The 8 Best 'Overwatch' Heroes for New Players

With 21 distinct characters available at launch, Overwatch can be quite intimidating for newcomers, especially those who haven't experienced team-based games where not every character suits every scenario. However, overcoming this initial challenge is essential if you want to dive into the game and improve your skills. One of the most effective ways to ease the learning curve is to start with characters that are simpler or more intuitive to learn, allowing you to focus on mastering the basics without worrying too much about complex mechanics or tricky abilities.

In this guide, we've picked eight heroes that are ideal for new players looking to ease into the game. These characters offer playstyles and abilities that should feel more intuitive and forgiving, giving you more room for mistakes. However, once you become familiar with them, you'll discover that they still have plenty of depth and can pack a punch just like the game’s toughest champions.

8. Soldier 76

While Soldier 76 might be the most straightforward hero in Overwatch, his simplicity is exactly what makes him ideal for new players. If you're familiar with any standard first-person shooter, Soldier 76’s gameplay will feel second nature. He’s a basic run-and-gun character with an assault rifle and a sprinting ability. But he’s also got a few neat tricks—such as a healing field that can be deployed to assist teammates or himself. His pulse rifle’s alternate-fire feature includes a rocket launcher, adding some extra firepower to his kit. His ultimate ability simplifies things even further, automatically locking on to enemies for guaranteed hits.

Soldier 76 is a fantastic starting point for players transitioning into Overwatch. He offers a smooth blend of traditional shooter mechanics with the added depth of abilities found in other unique Overwatch heroes. His straightforward mechanics won’t overwhelm you, and he remains a valuable asset in almost any team composition.

http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/25/overwatch-character-guide-d-va-soldier-76-and-lucio/208485/ Via hardcoregamer.com

7. Bastion

If you enjoy playing a defensive role but aren't ready to step into a tank, Bastion is the ideal character for you. Bastion is a combat robot with the unique ability to transform into a turret. While in turret mode, he has an extremely fast rate of fire and is well-protected thanks to a deployable shield that activates when he transforms. His ultimate ability turns him into a Tank, where he fires high-damage cannonballs that can wipe out enemy groups when used properly.

Bastion is a solid first character choice, especially because playing him requires you to learn the ins and outs of each map. To use Bastion effectively, you need to understand where the choke points are and how players typically approach flanking positions on any given map. Mastering your positioning and survival skills with Bastion will give you a tactical edge, and that knowledge will benefit you with any other character you play in the future.

http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/24/overwatch-character-guide-reaper-bastion-and-mercy/208383/ Via hardcoregamer.com

6. Reinhardt

In Overwatch, each tank has its unique strengths, but Reinhardt is probably the best option for beginners for a few simple reasons. First, he wields an enormous shield that makes it easy to escort teammates into the heart of battle. While he might seem slow compared to fast characters like Soldier 76, Reinhardt’s Charge ability gives him a mobility boost to help him stay at the front lines.

Reinhardt is an excellent choice for new tank players because, unlike some of his fellow tanks, his role is immediately clear to others thanks to his massive shield and imposing armored appearance. This helps promote natural teamwork and cooperation among teammates.

http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-video-showcases-reinhardt-and-his-big-hammer/ Via PCGamer.com

5. Mercy

Mercy may have more complex mechanics than most of the other heroes listed here, but her supportive role from the backline makes her a great choice for beginners.

One of the biggest challenges when playing Mercy is managing her two different beams and knowing when to use each one. Her primary weapon has one beam that heals and another that boosts an ally’s damage output. To excel with Mercy, you'll need to quickly switch between the two beams and recognize which is most useful in the moment. Fortunately, both beams come with an auto-targeting feature, making aiming a lot easier. In addition, Mercy has a secondary handgun to deal some damage when needed, though her primary role is supporting her team through healing and buffing their damage.

Mercy’s other abilities include Guardian Angel, which lets her swiftly dash to an ally if she’s out of position. Her ultimate ability is a game-changer, allowing her to resurrect any teammates who have recently fallen, bringing them back to life and potentially saving the entire team from defeat.

Mercy may require you to juggle a lot of controls, but her role as a support healer is ideal for newcomers. You won’t be on the frontlines chasing kills or making highlight plays, instead, your focus will be on keeping your team alive and boosting their damage output. Though it might not be the most glamorous role, it’s undeniably critical to the team's success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx1H6DdWBI Via YouTube

4. Pharah

Rocket launchers are a staple in classic arcade-style shooters, so Pharah’s permanent rocket launcher makes her a great pick for fans of games like Quake or Unreal. Although her rocket launcher has a slower rate of fire, its explosive splash damage can severely damage the opposing team. On top of that, her ultimate unleashes a devastating barrage of missiles, perfect for securing multi-kills against tightly grouped enemies.

Pharah has the ability to fly in short bursts, giving you a clear view of the battlefield and helping you identify prime angles for your rockets. These elevated positions also provide valuable insights into key strategic spots that you might otherwise miss. If you're keen on quickly mastering the maps while picking up tactical knowledge, Pharah is an excellent choice to start with.

http://knkl.deviantart.com/art/Pharah-21-days-of-Overwatch-606718095 Via DeviantArt.com

3. Reaper

Reaper is a close-range powerhouse, wielding twin shotguns to quickly dispatch enemies. His spread damage is great for players still refining their aim. Simply close the gap to your target and keep firing to land the kill. With his solid mobility, Reaper is ideal for beginners who prefer fast-paced, close-quarter combat. Additionally, his Wraith Form ability provides a temporary escape by making him invulnerable and intangible, though he can't attack while using it.

Reaper’s Shadow Step ability adds even more mobility, allowing him to teleport to a chosen location. This skill is perfect for slipping past enemy defenses or re-entering the fight quickly after respawning.

For beginners, Reaper’s ultimate ability, Death Blossom, is undoubtedly the standout feature of his kit. With a single press of a button, Reaper unleashes a rapid barrage from his twin shotguns, dealing massive damage to all enemies in close proximity. The best part? You don’t even need to aim! If you manage to use Shadow Step to teleport into the midst of a clustered enemy team, this ultimate can be one of the most devastating abilities in the game.

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-how-to-play-reaper Via usgamer.net

2. Roadhog

For those who enjoy catching the enemy off guard and being a nuisance on the battlefield, Roadhog is your go-to hero. His Chain Hook ability allows him to yank enemies toward him, stunning them for a moment, giving you and your team the perfect chance to finish them off.

Additionally, Roadhog has a self-healing ability, allowing him to recover health when he's taking heavy damage, which is crucial given how often he's a large, tempting target.

http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/24/overwatch-character-guide-tracer-roadhog-junkrat/208345/ Via HardcoreGamer.com

1. McCree

McCree may be one of the most difficult characters to master from this list, but he is a perfect choice once you’ve gotten the hang of the game and are ready to take on more complex strategies.

His signature combo is to use his Flashbang grenade to temporarily incapacitate an enemy, followed by a Combat Roll to close the gap and unleash a rapid series of shots from the Peacekeeper, swiftly taking down your target. While it requires some practice to nail the technique, mastering it will make you feel like a seasoned gunslinger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLg_rZpH9Ag Via YouTube