Overwatch 2: The Ultimate Starter Hero Guide

So, you’re diving into the vibrant world of Overwatch 2, and you’re wondering who the best hero is to start with? You’re not alone! Choosing your first hero can be daunting, but fear not, aspiring hero, because I’m here to guide you.

Moira is arguably the best starter hero in Overwatch 2. Her kit is easy to grasp, forgiving, and allows you to contribute significantly to your team’s success, even without prior FPS experience. She offers a blend of healing and damage, allowing new players to explore both aspects of the game.

Why Moira? A Deep Dive

Moira’s appeal as a starter hero lies in her straightforward abilities and their impact. Let’s break down why she’s a fantastic choice for new players:

• Biotic Grasp: This is Moira’s primary fire. The left-click unleashes a stream of biotic energy that heals allies in front of her. It has a generous range and requires minimal aiming, making it incredibly forgiving. The right-click (Biotic Grasp) is a short-range beam that damages enemies and replenishes Moira’s biotic energy. This self-sustaining aspect allows her to remain in the fight longer.

• Biotic Orb: Moira launches an orb that either heals allies it passes through or damages enemies. These orbs bounce off walls, allowing for strategic placement and healing/damage in enclosed spaces. Again, minimal aim is required; just point and shoot in the general direction.

• Fade: This ability allows Moira to teleport a short distance, making her incredibly slippery and hard to kill. It’s a fantastic escape tool and can also be used aggressively to reposition or chase down weakened enemies. Fade is crucial for learning positioning and survivability, core skills in Overwatch 2.

• Coalescence: Moira’s ultimate is a powerful beam that simultaneously heals allies and damages enemies in a long, straight line. It’s simple to use and can swing team fights in your favor. It reinforces the concept of prioritizing targets and maximizing impact.

The combination of simple mechanics, self-sufficiency, and significant impact makes Moira an ideal hero for learning the fundamentals of Overwatch 2. You’ll learn about positioning, resource management (biotic energy), and the importance of balancing healing and damage. She also allows you to support your team effectively even if your aim isn’t perfect yet.

Beyond Moira: Other Great Starter Options

While Moira is my top recommendation, other heroes can be excellent starting points depending on your playstyle:

• Soldier: 76: A classic FPS character. He offers a familiar playstyle with his assault rifle, sprint ability, and healing field. If you have experience in other shooters, Soldier: 76 is a comfortable transition into Overwatch 2.

• Reinhardt: A frontline tank with a massive shield. He’s straightforward to play: hold up your shield to protect your team and swing your hammer at enemies. Reinhardt is excellent for learning about teamwork and space control.

• Mercy: A dedicated healer who focuses on single-target healing and damage boosting. She’s relatively mobile and easy to pick up, although mastering her requires understanding positioning and target prioritization.

• Torbjorn: A defense hero who can place turrets to provide area denial and extra damage. His primary fire is easy to use, and his ultimate is a powerful area-of-effect denial tool.

Aim Isn’t Everything (Especially at the Beginning)

One of the biggest barriers for new players is the perceived need for perfect aim. While aim is undoubtedly important, many heroes in Overwatch 2 allow you to contribute effectively even with less-than-stellar accuracy. Moira, Reinhardt, and even heroes like Winston rely more on positioning, game sense, and ability usage than pinpoint aiming. By focusing on these aspects, you can quickly become a valuable asset to your team.

Remember to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover how games can be used for effective learning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Overwatch 2 really free-to-play?

Yes, Overwatch 2 is free-to-play. However, new players will need to unlock heroes through gameplay or by purchasing the premium battle pass.

2. What if I’m already good at FPS games? Should I still start with Moira?

If you have prior FPS experience, heroes like Soldier: 76, Cassidy, or even Sojourn might be more appealing. Their kits are more aim-dependent and will feel more familiar.

3. Which role is easiest for beginners?

Support and Tank roles often have heroes with lower mechanical skill requirements. Moira (Support) and Reinhardt (Tank) are excellent choices.

4. How long does it take to unlock all the heroes?

It can take significant time to unlock all the heroes through gameplay. The exact time depends on your playtime and win rate. Playing regularly and completing challenges will speed up the process. Some sources say it takes around 150 games to unlock them all.

5. What are some resources for learning Overwatch 2?

YouTube is a goldmine! Look for hero guides, gameplay tips, and educational content from creators like KarQ, Your Overwatch, and OverAnalyzed. The official Overwatch website also has helpful information.

6. Is there a practice range in Overwatch 2?

Yes, Overwatch 2 has a practice range where you can experiment with different heroes and practice your aim. It’s a great place to warm up before jumping into a match.

7. How important is team composition in Overwatch 2?

Team composition is very important, especially at higher ranks. However, don’t stress about it too much as a beginner. Focus on learning a few heroes well and gradually expanding your roster.

8. What’s the best way to improve my aim?

Practice! Use the practice range, play regularly, and experiment with different sensitivity settings. Aim trainers like KovaaK’s can also be helpful.

9. Should I focus on one hero or try to learn multiple heroes at once?

Start by focusing on one or two heroes that you enjoy. Once you feel comfortable with them, gradually expand your hero pool.

10. What are the different game modes in Overwatch 2?

Overwatch 2 features various game modes, including Quick Play, Competitive Play, Arcade, and Custom Games. Quick Play is a good starting point for learning the game.

11. How does the ranking system work in Competitive Play?

Competitive Play uses a skill rating (SR) system. You’ll be placed into a rank based on your performance. Winning matches increases your SR, while losing decreases it.

12. What are some common mistakes new Overwatch 2 players make?

Common mistakes include: overextending (straying too far from your team), neglecting to use abilities effectively, and not communicating with your team.

13. How often does Overwatch 2 get updated?

Blizzard regularly updates Overwatch 2 with new heroes, maps, balance changes, and events.

14. What is the difference between Overwatch 1 and Overwatch 2?

Overwatch 2 is a revamped version of Overwatch 1, featuring new heroes, maps, game modes, and a redesigned user interface. It’s also free-to-play.

15. Is Overwatch 2 pay-to-win?

While Overwatch 2 offers cosmetic items and faster hero unlocks through purchases, it is not considered pay-to-win. Skill and teamwork are still the most important factors in determining success.