Mastering the Art of Flanking as a DPS in Overwatch 2

Before diving into the mechanics, it's crucial to understand the purpose of a flank. Your primary goal is to disrupt the enemy's formation, pressure their backline, or secure a crucial elimination without drawing immediate attention to yourself. A successful flank diverts enemy resources and creates openings for your team to push or capitalize.

Consider the enemy's team composition and their current positioning. Are they grouped tightly around their tank, or do they have vulnerable, isolated supports? Identify which enemy heroes are the highest priority targets for a flank, often squishy damage dealers or healers who can be eliminated quickly.

Effective flanking relies on timing and spatial awareness. Look for moments when the enemy team is focused on your main tank or engaged in a frontline skirmish, diverting their attention away from potential flank routes. Utilize off-angle pathways, high ground, and cover to approach unseen.

Every map has unique pathways and environmental structures that can be exploited for flanks. Spend time in custom games or practice range exploring these routes with your chosen DPS hero. Knowing these paths intimately allows for faster, safer, and more unexpected approaches during a match.

Certain DPS heroes excel at flanking due to their mobility, burst damage, or stealth capabilities. Heroes like Tracer, Genji, Sombra, and Reaper are prime candidates, each offering distinct advantages. Tracer's rapid movement and recall make her incredibly evasive, while Sombra's translocator and hack provide unique disruption.

Consider heroes that can quickly get into position, secure a kill, and get out. While any DPS can technically flank, those with abilities that bypass direct engagement or offer quick escapes are generally more effective. Our roster often recommends practicing a few core flankers to cover different team compositions and map types.

The timing of your engagement is paramount. Wait for your team to initiate or draw significant attention before you strike. This ensures the enemy is preoccupied and less likely to react immediately to your presence. Burst down your priority target as quickly as possible.

Prioritize targets that contribute significantly to the enemy's sustain or damage output. Often, this means supports like Ana or Kiriko, or high-damage DPS like Ashe or Soldier: 76. A swift, clean kill disrupts their strategy and creates a numbers advantage for your team.

A successful flank isn't just about getting the kill; it's about getting out alive to continue contributing. Always have an escape plan before you commit to the flank. Use your mobility abilities, cover, or environmental features to retreat to safety once your objective is complete or if you face too much resistance.

Knowing when to disengage is crucial. Don't overstay your welcome if you find yourself overwhelmed or unable to secure the pick. Retreat, regroup with your team, and look for another opportunity. Dying after a flank negates much of its potential impact.

Always be aware of potential counter-flanks or enemy heroes that can shut you down. Heroes like Cassidy with his Magnetic Grenade or Brigitte with her Shield Bash are potent threats. Avoid predictable flank routes and vary your attacks to keep the enemy guessing.

Communicate your intentions with your team if possible. A simple callout like 'flanking left' can help your team press the advantage. Remember, even if you don't get a kill, drawing enemy attention and forcing cooldowns can be a valuable contribution to the team fight.