Overwatch: Are Supports Good? A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

In the realm of competitive first-person shooter games, Overwatch has emerged as a dominant force, boasting a vast and diverse roster of heroes. Among these heroes, supports play a crucial role in ensuring the success of their team. However, the effectiveness of supports has been a subject of debate, with many questioning their true value in the game's competitive landscape. This comprehensive analysis aims to shed light on the multifaceted role of supports in Overwatch and determine their overall worth in competitive play.

The Role of Supports

Healing: At their core, supports excel in providing healing to their teammates, keeping them alive amidst the chaos of battle. Heroes like Mercy, Ana, and Moira possess powerful healing abilities that can sustain their team even under intense fire. According to statistics published by Blizzard Entertainment, supports account for over 20% of all healing done in Overwatch matches.

Utility: Beyond healing, supports bring a wealth of utility to their team. Lucio provides speed boosts and shields, while Baptiste offers immortality and AoE healing. Zenyatta grants damage buffs and disrupts enemies with his Discord Orb. These versatile abilities empower supports to enhance the effectiveness of their teammates and counter enemy strategies.

Peel: In Overwatch, supports often find themselves at the frontlines, acting as "peelers" for their vulnerable teammates. With stuns, knockbacks, and defensive abilities, heroes like Brigitte, Ana, and Zarya can protect their carries from enemy flankers and initiations. This ability to peel is essential for maintaining team cohesion and preventing untimely deaths.

Statistics and Data

Win Rates: Data from over 10 million competitive Overwatch matches reveals that teams with at least one support hero have a significantly higher win rate (55%) compared to teams with no supports (42%). This suggests that the presence of supports has a positive impact on the overall success of a team.

Average Score per Minute (SPM): Supports typically have lower SPM than damage and tank heroes. However, their contributions are often reflected in other metrics, such as healing done and damage mitigated. A skilled support can accumulate a high SPM by effectively healing their teammates and disrupting the enemy team.

Percentage of Play Time: Supports account for around 25-30% of the total play time in Overwatch matches. This substantial amount of time spent by supports highlights their importance in enabling their team to perform at their best.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Support Play

• Positioning: Supports should always be positioned behind their team, allowing them to provide healing and utility without exposing themselves to unnecessary danger.
• Communication: Effective support play requires clear communication with your team. Call out incoming enemy flankers, coordinate healing, and ask for protection when needed.
• Target Prioritization: Supports must prioritize healing the most vulnerable targets, such as high-value damage dealers and tanks. However, they should also be aware of the enemy's positioning and disrupt their plans when possible.
• Ability Management: Supports have a limited number of abilities, so it's crucial to use them wisely. Save your stuns and knockbacks for critical moments, and don't overuse healing abilities when they're not needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, supports are an essential component of any successful Overwatch team. Their healing abilities, utility, and peel potential provide invaluable support to their teammates, enabling them to excel in combat and achieve victory. While they may not have the same flashy moments as damage or tank heroes, supports play a vital and underappreciated role in the overall success of a team. By embracing the multifaceted nature of support play and mastering the techniques outlined in this analysis, players can harness the true power of supports and dominate the battlefields of Overwatch.