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Who Can Counter Pulse? The Ultimate Guide to Thwarting Overwatch’s Explosive Threat

The answer to “Who can counter Pulse?” isn’t a simple one, as it depends heavily on timing, positioning, game sense, and the specific hero being played. While no hero can completely negate a Pulse Bomb every time, several heroes possess abilities that can mitigate its damage, avoid it entirely, or even turn the tables on Tracer. Broadly speaking, counters fall into a few categories: damage mitigation, mobility/escape, healing/sustain, and direct counters through abilities. Understanding these categories, and the specific heroes that excel in them, is key to surviving Tracer’s ultimate.

Understanding Pulse Bomb’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Before diving into specific heroes, it’s crucial to understand what makes Pulse Bomb so dangerous, and where its vulnerabilities lie:

High Burst Damage: Pulse Bomb deals a significant amount of damage in a small area.
Stickiness: The bomb adheres to the first enemy hero or object it hits.
Short Fuse: Its quick detonation time gives players little time to react if stuck.
Area-of-Effect: While not massive, the blast radius can catch multiple clustered enemies.

Conversely, Pulse Bomb has limitations:

Predictable Trajectory: Skilled players can anticipate Pulse Bomb deployment and attempt to evade.
Limited Range: Tracer needs to be relatively close to use it effectively.
Vulnerability During Animation: Tracer is momentarily vulnerable while sticking the bomb.
Counterable by Abilities: Several abilities can negate or reduce its impact.

Heroes with Mitigation or Negation Abilities

These heroes possess specific abilities that directly counter the effects of Pulse Bomb:

Zarya: Her Particle Barrier and Projected Barrier can completely negate the damage of Pulse Bomb if timed correctly. Applying a barrier to a teammate just before they get stuck will save them. A skilled Zarya can even bait out Pulse Bombs.
D.Va: Defense Matrix can completely absorb Pulse Bomb, preventing any damage to herself or nearby allies. This requires precise timing and awareness.
Sigma: His Kinetic Grasp can absorb incoming projectiles, including Pulse Bomb, converting them into shields. Like D.Va, timing is crucial.
Orisa: Fortify grants damage reduction and prevents displacement, significantly reducing the damage from Pulse Bomb and preventing being knocked out of position.
Baptiste: His Immortality Field can prevent allies from dying to the initial burst of damage, buying them time to escape or receive healing. However, Tracer can quickly eliminate the field, so placement is key.

Heroes with High Mobility for Evasion

Heroes with superior mobility can use their abilities to escape the blast radius of a Pulse Bomb:

Tracer (herself): Using Blink or Recall at the right moment can evade her own ultimate.
Genji: Swift Strike can quickly move Genji out of range, while Deflect can potentially redirect the Pulse Bomb back at Tracer.
Widowmaker: Using Grappling Hook can pull her to safety before detonation.
Winston: Jump Pack offers significant mobility to escape the blast radius.
Lucio: Amp It Up combined with Speed Boost can allow him to escape, or to speed boost allies away from the threat.
Kiriko: Swift Step allows Kiriko to teleport to an ally, potentially moving her (and the ally) out of range if positioned correctly.

Heroes with Healing and Sustain

While not directly countering the Pulse Bomb, these heroes can quickly heal allies who survive the initial blast:

Mercy: Guardian Angel allows her to quickly reach damaged allies and use Caduceus Staff to restore their health.
Ana: Biotic Grenade can provide immediate healing and prevent further damage amplification, while her Biotic Rifle offers sustained healing.
Moira: Biotic Orb (healing orb) and Biotic Grasp provide significant burst and sustained healing to counteract the damage.
Brigitte: Repair Pack offers instant healing to allies and Inspire provides consistent healing to nearby teammates.

Heroes with Crowd Control

While less reliable, crowd control abilities can disrupt Tracer and prevent her from effectively using Pulse Bomb:

McCree: Flashbang can stun Tracer, interrupting her attack and potentially throwing off her aim.
Roadhog: Chain Hook can pull Tracer out of position and make her an easier target for allies.
Wrecking Ball: Grappling Claw and Piledriver can disrupt Tracer’s positioning and make it difficult for her to stick the Pulse Bomb.

Beyond Specific Heroes: Team Composition and Strategy

Ultimately, countering Pulse Bomb isn’t just about individual hero choices. Team composition and coordinated strategy play a vital role. A team that is aware of Tracer’s presence and potential for Pulse Bomb can:

Peel for vulnerable teammates: Support players who are often targeted should have protection from frontline heroes.
Space out to minimize the impact of the AoE damage: Avoid clustering together.
Prioritize eliminating Tracer: Removing the source of the Pulse Bomb is the most effective counter.
Track Tracer’s ultimate charge: Knowing when she is likely to have Pulse Bomb allows for preemptive counter-strategies.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Pulse Bomb, and utilizing the right heroes and strategies, teams can significantly reduce the impact of this deadly ultimate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Countering Pulse Bomb

1. Can Genji always deflect Pulse Bomb?

No. Deflecting Pulse Bomb requires precise timing and anticipation. If the Pulse Bomb is already stuck to an ally, it’s too late to deflect. However, if Genji can predict Tracer’s attack, he can reflect it, potentially back at her.

2. Is there a guaranteed way to avoid getting stuck by Pulse Bomb?

No. Even with good movement and awareness, getting stuck by Pulse Bomb is sometimes unavoidable, especially with Tracer’s mobility and tracking.

3. How effective is Immortality Field against Pulse Bomb?

Immortality Field can be effective, but it’s not a foolproof counter. Tracer can quickly destroy the field, and if enemies remain within the bomb’s radius after the field disappears, they will still take damage.

4. Does Transcendence (Zenyatta’s ultimate) counter Pulse Bomb?

Yes, mostly. Transcendence provides massive healing output, often enough to outheal the Pulse Bomb’s damage, making allies nearly invulnerable during its duration. However, careful placement of the Pulse Bomb on Zenyatta himself can still eliminate him as he cannot move during the ult.

5. Can Reinhardt’s shield block Pulse Bomb?

Yes, but only if he blocks the Pulse Bomb before it sticks to a target. Once the bomb is stuck, the shield won’t protect the target.

6. What is the best way to counter Pulse Bomb as a support player?

As a support, your primary focus should be on positioning to avoid being a primary target and healing teammates who survive the initial blast. Communicate with your team about Tracer’s location and ultimate charge.

7. How can I improve my reaction time to Pulse Bomb?

Practice. Play Tracer yourself to understand her movement patterns and timing. Pay attention to sound cues, as the sound of Pulse Bomb deploying is distinct.

8. Is it better to try and escape Pulse Bomb or focus on healing allies?

This depends on the situation. If you have the ability to escape safely, do so. However, if your allies are within range and you can provide immediate healing to save them, that might be the better option. Prioritize your own survival if you’re the only healer.

9. Can Sombra’s Hack stop Tracer from using Pulse Bomb?

Yes. Hacking Tracer will prevent her from using any abilities, including Pulse Bomb, for the duration of the hack. However, this requires precise timing and positioning.

10. How do I deal with a Tracer who constantly targets the backline?

Coordinate with your team to peel for your supports. Communicate Tracer’s location and prioritize eliminating her. Use crowd control abilities to disrupt her and make her an easier target.

11. Is it worth using a defensive ultimate (like Sound Barrier or Transcendence) to counter Pulse Bomb?

This depends on the circumstances. If multiple allies are about to be hit by Pulse Bomb, using a defensive ultimate can be a good way to save them. However, be mindful of using ultimates unnecessarily, as they are valuable resources.

12. What are some good team compositions for dealing with Tracer?

Compositions with strong peel potential (e.g., Zarya, Brigitte, McCree) and heroes with high mobility or damage mitigation are generally effective against Tracer. Consider including heroes who can easily track and eliminate her, like McCree, Soldier: 76, or Ashe.

13. How important is communication in countering Pulse Bomb?

Communication is crucial. Call out Tracer’s location, ultimate charge, and intentions. Coordinate with your team to focus fire on her and protect vulnerable teammates.

14. Can Doomfist block Pulse Bomb with his Block ability?

No, Doomfist cannot block Pulse Bomb with his Block ability. Block only mitigates frontal damage; it cannot block projectiles that stick to him.

15. What is the single most important thing to remember when trying to counter Pulse Bomb?

Awareness. Knowing where Tracer is, anticipating her movements, and recognizing the sound cues of her ultimate are critical for reacting effectively and mitigating the impact of Pulse Bomb.

Who can counter pulse?