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Does Earthshatter Go Through Shields? The Definitive Answer

The answer, as with many things in the chaotic world of Overwatch, is: it depends. While Earthshatter is intended to be blocked by shields, the reality is more nuanced. Factors such as positioning, latency, and even potential bugs can influence whether Reinhardt’s ultimate ability successfully stuns and damages enemies hiding behind barriers. Generally, no, Earthshatter does not go through shields. The ability requires direct line of sight to affect targets. However, there are instances where the interaction can seem inconsistent.

Understanding Earthshatter Mechanics

To truly understand whether Earthshatter can bypass shields, we need to delve into the specifics of how the ability functions. Earthshatter is a ground-targeted cone ability, meaning it originates from Reinhardt’s hammer and expands outwards along the ground. The game checks for obstacles, including shields, within this cone. If a shield is detected, the ability should be blocked. But there is a caveat:

Line of Sight is Paramount: Earthshatter needs a clear, unobstructed line of sight to impact its targets. Any barrier, wall, or even Mei’s Ice Wall will interrupt the effect.
Edge Cases and Positioning: Very close proximity to a shield can sometimes lead to unpredictable results. If Reinhardt is hugging a barrier and uses Earthshatter, the very edge of the cone might extend past the shield’s perimeter, catching enemies on the other side.
The Lag Factor: In online gaming, latency (or lag) can play a significant role. What appears to be a clear block on one player’s screen might not be registered the same way on the server, leading to discrepancies in the outcome.
Bugs and Glitches: As with any complex game, Overwatch is not immune to bugs. There have been documented instances where Earthshatter seemingly ignores shields due to unintended interactions. These are usually addressed in subsequent patches, but it’s always possible for new issues to arise.

Why Does It Sometimes Seem to Go Through Shields?

The perception that Earthshatter goes through shields is often rooted in these factors:

Visual Clutter: During intense team fights, it can be difficult to accurately track the exact position of shields and the trajectory of Earthshatter.
Target Positioning: Enemies might be positioned at the edge of the shield, making them vulnerable to the outer reaches of the cone.
Server-Side Validation: The ultimate determination of whether an ability hits is made by the server. Slight differences in timing or positioning can result in different outcomes than what players perceive on their screens.
Shield Health: If a shield is already heavily damaged, Earthshatter can destroy it, and subsequent shockwave may hit the players.

Shield Interactions: A Hero-by-Hero Breakdown

The specifics of how Earthshatter interacts with different shields can also vary:

Reinhardt’s Barrier Field: A direct counter. When properly positioned, Reinhardt’s own shield can completely negate Earthshatter.
Orisa’s Protective Barrier: Functions similarly to Reinhardt’s shield, providing a solid block when placed correctly.
Winston’s Barrier Projector: Can block Earthshatter, but its spherical shape means it can be easier to flank or position around, making it less reliable than rectangular barriers.
Sigma’s Experimental Barrier: Can block Earthshatter, but its mobility means it can be repositioned to allow Earthshatter to hit.
Brigitte’s Barrier Shield: Too small to reliably block the entire cone of Earthshatter, and it will usually be broken by the initial hit.
Zarya’s Particle Barrier/Projected Barrier: Zarya’s barriers are invulnerable for their duration. This can be used effectively to counter Earthshatter.

Mastering the Shatter: Tips for Reinhardt Players

Positioning is Key: Aim your Earthshatter carefully, taking into account the position of enemy shields and the overall battlefield geometry.
Flank When Possible: Try to create opportunities to shatter from unexpected angles, forcing enemies to reposition or expose themselves.
Coordinate with Your Team: Communicate your intentions to your teammates so they can capitalize on the stunned enemies.
Be Mindful of Shield Health: If a shield is low, consider shattering it before using Earthshatter to bypass the shield.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you play Reinhardt, the better you’ll become at judging distances, angles, and timings, leading to more successful Earthshatters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earthshatter

1. How much damage does Reinhardt’s Earthshatter do?

Earthshatter inflicts roughly 250 damage depending on the enemy’s proximity to the impact point. Enemies closer to the center of the Earthshatter will receive the full 250 damage, while those further away will receive less. The updated version does 200 damage, but can ignore shields and walls that would block it previously.

2. How long does the Earthshatter stun last?

The stun duration of Earthshatter is 2.5 seconds. This provides a significant window of opportunity to follow up with attacks or abilities.

3. Can D.Va’s Defense Matrix block Earthshatter?

No, Defense Matrix cannot block Earthshatter because it is not a projectile.

4. Can Genji deflect Earthshatter?

No, Genji’s Deflect cannot deflect Earthshatter.

5. Can Sigma’s Kinetic Grasp absorb Earthshatter?

No, Kinetic Grasp cannot absorb Earthshatter.

6. What are the best counters to Reinhardt?

Effective counters to Reinhardt include Pharah, Junkrat, and Reaper. Pharah can attack from a safe distance, Junkrat can deal high damage to Reinhardt’s shield, and Reaper can flank and burst down Reinhardt from behind.

7. Can Mei’s Ice Wall block Earthshatter?

Yes, Mei’s Ice Wall can effectively block Earthshatter. It provides a solid barrier that interrupts the line of sight.

8. Does Reinhardt’s Fire Strike go through shields?

Yes, Reinhardt’s Fire Strike goes through shields, dealing 100 damage to any enemies and the shield it passes through.

9. How heavy is Reinhardt’s hammer?

While not explicitly stated in the game, some sources estimate Reinhardt’s hammer to be around 60 lbs.

10. What is Reinhardt’s shield called?

Reinhardt’s shield is called the Barrier Field.

11. Is Reinhardt a good counter to Sigma?

Yes, Reinhardt can be a strong counter to Sigma, especially when paired with heroes like Lucio or Reaper.

12. Who is Reinhardt’s daughter?

Reinhardt is the godfather of Brigitte, and it was he who named her.

13. What tank is a good counter to Reinhardt?

Winston is a good tank counter to Reinhardt, allowing him to easily jump over the shield and attack.

14. Does Earthshatter affect enemies behind walls?

No, Earthshatter requires a direct line of sight and does not affect enemies behind walls or other solid structures. However, some believe that it can go through walls due to bugs in the game.

15. Are there bugs that cause Earthshatter to go through shields?

Yes, there have been documented instances of bugs that allow Earthshatter to bypass shields, often related to positioning or server-side inconsistencies. These are generally addressed in patches, but new issues can sometimes arise.

The Ever-Evolving Meta

The interaction between Earthshatter and shields is a crucial element of Overwatch’s gameplay. Understanding the nuances of this interaction is essential for both Reinhardt players and those facing him on the battlefield. As the game evolves and new heroes and abilities are introduced, the dynamics of these interactions will continue to shift, requiring players to stay informed and adapt their strategies accordingly.

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Does earthshatter go through shields?