Tank heroes inOverwatch 2are generally slow-moving characters with big hitboxes. The trade-off for the lack of mobility and their increased size is that these heroes have larger health pools, tide-turning ultimate abilities, and a few even have deployable shields. Reinhardt is a perfect example of a typicalOverwatch 2tank, as his Barrier Field protects him and his allies while his Earthshatter ultimate can knock down an entire enemy team if utilized under the right circumstances.
Ramattra, the newest upcoming tank hero, has beenlauded by theOverwatchteam as the game’s first tempo tank. This concept is described by Lead Concept Artist Qiu Fang as a tank hero that can adapt and change based on a given situation. While the term itself is new, the notion of an adaptable tank inOverwatch 2isn’t entirely unheard of.
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Ramattra’s Two Forms Make Him A Tempo Tank
Ramattra will have access to two forms inOverwatch 2. Omnic mode is Ramattra’s default state which makes him adopt a stature similar to that of a Damage or Support hero. While in Omnic mode, Ramattra has lower health, but he can use his Void Accelerator to fire a stream of damaging projectiles and project a barrier that can protect himself and his team. Nemesis mode is Ramattra’s heftier form which changes him into a giant Omnic robot that can use his big arms to deal damage and block incoming fire.
There is more to Ramattra’s kit than his two forms, but these modes essentially allow him to accomplish different tasks. Omnic mode will most likely be used by players at the start of fights, asRamattra’s Void Accelerator allows him to poke at enemiesfrom a distance. Likewise, the barrier is also useful for safely repositioning to advantageous positions. Nemesis mode looks to be Ramattra’s close-range form, as his punches also fire projectiles that can pass through barriers and deal collateral damage to grouped-up enemies. Nemesis mode’s defense ability also slows down Ramattra significantly, so he can only use it momentarily before switching back to his larger form.
There Are Other Tank Heroes That Can Also Transform
If being able to transform is the only requirement for a tank to be considered a tempo tank, thenOverwatch 2already has a few heroes that fit the bill.The best example by far is Wrecking Ball, who can transform into a fast-moving ball to distract enemies and cause chaos before switching to his default mode to finish off enemies with his Quad Cannons. Players use ball form for high mobility and hiding Wrecking Ball’s head hitbox while default form allows them to bring out their weapons and deal more direct damage.
There are a few other examples of characters that fit the tempo tank description, but players cannot always freely choose when they can switch forms. D.Va ejects from her mech when she uses her Self-Destruct ultimate ability or when the mech runs out of health. Players can use her Call Mech ability to bring down a new mech for her to use and damage those that are careless enough to stand in the mech’s landing zone. Likewise,Winston increases in size when he uses his Primal Rage ultimate abilityand can knock enemies around with his empowered arms and reduced jetpack cooldown.
Ramattra may be able to change forms as needed, but he definitelyisn’t the firstOverwatch 2tank that can do so. Several tanks were already able to transform as far back asOverwatch 1, and this new “tempo tank” term doesn’t seem unique to the game. Only time will tell if future tank heroes will adopt transformation abilities, and only then can tempo tanks be considered a category befitting certain heroes.
Overwatch 2is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
