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Who Counters Bastion in Overwatch? A Comprehensive Guide

Bastion, the transforming robot with a heart of gold (and a minigun), can be a formidable opponent in Overwatch and Overwatch 2. His high damage output in Configuration: Assault mode can quickly shred through unsuspecting teams. However, like any hero, Bastion has his weaknesses. The key to countering Bastion lies in understanding those weaknesses and exploiting them with the right hero choices.

Generally, heroes that excel at long-range combat, can burst down targets quickly, or can disrupt Bastion’s stationary setup are effective counters. Specifically, heroes like Widowmaker, Ashe, Sojourn, D.Va, Genji, and heroes with powerful ultimates like Junkrat and Tracer can provide significant advantages against a Bastion.

Understanding Bastion’s Vulnerabilities

Before diving into specific hero counters, it’s essential to understand why Bastion struggles against certain strategies.

Immobility: Bastion’s primary weakness is his immobility in Configuration: Assault. While devastating, it leaves him vulnerable to flankers, long-range snipers, and coordinated attacks. He is a sitting duck.
Large Head Hitbox: While in Configuration: Assault, Bastion’s head hitbox is exposed and massive. This makes him an easy target for snipers and heroes with high accuracy.
Dependence on Setup: Bastion needs a strong frontline and support to be effective. Disrupting his setup and isolating him can quickly dismantle his offensive power.
Predictable Positioning: Bastion players often favor predictable positions to maximize their turret form. This allows the opposing team to anticipate and prepare for his attacks.

Top Hero Counters to Bastion

Let’s explore some of the most effective hero counters to Bastion in detail:

Long-Range Powerhouses

Widowmaker: The queen of snipers is arguably one of Bastion’s most significant threats. With precise aim, Widowmaker can eliminate Bastion with a single headshot from a distance, forcing him to relocate or risk instant death.
Ashe: Similar to Widowmaker, Ashe’s scoped rifle and Dynamite combo can deal significant burst damage to Bastion, particularly if he is positioned near his team. Her Coach Gun can also reposition herself to dodge Bastion fire.
Sojourn: Sojourn’s Railgun is devastating. If she can charge her Railgun by shooting the tanks, her subsequent shot can easily take out Bastion.
Hanzo: Just like the others, Hanzo can use his Storm Bow to peek angles and quickly headshot Bastion. If he can time it right, Hanzo can kill Bastion before Bastion can even start firing.
Ana: Not necessarily a DPS powerhouse, but Ana can use her Sleep Dart on Bastion, which will momentarily stun him so that the team can rush in and eliminate him.

Mobile Disruptors

D.Va: D.Va’s Defense Matrix can absorb a significant amount of Bastion’s damage, allowing her to close the distance and engage him at close range. Her boosters can also disrupt his positioning.
Genji: A skilled Genji player can use Deflect to redirect Bastion’s bullets back at him, dealing massive damage. His Swift Strike allows him to quickly flank Bastion and exploit his immobility.
Tracer: Tracer’s extreme mobility and Pulse Bombs make her a nuisance for Bastion. She can blink around him, distract him, and deliver a deadly Pulse Bomb for a quick kill.

Burst Damage Dealers

Junkrat: Junkrat’s Frag Launcher can fire explosive projectiles over cover, dealing splash damage to Bastion and forcing him to move. His RIP-Tire ultimate is exceptionally effective at wiping out Bastion and his support.
Pharah: Pharah’s ability to fly gives her a significant positional advantage against Bastion. Her rockets can deal splash damage and knock him out of position. She can also easily peek in and out of cover to bait Bastion’s attacks.
Echo: Echo can use her Sticky Bombs to stick onto Bastion, which will deal massive damage. Echo can also use Flight to reposition to the side or behind Bastion. On top of that, Echo’s Duplicate ultimate can allow her to play Bastion herself, and use the real Bastion’s weaknesses against him.

Tank Counters

Zarya: Zarya’s bubbles can be used to protect teammates from Bastion’s damage, while simultaneously charging her weapon. A fully charged Zarya can melt Bastion quickly.
Roadhog: Roadhog can use his hook to pull Bastion out of position, eliminating any help or cover that Bastion may have. His primary can also deliver devastating amounts of damage up close.

Ultimates

Tracer (Pulse Bomb): As mentioned above, a well-placed Pulse Bomb will easily kill Bastion.
Junkrat (RIP-Tire): RIP-Tire can be used to quickly eliminate Bastion, especially if he is in a stationary spot.
D.Va (Self-Destruct): Self-Destruct can either be used to kill Bastion, or to force him out of position.
Soldier 76 (Tactical Visor): Tactical Visor can guarantee headshots on Bastion.
Reaper (Death Blossom): If Reaper can flank to Bastion and get close enough, Death Blossom can eliminate Bastion in a split second.

Countering Bastion: Team Coordination is Key

While individual hero picks are important, team coordination is paramount when facing a Bastion.

Communicate: Alert your team to Bastion’s location and any potential flanks.
Focus Fire: Coordinate your attacks to burst down Bastion quickly.
Shield Management: Utilize shields effectively to protect your team while advancing.
Flanking: Send a flanker to disrupt Bastion and draw his attention away from the main fight.
Anti-Heal: Ana is great at anti-healing enemies. If the enemy team has good healing to support the Bastion, Anti-Heal will prevent Bastion from getting healed.

Adapting to the Enemy Composition

It’s important to note that countering Bastion isn’t solely about picking a specific hero. It’s about adapting your strategy and hero choices to the overall enemy team composition. If the enemy team has a strong frontline protecting Bastion, you may need to focus on breaking through the frontline first before targeting him.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Countering Bastion

1. Is Bastion easy to counter?

While Bastion has clear weaknesses, countering him effectively requires teamwork and understanding of hero abilities. In lower ranks, where coordination is less prevalent, Bastion can be more challenging to deal with.

2. Does Bastion counter tanks?

Bastion is exceptionally effective against many tanks, particularly those who rely on barriers or close-range engagements, such as Reinhardt, Winston, and Roadhog. However, tanks with defensive abilities like D.Va’s Defense Matrix and Sigma’s Kinetic Grasp can mitigate his damage.

3. What is Bastion’s biggest weakness?

Bastion’s biggest weakness is his immobility in Configuration: Assault. This makes him vulnerable to flankers, long-range snipers, and coordinated attacks.

4. Is Bastion a good hero to play?

Bastion can be a powerful hero in the right hands and with the right team composition. However, his reliance on setup and his vulnerability to counters make him a situational pick.

5. How do you deal with a Bastion in turret form?

The key is to avoid engaging him directly from the front. Flank him, use long-range heroes to snipe him, or use abilities to disrupt his positioning.

6. What is the best tank to counter Bastion?

D.Va is generally considered the best tank counter to Bastion due to her Defense Matrix, which can absorb his damage. Zarya is also effective, as she can absorb his damage to empower her weapon.

7. Can Tracer’s Pulse Bomb one-shot Bastion?

Yes, a well-placed Pulse Bomb will one-shot Bastion.

8. How much damage can Bastion do?

Bastion’s damage output in Configuration: Assault is incredibly high, capable of shredding through tanks and barriers in seconds.

9. Does Bastion have armor?

Yes, Bastion has 100 armor in addition to his 200 health, giving him a total of 300 hit points.

10. Can Bastion heal himself?

In Overwatch 2, Bastion no longer has the ability to heal himself.

11. Is Bastion a difficult hero to play?

Bastion’s kit is straightforward, but playing him effectively requires good positioning, awareness, and team coordination.

12. What is Bastion’s ultimate ability?

Bastion’s ultimate ability, Configuration: Artillery, allows him to transform into a mobile artillery platform, firing three powerful explosions.

13. Is Bastion good on attack or defense?

Bastion is generally considered stronger on defense due to his ability to lock down specific areas and control choke points.

14. What are some common Bastion strategies?

Common Bastion strategies include setting up in well-protected areas, using shields to protect him, and coordinating with teammates to focus fire on enemies.

15. Where can I learn more about Overwatch strategies and hero counters?

You can learn more about Overwatch strategies and hero counters on various online forums, guides, and communities. Consider exploring resources from platforms like Overwatch League (OWL) and the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, for insights into gaming strategies and mechanics.

In conclusion, while Bastion can be a formidable opponent, understanding his weaknesses and employing the right hero choices and strategies can significantly improve your chances of success against him. Remember, teamwork and communication are essential for effectively countering Bastion and securing victory in Overwatch.

Who is good vs Bastion?