Off-Tank: What is an Off-Tank in Overwatch 2?
In Overwatch 2, team composition plays a huge role in winning games, and every position brings something important to the table. One key role that often goes underappreciated is the Off-Tank—a flexible, high-impact role that helps keep the team together and create openings.
What’s an Off-Tank, Exactly?
Off-Tanks are heroes who support the front line, but they’re not your traditional shield-holding Main Tanks. Think of heroes like D.Va, Roadhog, and Zarya—they bring a mix of damage, utility, and protection that helps the team adapt to different fights and challenges.
What Does an Off-Tank Do?
The Off-Tank’s job can change depending on what’s going on in the match. Sometimes they peel for the backline, sometimes they dive in for a kill, and other times they’re all about disrupting the enemy’s setup or contesting points. Their strength lies in their ability to adjust on the fly and do a bit of everything.
Key Abilities That Make Off-Tanks Stand Out
Off-Tank heroes come with powerful tools that let them impact fights in different ways. D.Va can use her Defense Matrix to block damage for teammates, Roadhog’s Chain Hook can isolate key enemies and break enemy formations, and Zarya’s Particle Barrier gives allies protection while also boosting her own damage. Each brings something unique to the table.
Why Flexibility Matters
What really makes Off-Tanks special is how adaptable they are. They’re able to shift roles mid-fight—helping push forward one moment and peeling back to defend teammates the next. That kind of flexibility is key in a game where fights are constantly changing.
Teamwork is Everything
Off-Tanks work best when there’s strong coordination with the rest of the team, especially the Main Tank and supports. Good communication and timing can turn their utility into game-changing plays, whether that’s setting up a combo, diving a vulnerable target, or protecting a teammate from a threat.
Final Thoughts
In Overwatch 2, Off-Tanks are the glue that holds a team together. They don’t just soak up damage—they make plays, create space, and adapt to what the team needs in the moment. When played well, Off-Tanks can turn the tide of a match and make a huge difference in any team comp.