What Does Bastion Do in Overwatch 2? A Comprehensive Guide

Bastion in Overwatch 2 is a Damage hero specializing in high damage output, particularly effective at holding down areas and shredding through enemy shields and tanks. While his mobility is limited compared to other heroes, Bastion compensates with devastating firepower delivered through his various configurations, making him a formidable force when properly positioned and supported by his team. He’s designed to be a stationary powerhouse that punishes poor positioning from the enemy and provides crucial area denial.

Understanding Bastion’s Abilities and Playstyle

Bastion’s kit revolves around transforming between different configurations, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Mastering Bastion requires understanding when and where to utilize each configuration effectively.

Configuration: Recon

This is Bastion’s default mode. In Recon, he wields a submachine gun that deals moderate damage at a relatively high fire rate. While it’s not as potent as his other forms, Recon provides mobility and the ability to engage enemies at mid-range, making it ideal for repositioning, flanking, or finishing off weakened targets. The weapon deals 25 damage per bullet and can fire 5 rounds per second, translating to 125 damage per second. Critical hits/headshots deal 50 damage per bullet.

Configuration: Assault

This is Bastion’s primary damage-dealing mode. Upon transforming into Assault Configuration, Bastion becomes a stationary turret with a powerful gatling gun. This weapon has an extremely high rate of fire and deals significant damage, allowing him to quickly eliminate enemies and break through barriers. However, Bastion is immobile in this form, making him vulnerable to flankers and long-range attacks. Effective use requires careful positioning and anticipating enemy movements.

Configuration: Artillery

This is Bastion’s ultimate ability. He transforms into a mobile artillery platform, allowing him to launch up to three long-range explosive projectiles. Each projectile deals significant splash damage, making it effective for clearing out clustered enemies or forcing them out of cover. Careful aiming and prediction of enemy movements are key to maximizing the impact of Artillery.

Reconfigure

This ability allows Bastion to switch between Recon and Assault configurations. Understanding the timing and strategic implications of this switch is crucial to playing Bastion effectively. Quick reflexes and anticipation are key.

Mastering Bastion: Tips and Strategies

• Positioning is Key: Bastion’s effectiveness heavily relies on his positioning. Choose locations with good sightlines, cover, and support from your team. Avoid overextending or placing yourself in easily predictable spots.
• Communication is Essential: Communicate with your team about your positioning and potential threats. Ask for protection from flankers and support to maximize your damage output.
• Adapt to the Situation: Don’t be afraid to switch between configurations depending on the situation. Recon is useful for repositioning and flanking, while Assault is ideal for sustained damage output.
• Utilize Artillery Strategically: Use your ultimate to clear out clustered enemies, force them out of cover, or deny key areas. Practice aiming and predicting enemy movements.
• Be Aware of Your Counters: Bastion is vulnerable to flankers, snipers, and certain tank abilities. Be aware of these threats and adjust your positioning and playstyle accordingly.
• Understand Your Role: Bastion is a damage dealer, not a tank. Your primary objective is to deal damage and pressure the enemy team, not to soak up damage.

Bastion’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• High Damage Output: Bastion can deal massive amounts of damage in a short period, making him effective at shredding through barriers and eliminating enemies.
• Area Denial: His Assault configuration is excellent for holding down areas and denying access to key locations.
• Versatility: While limited, his ability to switch between Recon and Assault configurations allows him to adapt to different situations.
• Shield Breaking: Bastion can easily destroy shields, opening opportunities for the team.

Weaknesses:

• Low Mobility: Bastion’s limited mobility makes him vulnerable to flankers and long-range attacks.
• Large Hitbox: His large hitbox makes him an easy target for enemies.
• Vulnerable to Counters: Bastion is easily countered by flankers, snipers, and certain tank abilities.
• Reliance on Team Support: Bastion relies on his team to protect him from threats and enable his damage output.

FAQs About Bastion in Overwatch 2

Is Bastion a good DPS in Overwatch 2?

Yes, Bastion can be a very effective DPS hero in Overwatch 2, particularly when played in coordinated teams. His high damage output can quickly eliminate enemies and break through barriers, making him a valuable asset in the right situations. However, his effectiveness is highly dependent on positioning, team support, and awareness of enemy counters.

What role is Bastion best suited for in Overwatch 2?

Bastion is primarily a Damage hero designed for sustained damage output and area denial. He excels at holding down strategic locations and punishing enemies who overextend or misposition.

How has Bastion changed since Overwatch 1?

Bastion has undergone significant changes since Overwatch 1. He no longer has a shield in his turret form, and his ultimate ability has been reworked into the Artillery strike ability. These changes have made him more mobile and versatile, but also more vulnerable.

What are the best team compositions for Bastion?

Bastion works well in team compositions that provide him with protection and support. A strong frontline with tanks like Reinhardt or Orisa can help shield him from damage, while support heroes like Mercy or Baptiste can provide healing and damage amplification.

Who are Bastion’s counters in Overwatch 2?

Bastion is countered by heroes with high mobility, long-range damage, or the ability to bypass his defenses. Common counters include:

• Genji
• Tracer
• Widowmaker
• Hanzo
• Zarya
• D.Va

How can I improve my aim with Bastion’s Recon configuration?

Practice makes perfect. Spend time in the practice range or custom games to familiarize yourself with the recoil and spread of Bastion’s submachine gun. Focus on tracking your target and adjusting your aim accordingly. Also make sure you have the correct game and video settings, for example: sensitivity.

What are the best maps for Bastion?

Bastion excels on maps with chokepoints and defensible positions. Some examples include:

• Hanamura (Defense)
• King’s Row (Defense)
• Eichenwalde (Defense)
• Junkertown (Defense)

How can I deal with flankers as Bastion?

The most effective way to deal with flankers as Bastion is to rely on your team for protection. Communicate with your team about potential threats and ask for assistance. Additionally, consider placing yourself in a location with good visibility and escape routes.

Is Bastion a viable option in competitive play?

Yes, Bastion can be a viable option in competitive play, but his effectiveness is highly dependent on team coordination and the enemy composition. He is best used in specific situations where his strengths can be maximized and his weaknesses minimized.

How can I effectively use Bastion’s ultimate ability, Artillery?

To effectively use Bastion’s Artillery, anticipate enemy movements and aim your projectiles accordingly. Use it to clear out clustered enemies, force them out of cover, or deny key areas. Coordinate with your team to maximize its impact.

What are some common Bastion mistakes to avoid?

Common Bastion mistakes include:

• Overextending and getting caught out of position
• Not communicating with your team
• Ignoring enemy counters
• Relying too heavily on Assault configuration
• Failing to adapt to the situation

How can I practice Bastion effectively?

The best way to practice Bastion effectively is to spend time in the practice range, custom games, and quick play. Experiment with different positioning strategies, aiming techniques, and team compositions. Watch professional players to learn from their strategies.

Does Bastion have any unique interactions with other heroes?

Bastion can be boosted by Ana’s Nano Boost or Baptiste’s Amplification Matrix to significantly increase his damage output. He can also be protected by Reinhardt’s shield or Orisa’s Fortify ability.

Where can I learn more about Overwatch 2 strategies and gameplay?

There are many resources available online to learn more about Overwatch 2 strategies and gameplay. Websites like Overbuff, YouTube channels like “Overwatch Central,” and communities like the Overwatch subreddit offer valuable insights and tips. Also, consider exploring resources related to Games Learning Society for understanding game mechanics and strategies. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more details.

Has Bastion ever been removed from Overwatch 2?

Yes, Bastion has been temporarily removed from Overwatch 2 due to game-breaking bugs. However, he is usually re-introduced after the bugs are fixed.