Why does Overwatch 2 only have one tank?

Overwatch 2 features a significant change in its team composition by reducing the number of tank heroes per team to one, a decision aimed at enhancing gameplay dynamics and reducing the issue of tank stacking. This change means that a lot more responsibility falls on the single tank, requiring them to serve as an anchor point for the entire team, utilizing their biggest health pools and highest rates of survivability to lead the line by themselves.

Introduction to the One-Tank System

The decision to have only one tank in Overwatch 2 was made to address several issues present in the original game, including tank synergy stifling the game on many levels and the oppressive feeling that teams with dual or triple tanks could impose on their opponents. By removing one tank, the game requires less players to fill the tank slot and removes the issue of double stacking shields, which was a significant problem in Overwatch 1, leading to the shortest queue times as it was the most undesirable and harder to fill role.

Impact of the Change

This change puts additional pressure on the lone tank, as they are forced to make space and protect their team while pressuring the enemy. With 11 Tanks in Overwatch 2, each with a unique Ultimate that can change a team fight instantly, the role of the tank has become more critical and demanding. Some tank Ultimates are better than others, and players must strategically choose which tank to play to maximize their team’s chances of winning.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Will Overwatch 2 have 2 tanks? – No, Overwatch 2 is designed to have one tank per team, aiming to lead the line by themselves and make the game less about tank synergy.
2. Why did Overwatch 2 remove 2 tanks? – The removal was to prevent tank synergy from stifling the game and to address the issue of double stacking shields.
3. How many tanks does Overwatch 2 have? – There are currently 11 Tanks in Overwatch 2, each with unique abilities and Ultimates.
4. Is Overwatch 2 getting a new tank? – Yes, a new tank hero was confirmed to be revealed at BlizzCon 2023, set to join the game in Season 8.

Tank Performance and Strategy

5. Why is Doomfist the most dominant tank in Overwatch 2? – Doomfist’s incredible journey since the start of Overwatch 2, combined with his powerful abilities, makes him a dominant force.
6. Is tank the hardest role in Overwatch 2? – While opinions may vary, the tank role requires a blend of mechanical skills and game sense, potentially making it challenging for some players.
7. Who is the weakest tank in Overwatch 2? – Opinions on the weakest tank can vary, but Junker Queen and Wrecking Ball are often considered to be among the weaker tanks due to their less effective Ultimates and innate abilities in certain situations.

Tank Hero Specifics

8. Is Junker Queen the worst tank? – Many consider Junker Queen to be one of the worst tanks due to her less effective Ultimate and playstyle in comparison to other tanks.
9. Who is the best tank hero in Overwatch 2? – According to various rankings, Reinhardt, Doomfist, and Sigma are often considered among the best tank heroes due to their powerful abilities and playstyles.
10. Is Zarya a tank in Overwatch 2? – Yes, Zarya is considered a tank in Overwatch 2, offering a unique playstyle that allows her to take space and enable her teammates to do the same.

Game Balance and Updates

11. Did all tanks get nerfed in Overwatch 2? – Yes, all tanks received a nerf in terms of health in game modes that do not involve role queue, to prevent them from becoming overpowered.
12. Why did Overwatch nerf tanks? – The nerf was to address the relative power of tank heroes in game modes where multiple tanks could be on the same team, making the game less balanced.

Additional Information

13. Does Junker Queen’s melee bleed? – Yes, Junker Queen’s special melee, the Jagged Blade, causes Wound damage, which can be considered as bleeding damage or damage over time.
14. Who is the hardest character in Overwatch 2? – Pharah is often considered one of the hardest characters to play due to her dependency on movability and counters, requiring a high level of mechanical skill and game sense.
15. Who is the strongest Overwatch 2 character in the lore? – Sigma is often considered the strongest character in the Overwatch lore due to his powerful abilities and backstory, followed closely by Echo and Doomfist.