinhardt in many situations. Reinhardt’s primary strength lies in his Barrier Shield and close-range hammer attacks, both of which Bastion can effectively neutralize with sustained, high damage output in his Configuration: Assault. However, the effectiveness of this counter is highly dependent on positioning, team composition, and player skill. Let’s break down the nuances.

Reinhardt relies on his barrier to protect his team and advance. Bastion in Configuration: Assault can melt Reinhardt’s shield very quickly, forcing Reinhardt to retreat or risk having his barrier completely destroyed. This opens up Reinhardt’s team to attacks from Bastion and his allies. Furthermore, if Reinhardt gets too close, Bastion’s raw damage output can quickly eliminate him. The key, however, lies in Bastion’s positioning and the support he receives from his team.

Bastion’s stationary nature in Configuration: Assault makes him vulnerable to coordinated attacks and flanking maneuvers. A skilled Reinhardt can utilize cover and coordinate with his team to overwhelm Bastion, or bypass him entirely. Additionally, abilities like Reinhardt’s Charge can be used to quickly close the distance and disrupt Bastion. Ultimately, the success of this counter hinges on both players understanding their strengths and weaknesses and adapting accordingly.

Understanding the Dynamic: Bastion vs. Reinhardt

The matchup between Bastion and Reinhardt is a classic example of a high-damage dealer versus a shield-based tank. To fully grasp the dynamic, consider these key elements:

• Barrier Health vs. Damage Output: Reinhardt’s barrier has a finite amount of health. Bastion, in turret form, boasts an incredible damage-per-second (DPS) rate. This disparity means Reinhardt can’t simply stand and absorb Bastion’s fire indefinitely.
• Positioning is Paramount: Bastion’s effectiveness is tied to his positioning. A Bastion in a well-defended location, supported by his team, is significantly more dangerous than one out in the open. Likewise, Reinhardt benefits from using cover and coordinating with his team to minimize his exposure to Bastion’s fire.
• Mobility and Cooldowns: Reinhardt is a relatively slow-moving tank, especially with his shield raised. Bastion is immobile in Configuration: Assault. Both heroes are vulnerable when their key abilities are on cooldown.
• Ultimate Abilities: Both Reinhardt and Bastion have powerful ultimate abilities. Reinhardt’s Earthshatter can stun multiple enemies, creating an opening for his team. Bastion’s Configuration: Artillery allows him to deal significant burst damage from a distance. The timing and usage of these ultimates can significantly shift the outcome of a fight.

Maximizing Bastion’s Effectiveness Against Reinhardt

To maximize Bastion’s effectiveness against Reinhardt, consider these strategies:

• Strategic Placement: Position Bastion in locations that offer good sightlines on common Reinhardt approaches, but also provide cover. This allows Bastion to dish out damage while minimizing his exposure to counterattacks.
• Team Support: Bastion requires support from his team to be truly effective. A healer to keep him alive and a tank to protect him from flankers are essential.
• Shield Break Focus: Prioritize breaking Reinhardt’s shield. Once the shield is down, Reinhardt and his team are vulnerable to Bastion’s sustained fire.
• Awareness of Cooldowns: Pay attention to Reinhardt’s cooldowns, particularly his barrier. If Reinhardt drops his shield to fire strike or engage in melee combat, capitalize on the opportunity to inflict damage.

Countering Bastion as Reinhardt

Conversely, as Reinhardt, you can mitigate Bastion’s effectiveness by:

• Utilizing Cover: Don’t rely solely on your barrier. Use natural cover to advance and minimize your exposure to Bastion’s fire.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Coordinate with your team to flank Bastion and attack him from unexpected angles.
• Shield Management: Avoid letting your shield break completely. Drop it strategically to allow it to recharge, and use cover to protect yourself while it does.
• Aggressive Play: Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. Coordinate with your team to push aggressively towards Bastion, forcing him to reposition or be overwhelmed.

Bastion and the Games Learning Society

Understanding the intricate dynamics of hero matchups like Bastion versus Reinhardt can be greatly enhanced by understanding game design principles. At the Games Learning Society, you can explore how game mechanics, player strategy, and collaboration contribute to the overall gaming experience. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Bastion generally strong against?

Bastion is generally strong against heroes who rely on shields or have large hitboxes. This includes not only Reinhardt, but also Winston, Orisa, and heroes like Roadhog who offer large, easily targetable profiles.

2. What are Bastion’s biggest weaknesses?

Bastion’s biggest weaknesses are his lack of mobility in Configuration: Assault and his vulnerability to flankers. Heroes who can quickly close the distance or attack him from unexpected angles can exploit these weaknesses.

3. Which heroes directly counter Bastion?

Heroes that directly counter Bastion include D.Va (Defense Matrix), Genji (Deflect), Tracer (high mobility and burst damage), and Widowmaker (long-range headshots).

4. How does D.Va counter Bastion?

D.Va’s Defense Matrix can completely negate Bastion’s damage output, allowing her to close the distance and deal damage with her Fusion Cannons and Micro Missiles.

5. Can Reinhardt effectively charge at Bastion?

Reinhardt can charge at Bastion, but it’s risky. Bastion’s high damage output can melt Reinhardt before he reaches him, especially if Bastion is supported by his team.

6. Is Bastion more effective on attack or defense?

Bastion is generally considered more effective on defense, where he can set up in a fortified position and control key chokepoints.

7. How does Ana synergize with Bastion?

Ana’s Biotic Rifle can heal Bastion from a safe distance, and her Nano Boost can significantly increase his damage output, making him even more formidable.

8. Does Bastion’s Ironclad passive make him immune to knockback?

No, Bastion’s Ironclad passive only reduces incoming damage by 20% while in Configuration: Assault and Configuration: Artillery. It does not affect knockback effects.

9. Can Reinhardt’s Fire Strike damage Bastion through his Ironclad passive?

Yes, Reinhardt’s Fire Strike can damage Bastion through his Ironclad passive. The damage is reduced by 20%, but it still deals significant damage.

10. How should I position myself as Bastion when facing a Reinhardt?

Position yourself in a location that offers good sightlines on Reinhardt but also provides cover. This allows you to deal damage while minimizing your exposure to his attacks.

11. What is the best ultimate to use against Bastion?

Several ultimates can be effective against Bastion, including D.Va’s Self-Destruct, Junkrat’s Rip-Tire, and Tracer’s Pulse Bomb. The best choice depends on the situation and the team composition.

12. How can I protect Bastion from flankers?

Protect Bastion from flankers by positioning him near his team and providing support with crowd control abilities or by dealing damage to any enemies that attempt to flank him.

13. Does Bastion have armor?

Yes, Bastion has 100 armor and 200 health. Armor reduces incoming damage by 5 for each instance of damage, making him more resistant to rapid-fire weapons.

14. Can Genji deflect Bastion’s bullets back at him?

Yes, Genji’s Deflect can reflect Bastion’s bullets back at him, potentially dealing significant damage or even killing him. A skilled Genji player will use this to their advantage.

15. Is Bastion a good hero for beginners?

Bastion can be a good hero for beginners due to his straightforward gameplay. However, mastering Bastion requires a good understanding of positioning and team coordination.