Unveiling the Mysteries of Kiriko’s Protection Suzu: A Deep Dive

The shimmering Protection Suzu is a cornerstone of Kiriko’s kit, offering a burst of healing, invulnerability, and cleanse to allies. But what about Kiriko herself? Yes, Protection Suzu does indeed work on Kiriko. She can absolutely target herself with this ability, granting herself the same benefits as her teammates: a brief period of invulnerability, a cleanse from most negative status effects, and a burst of healing. Understanding the nuances of how it works on her, and when to best utilize it, is crucial to mastering this powerful support hero.

Understanding Kiriko’s Protection Suzu

Kiriko’s Protection Suzu isn’t just a simple heal; it’s a multi-faceted tool that requires strategic thinking. Here’s a breakdown of what it offers:

• Invulnerability: For a fleeting 0.85 seconds, the target is completely immune to all damage. This can be used to save allies (or yourself!) from lethal ultimates or burst damage.
• Cleanse: This removes most negative status effects, such as anti-heal, stuns, sleeps, and even burns. However, some traps and certain ultimates may persist.
• Healing: The Suzu itself provides a small amount of healing. When combined with her Healing Ofuda, the burst of healing can significantly restore a target’s health.

How Suzu Affects Kiriko

When applied to Kiriko herself, the Suzu functions identically to how it affects allies. This offers immense potential for self-preservation and aggressive plays. Imagine dodging a Reinhardt Earthshatter, cleansing an Ana anti-nade, or surviving a D.Va bomb explosion all thanks to a well-timed Suzu! The key is anticipation and understanding enemy abilities.

Strategic Suzu Usage for Kiriko

Using Suzu effectively on yourself boils down to these key principles:

1. Reactionary Defense: Identify immediate threats and react quickly. If you see a McCree High Noon targeting you, Suzu is your best friend.
2. Predictive Cleansing: Know which enemy heroes apply status effects and anticipate their use. For example, if an Ana is consistently anti-healing you, hold onto Suzu for that purpose.
3. Aggressive Positioning: Suzu allows for more aggressive positioning, knowing you have a panic button for when things get dicey. This is particularly useful when flanking or diving with your team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kiriko’s Protection Suzu

Here are some commonly asked questions about Kiriko’s Protection Suzu, offering further insight into its mechanics and optimal usage:

1. Does Protection Suzu cleanse trap effects?

   The article states that Suzu does not cleanse trap effects.

2. How much does Suzu heal Kiriko?

   When Kiriko uses Suzu on an ally, she heals them for approximately 180 HP (50 from Suzu + 130 from Healing Ofuda). The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the target’s current health and incoming damage.

3. How long does Kiriko’s Protection Suzu last?

   The invulnerability effect of Kiriko’s Protection Suzu lasts for a very brief 0.85 seconds.

4. What healer pairs well with Kiriko?

   Lucio is mentioned as a strong pairing with Kiriko. His speed boost complements her kit, and her healing can compensate for his when he isn’t using Amp It Up.

5. How is Kiriko connected to Genji and Hanzo?

   Kiriko’s mother trained Hanzo and Genji. They see her as a “cute, little niece figure.”

6. Who counters Kiriko?

   Heroes with strong AoE damage like Pharah, Junkrat, and Echo can overwhelm Kiriko’s healing capabilities.

7. Who is the youngest Overwatch character?

   The youngest human hero is Illari (18) and the youngest non-human is Orisa (1).

8. Is Kiriko a main or off healer?

   Kiriko can fit both roles depending on the team composition. Her high healing output allows her to be a main healer, while her utility lets her function as an off-healer.

9. How old is Kiriko in Overwatch 2?

   Kiriko is 21 years old.

10. Can D.Va block Kiriko’s healing?

    Yes, D.Va’s Defense Matrix can block Kiriko’s Healing Ofuda, preventing the healing from reaching allies.

11. Is Kiriko getting nerfed?

    The article mentions that Kiriko’s Protection Suzu is being nerfed in Overwatch 2 Season 6, with reduced healing but increased burst healing when removing negative effects.

12. What makes Kiriko so strong?

    Kiriko’s ability to throw her kunai with perfect accuracy and no gravity falloff, combined with her mobility and powerful utility, makes her a formidable hero.

13. Is Genji older than Kiriko?

    Yes, Genji (37) is significantly older than Kiriko (21).

14. Can Genji deflect Kiriko’s heals?

    Yes, it is possible for Genji to deflect Kiriko’s healing talismans. The deflected heals will still try to follow Kiriko’s initial target.

15. Who is the easiest healer to play in Overwatch 2?

    Moira is often considered one of the easiest healers to pick up and play effectively in Overwatch 2.

Mastering Kiriko: Beyond the Basics

While understanding the core mechanics of Suzu is essential, mastering Kiriko requires a deeper understanding of game sense, positioning, and target prioritization. Here are some advanced tips:

• Anticipate Enemy Ultimates: Learn the audio cues and visual indicators of enemy ultimates. This allows you to preemptively Suzu yourself or a teammate to negate their effect.
• Coordinate with Your Team: Communicate with your team about when you have Suzu available and what abilities you’re looking to counter.
• Utilize Swift Step for Aggression: Swift Step can be used to quickly reposition and flank enemies, allowing you to deliver lethal kunai shots or assist teammates in need.
• Practice Kunai Aim: Kiriko’s kunai are her primary damage source. Dedicate time to practicing your aim and learning how to lead your shots effectively. A useful game to practice your skills can be found at the Games Learning Society on GamesLearningSociety.org.

Kiriko is a complex and rewarding hero to master. By understanding the intricacies of her Protection Suzu, practicing your aim and movement, and honing your game sense, you can become a truly formidable force on the battlefield.