One of the most exciting elements of Overwatch 2's gameplay is the massive amount of post-launch content that the game enjoys. While this can simply come in the form of a consistently cycled map pool or new cosmetic skins for characters, the most anticipated element of this content is the implementation of brand-new playable heroes.
With the recent launch of Overwatch 2's second in-game season came the introduction of a new tank hero by the name of Ramattra, who many fans are already lauding for the unique combat role that the hero has brought to the longstanding franchise. Despite the massive attention being placed on Ramattra, some players have also pointed out the great extent to which Ramattra counters other pre-existing tank heroes, with Reinhardt arguably being the largest example.
Overwatch 2: Ramattra
Season 2 of Overwatch 2 launched on December 6 and brought with it a slew of new content for players to enjoy, a lot of which is accessible through the season's brand-new battle pass. Like all seasons, Ramattra can be unlocked for in-game use through the battle pass. As a tank hero, Ramattra is unique in his darker persona, being a high-ranking Omnic artificial intelligence unit that played a significant role in the Omnic war against the human race.
The unique motifs of Ramattra extend to his in-game abilities, with the tank having a comparatively complex range to his combat role. For example, Ramattra possesses two "forms" that he can take in-game, with his Nemesis Form offering a much bulkier and close-range kit than his standard, more mid-range, form. By possessing this range of utility while also being able to place a barrier shield to protect teammates, Ramattra is considered by many to be one of the most viable tanks in the game. While it is good to see a new hero do so well in-game, some players are already suggesting that the tank is too overpowered, and seriously negates other tank heroes to an unfair degree.
Overwatch 2: How Ramattra Counters Reinhardt
Another tank hero, Reinhardt was one of the original twelve heroes of the first Overwatch's roster and has long been a staple of the franchise's gameplay dynamics. Reinhardt offers the most traditional tank role in the game, being a lumbering high-health hero who is relatively limited to short-range combat thanks to a rocket hammer being his weapon of choice.
To offset his more limited offensive output, Reinhardt has always been lauded for his massive defensive capabilities, with his large and maneuverable shield offering a huge amount of protection to both himself and his teammates. However, it seems that some facets of Ramattra's abilities have negated this advantage to a significant extent.
While in Nemesis Form, Ramattra's primary attack creates a wave of piercing energy that can go through shields, completely bypassing the protective utility of a rival tank's shield. Given how important Reinhardt's shield is to his combat role, Ramattra is essentially the ultimate counter to the older hero. Considering that Reinhardt is already a character that is falling out of favor within his hero class, the introduction of Ramattra has seen the hero become even less viable, with many feeling that some changes are necessary.
While Ramattra may be subject to some nerfs in the coming weeks, buffs should additionally be made to Reinhardt to see the longstanding hero once again competing for the top spot. By either making his shield impervious to Ramattra's Nemesis attacks or by further increasing his close-range lethality, some buffs to Reinhardt would go down well in fostering a more balanced playing field for Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.