Overwatch continues to be one of the most popular team-based first-person shooters in the world, with a unique roster of heroes that keeps players coming back for more. However, not all heroes in Overwatch are created equal, and every new patch or balance update can shift the meta, causing some heroes to rise in power while others fall out of favor.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, understanding which heroes are currently considered the best in the game is essential to improving your gameplay. This Overwatch tier list for 2024 will break down the strongest heroes, ranking them from the best to the weakest across different roles: Damage, Tank, and Support.
Overwatch: Game Overview
| Game Name | Overwatch |
|---|---|
| Developer | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Release Year | 2016 (Overwatch 2: 2022) |
| Platform | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Game Modes | Quick Play, Competitive, Arcade |
| Hero Categories | Damage, Tank, Support |
| Current Meta | Dynamic, changing with frequent balance patches |
| Competitive Focus | Team-based strategy with hero synergies |
| Playerbase | Millions of active players worldwide |
What Is an Overwatch Tier List?
A tier list in Overwatch is a ranking system that categorizes heroes based on their current strength in the game’s meta. Heroes are typically divided into different tiers, with S-tier representing the most powerful and dominant characters, while C or D-tiers are reserved for those that struggle to make an impact.
Tiers are influenced by a combination of factors including:
- Hero abilities: Some abilities are more impactful in specific game modes or metas.
- Team synergy: Certain heroes perform better when paired with specific teammates.
- Current patches: Buffs or nerfs introduced by Blizzard can significantly change a hero’s effectiveness.
- Player skill: Some heroes are easier to play at lower ranks, while others shine only in the hands of highly skilled players.
Understanding this tier list can help you choose the best heroes to play, depending on whether you’re aiming for competitive dominance or casual fun.
Overwatch Tier List for 2024: Best Heroes by Role
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the best heroes in Overwatch as of 2024, sorted by their roles: Damage (DPS), Tank, and Support. These rankings are based on the current meta, with heroes categorized into different tiers (S, A, B, C) depending on their overall strength and effectiveness.
Damage (DPS) Tier List
The Damage role is crucial in Overwatch, as DPS heroes are responsible for securing eliminations and putting pressure on the enemy team. In 2024, the meta heavily favors heroes with high burst damage, mobility, and versatility.
S-Tier Damage Heroes
- Sojourn: Sojourn remains one of the most effective DPS heroes in the game, combining strong mobility with a deadly railgun that can deal high amounts of damage. Her ability to reposition quickly while outputting consistent burst damage makes her a top pick in most compositions.
- Genji: Thanks to his agility, Genji can swiftly move across the battlefield, picking off key targets. His ultimate, Dragonblade, is still a game-changer in team fights, especially when paired with a Support hero like Zenyatta or Ana.
A-Tier Damage Heroes
- Cassidy (formerly McCree): Despite a few balance tweaks, Cassidy remains a versatile hero with great mid-range damage potential. His ability to stun enemies with his Magnetic Grenade and follow up with accurate shots keeps him a strong option for many players.
- Tracer: Tracer’s mobility and ability to quickly harass the backline make her a great choice for skilled players. However, she can be difficult to master due to her low health pool.
B-Tier Damage Heroes
- Reaper: Reaper can be devastating against tanks and squishier enemies, but his short range and reliance on flanking make him less flexible in certain metas. However, his self-healing and ultimate, Death Blossom, can still swing fights in his favor.
- Soldier: 76: A solid all-rounder, Soldier: 76 offers a reliable damage output and a self-heal ability that makes him a great option for newer players or those looking for a hero with straightforward mechanics.
C-Tier Damage Heroes
- Bastion: While Bastion’s high damage in turret form can be deadly, his lack of mobility and vulnerability to enemy focus makes him a less popular choice in high-tier play. Still, in certain defensive strategies, he can perform well when properly protected.
Tank Tier List
Tanks in Overwatch serve to absorb damage, protect their teammates, and control space on the battlefield. In the current meta, tanks with strong defensive capabilities and crowd control reign supreme.
S-Tier Tank Heroes
- Reinhardt: Reinhardt has been a staple in the tank role for years, and 2024 is no different. His shield, powerful hammer swings, and game-changing Earthshatter ultimate keep him at the top of the tank meta. He synergizes well with most team compositions and offers great protection for his teammates.
- Winston: Winston’s mobility and ability to dive onto enemy backlines make him a dominant force, especially in aggressive compositions. His Barrier Projector provides valuable protection, and his Primal Rage ultimate can disrupt enemy teams, making him a top pick in many strategies.
A-Tier Tank Heroes
- Zarya: Zarya’s energy-based gameplay and shields make her a powerhouse when properly charged. Her Graviton Surge ultimate remains one of the best abilities in the game for crowd control and synergizing with other ultimates.
- D.Va: D.Va excels in high-mobility, dive-based compositions where she can use her Boosters to engage or escape fights quickly. Her Defense Matrix is also invaluable for negating incoming projectiles, and her Self-Destruct ultimate is still a massive threat.
B-Tier Tank Heroes
- Roadhog: Roadhog has a lot of self-sustain thanks to his healing ability, and his Chain Hook can be used to pull enemies out of position. However, his lack of a shield makes him vulnerable in certain matchups, and his ultimate, Whole Hog, can be inconsistent.
- Orisa: Orisa’s long-range damage and ability to shield allies make her a solid choice in defensive compositions. However, her lack of mobility and the reduced effectiveness of shields in the current meta have pushed her down the ranks.
C-Tier Tank Heroes
- Wrecking Ball: While Wrecking Ball’s high mobility allows him to be disruptive, his playstyle requires precise coordination with the team. He struggles in metas where enemies can quickly focus him down or ignore his disruption tactics.
Support Tier List
Support heroes are the backbone of any Overwatch team, providing healing, buffs, and utility that enable their teammates to succeed. In 2024, supports that offer both healing and utility abilities are considered the strongest.
S-Tier Support Heroes
- Kiriko: One of the newer heroes in the game, Kiriko has quickly become a staple in many team compositions. Her healing, coupled with her ability to teleport to allies, makes her a versatile and valuable asset. Kiriko’s Protection Suzu can save teammates from fatal damage and crowd control, and her ultimate, Kitsune Rush, dramatically boosts the speed and cooldowns of allies.
- Ana: Ana continues to be one of the most impactful supports in the game. Her ability to heal from a distance, apply crowd control with her Sleep Dart, and boost teammates with Nano Boost makes her a top-tier pick in both casual and competitive play.
A-Tier Support Heroes
- Zenyatta: Zenyatta’s high damage output and healing make him a unique support option. His Discord Orb amplifies damage taken by enemies, making him a key enabler for eliminating high-priority targets. His Transcendence ultimate is also one of the best defensive tools in the game.
- Lucio: Lucio’s speed boost and ability to heal multiple allies make him incredibly useful for team movement and positioning. His Sound Barrier ultimate is excellent for countering enemy ultimates, making him a solid pick for coordinated teams.
B-Tier Support Heroes
- Brigitte: Brigitte shines in close-quarters combat and brawling team compositions. Her ability to heal while dealing damage with her flail makes her unique, but she struggles against teams with long-range DPS or poke damage.
C-Tier Support Heroes
- Moira: While Moira offers consistent healing and decent damage output, her lack of utility compared to other supports keeps her lower on the tier list. She’s a good option for newer players, but in higher tiers, more impactful supports are often preferred.
Conclusion: Adapt to the Overwatch Meta with the Right Heroes
The Overwatch tier list for 2024 highlights the current state of the meta, emphasizing heroes that are performing exceptionally well in both casual and competitive settings. Keep in mind that the tier list is constantly evolving as Blizzard rolls out balance updates, meaning some heroes may rise or fall in power over time.
Whether you’re aiming to climb the competitive ranks or just want to enjoy the game with the best heroes available, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each hero in this tier list will give you a clear advantage in the ever-changing world of Overwatch.
