The Dive meta has been dominating most matches in Overwatch for quite some time now. However, other compositions are becoming increasingly visible – especially in the Overwatch League. Leading the way is the “Quad-Tank” strategy. Are we expecting a shift in the prevailing strategy in Overwatch?
The strongest strategy in Overwatch at the moment is dictated by the so-called meta. It indicates which hero composition has the greatest chance of success and is also the most commonly played combination.
For a long time, the Dive meta. In the Overwatch League, where the best players in the world currently compete against each other, many other compositions are also becoming increasingly common. Could this potentially have general impacts on the meta?
The Dive meta in Overwatch relies on quick position changes
For some time now, the Dive and Support meta have been dominating the ranked playl of Overwatch.
The core heroes of the Dive meta are
- Winston,
- D.Va,
- Genji,
- Zenyatta,
- Mercy
- and Tracer.
All of them can quickly change positions or support from a great distance, breaking and dividing the enemy formation, which gives the meta its strength.
Although the Dive meta does not have as firm a grip on the Overwatch League as other areas of competitive play, it is still frequently used. However, there are alternatives to respond to the opponent, such as Widowmaker, Junkrat, or McCree instead of Tracer.
Anti-Dive is emerging, securing key positions
Such adjustments, which can drastically change the situation depending on the context, require responses. A heavily contested position at key locations that is defended has thus become popular – a so-called Anti-Dive composition.
The Anti-Dive composition relies on heroes like
- Orisa
- Widowmaker
- Junkrat
- and D.Va
As a result, something has changed in the game that has not often been seen before: Instead of relying on playing better or searching for mistakes in the opponent, players react. There are now alternatives that bring more variety to the game.
However, this does not guarantee victory – as Boston Uprising impressively demonstrates here. Mastering the game is still the best tactic.
By the way: A special variant of the Anti-Dive is the so-called “Pirate Ship“, which is commonly played on Junkertown. A combination of Orisa, Roadhog, Bastion, and Mercy firmly positions itself on the payload, supported by Widowmaker and Hanzo from high ground, and happily sails to victory while firing. As long as this combination is not coordinated and dismantled, it is hard to stop.
The Tanks are making a comeback – “Quad-Tank” as offensive defense
Another strategy that is frequently used is a combination of four tanks and two healers. This breaks through both the Dive meta and the Anti-Dive composition with a completely new approach:
With a speed boost from Lucio and healing from Moira, four tanks push past the opponents – or simply through them – to the objective, and establish themselves there. This tactic is especially popular on the Horizon Lunar Colony.
The Quad-Tank meta typically consists of:
- Reinhardt
- Zarya
- Roadhog
- D.Va
- Lucio
- and Moira
This combination works because the defending team is forced into action, which it doesn’t want from its position. While four large targets wait at the objective, sufficient pressure must be applied by the defenders to push them back.
The colleagues from Overwatch Central refer to the emergence of this tactic as the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” principle, as this strategy is particularly effective against immobile barricades like the Anti-Dive comp. Here, it becomes evident that movement is coming back into the meta.
What does this mean for us?
In general, the meta will not change overnight from “Dive” to “Quad-Tank”. As Overwatch Central correctly points out, a composition is always best suited to certain situations and maps.
However, with the nerf of Mercy, the emergence of more tanks in the meta is quite likely. She is not necessary for such compositions, making other healers viable and thus opening up more possibilities.
Overwatch Central predicts that a tank meta like last year will not occur, which is probably true. However, a similar tactic might soon become stronger than the colleagues expect. A look at the Overwatch League shows the rising popularity, even already on control point maps.
It is certain: Dive is no longer the only strongest tactic.
