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Overwatch roles explained
In 5v5 Role Queue, every team has one Tank, two Damage and two Support players. Here is what each one is responsible for.
Quick Play and Competitive Role Queue matches are 5v5: each team has 1 Tank, 2 Damage and 2 Support heroes. Open Queue and Mystery Heroes are 6v6.
Your role tells your teammates what to expect. If you queue Support, they expect healing and protection. Stick to your job first, improvise later.
Tank
You are the front line. Tanks stand in front, block damage, make space and pick the fight. Your health bar and shields are a shield for the team, not a scoreboard trophy.
- Move the fight forward when the team is ready, not before.
- Retreat when you are low. A living tank is worth more than a heroic one.
- Stay close to your Supports so they can heal you.
Damage
You are the firepower. Damage heroes hunt kills and threaten targets. Play behind your Tank, focus one enemy at a time and do not chase kills into the enemy team.
- Aim at the enemy your team is already fighting.
- Use cover between shots.
- If you are getting picked off, fall back toward your Supports.
Support
You keep the team in the fight. Supports heal, buff and protect. The best ones also chip in with damage when nobody needs healing.
- Stay behind your team where you can see everyone.
- Save your defensive ability for a moment that matters.
- Do not stand still while healing. Move and shoot.
Not sure which fits you?
Take the two-minute pick in Which Overwatch role should I play?
Rate My Hero Pool
Pick a few heroes from your role and see what they cover and what they miss.