Does Reinhardt’s Hammer Go Through Shields? A Deep Dive into Overwatch’s Melee Master
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The short answer is no, Reinhardt’s hammer does not go through shields in the traditional sense. However, the mechanics are more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While the hammer swing itself is blocked by enemy shields like those of Reinhardt, Orisa, or Sigma, there are certain situations where the effect appears to penetrate. These instances are often due to the hammer’s large hitbox, latency, or the positioning of the characters involved. Let’s break it down:
The hammer is a melee weapon that swings in a wide arc. If an enemy Reinhardt is close enough to his own shield, and your hammer connects with him (not just the shield), the damage will register even if the shield is technically between you. This is because the game prioritizes the impact on the hero model. This is the effect articles are calling “shatter through shields.”
Furthermore, Reinhardt’s ultimate ability, Earthshatter, can sometimes bypass shields. This isn’t a consistent mechanic, but rather an occasional glitch or interaction related to elevation, positioning, and timing. If Reinhardt is slightly above the enemy shield, or if the shield is deployed at the exact moment of impact, Earthshatter may occasionally affect enemies behind it. This can also be called “shatter through shields.”
The hammer is a powerful weapon with a large hitbox that is not stopped by anything other than character models and level terrain. This means that Reinhardt can swing away with the hammer, making contact with anything in front of him.
It’s important to note that these situations are not intended mechanics but often emerge from the complexities of the game’s physics and netcode. Experienced Reinhardt players can sometimes exploit these situations, but they are not reliable strategies.
Reinhardt’s Rocket Hammer: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Reinhardt’s hammer, affectionately known as the Rocket Hammer, is more than just a simple melee weapon. It’s an extension of his personality, a symbol of his strength, and a crucial tool for controlling the battlefield. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
Damage and Range
Each swing of Reinhardt’s hammer deals 85 damage, making it a potent threat in close-quarters combat. While the range is limited, the wide arc of the swing allows him to hit multiple targets simultaneously. A few well-placed hits can quickly dispatch squishier heroes.
Unstoppable Force
Reinhardt’s hammer cannot be stopped by anything other than character models and level terrain. This makes it an unstoppable force in close-quarters combat. It will also continue swinging even if Reinhardt is affected by crowd control abilities, such as Sleep Dart or Flashbang.
Fire Strike Combo
To maximize his damage output, Reinhardt players often utilize the Fire Strike combo. By swinging the hammer and immediately canceling the animation with a Fire Strike, players can deal 185 damage in quick succession. This combo is particularly effective against low-health targets like Tracer or Widowmaker.
The Psychology of the Hammer
Beyond the raw damage, the mere presence of Reinhardt’s hammer can have a significant psychological impact on the enemy team. Its intimidating size and the sound of each swing can create a sense of unease, forcing enemies to respect his space and avoid getting too close.
FAQs: Unpacking Reinhardt’s Arsenal
Here are some frequently asked questions about Reinhardt and his abilities, providing further insights into his gameplay:
1. Can Reinhardt Charge Through Shields?
Yes, Reinhardt can charge through enemy shields. His Charge ability is designed to break through defensive lines and disrupt enemy formations. However, the shield will stop the pin.
2. What Abilities Go Through Reinhardt’s Shield?
While Reinhardt’s shield is robust, several abilities can bypass it. These include:
- Melee attacks: As mentioned, enemies can walk through the shield and use melee attacks.
- Beam weapons: Symmetra’s primary fire, Zarya’s primary fire, and Moira’s primary fire can penetrate the shield.
- Certain ultimates: Abilities like D.Va’s Self-Destruct or Junkrat’s Rip-Tire deal area-of-effect damage that can affect heroes behind the shield.
3. How Much Damage Does Reinhardt’s Charge Do?
Reinhardt’s Charge deals 300 damage to any enemy he pins against a wall. This is enough to instantly eliminate most heroes in the game.
4. What Counters Reinhardt’s Shield?
Several heroes can effectively counter Reinhardt’s shield:
- Bastion: Bastion’s high rate of fire can quickly break down Reinhardt’s shield.
- Junkrat: Junkrat’s grenades and RIP-Tire can deal significant damage to the shield and the heroes behind it.
- Pharah: Pharah’s rockets can be fired over the shield, hitting Reinhardt and his team.
- Roadhog: Roadhog’s hook can pull Reinhardt out of position, exposing him to damage.
5. Who is Reinhardt’s Daughter?
Reinhardt is not biologically related to Brigitte. He is the godfather of Brigitte, the daughter of his longtime friend and colleague, Torbjörn.
6. How Tall is Reinhardt?
Reinhardt’s height in his armor is around 7’4″ (223 cm). The armor significantly increases his size and bulk.
7. How Heavy is Reinhardt’s Hammer?
Reinhardt’s Rocket Hammer weighs approximately 60 pounds.
8. What Support Counters Reinhardt?
Ana is a strong support counter to Reinhardt. Her Biotic Grenade can prevent Reinhardt from receiving healing, while her Sleep Dart can interrupt his Charge or Earthshatter.
9. Who is Stronger, Reinhardt or Zarya?
According to the information, Zarya is considered stronger than Reinhardt in a direct fight. Her personal shields and high damage output give her an edge.
10. How Does Fire Strike Maximize Damage?
Fire Strike has a longer range and can go through shields, so it is useful for engaging and dealing additional damage when the Hammer is blocked.
11. What is Reinhardt’s Real Name?
Reinhardt’s full name is Reinhardt Wilhelm.
12. Why is Reinhardt so Big?
Reinhardt is so big because he wears power armor. This armor enhances his strength and increases his size.
13. How Do I Look Behind Me as Reinhardt?
By holding the primary fire key, Reinhardt can look around his surroundings without turning, allowing him to maintain shield coverage while staying aware of his surroundings. It takes ~0.14 seconds to be able to block something what was exactly behind you.
14. How Much Damage Does Reinhardt’s Hammer Swing Do?
Reinhardt’s hammer swing deals 85 damage per swing.
15. How Much Damage Does Reinhardt’s Pin Do?
Reinhardt’s pin deals 300 damage when the target is pinned against a wall.
Conclusion: Mastering the Crusader
Reinhardt is a complex and rewarding hero to play. While his hammer might not always behave exactly as expected against shields, understanding the nuances of his abilities and the game’s mechanics is crucial for mastering the Crusader. Remember to focus on positioning, timing, and teamwork to maximize your impact on the battlefield. By doing so, you can become a formidable force and lead your team to victory.
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