Overwatch 2 just introduced its most requested feature since the original game’s launch back in 2016: Hero Bans. Yep, it only took Blizzard nearly a decade to implement something players have been asking for. But now, the award-winning hero shooter is packed with a roster of characters that can make or break the meta, meaning it couldn’t have come at a better time.
So, how will this actually change the game? Let’s dive in.
How Banning Works
We’ve already touched on the new ban feature, but let’s break down exactly how it works.
Before a match begins, players select the hero they plan to use. This locks them into their role.
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+ 3Then, all five players (or six, in 6v6) vote to ban three heroes each. The game calculates bans based on how frequently each hero is picked for banning, similar to the system used in Marvel Rivals. The more votes a hero gets, the more likely they are to be banned. Simple enough.
In total, four heroes will be banned per match—two for each team.
Shifting the Meta
The biggest impact of Hero Bans? It’s going to seriously shake up the meta.
Overperforming heroes that tend to dominate lobbies will see high ban rates. Supports like Ana, whose Biotic Grenade remains a nightmare for Tanks like Roadhog and Doomfist due to its healing block, are likely first in line.
click to enlarge+ 3On the Tank side, don’t be surprised if Doomfist mains start feeling the heat. He’s likely to be one of the most banned heroes in higher elos. Others like Ramattra and Zarya, who’ve consistently overperformed in competitive play, could also face frequent bans.
Available for All Ranks
Unlike Marvel Rivals, where Hero Bans are locked to Gold Rank and above, Overwatch 2 is rolling this feature out across all ranks. That means even Bronze players will have the power to eliminate oppressive team comps. Expect to see heroes like Genji, Widowmaker, and maybe even Sombra getting banned regularly in lower elos.
Of course, bans will vary by skill level—but chances are, the usual suspects we’ve all struggled against will top the list. Now, Support mains like Mercy and Zenyatta might finally breathe a little easier with DPS heroes like Mei out of the lobby.
Overwatch 2 Moving Forward
So, what’s next? This is just the beginning of Overwatch 2’s renewed push forward. With the new Stadium game mode launching alongside Hero Bans in Season 16, it feels like the game finally justifies the “2” in its title.
click to enlarge+ 3Plus, the next hero, Freya, arrives in the same season, making this the most content-packed update in Overwatch history.
Season 16 drops on April 22 across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Pre-load is available now on select platforms.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features and Overwatch 2 page.