using Torbjörn in a way that forces the enemy to split their resources, creating a pseudo “numbers advantage” in multiple areas at once.
1. The Core Concept: 5v4 + 1 + 1
5v4: Your main group of five stays together around the robot (or wherever the main fight is happening). Because Torbjörn is off on a flank, if the enemy team commits all five to contest the robot, they’re effectively down a player against your five.
+1 Flank (Torbjörn): While the enemy is occupied with your main group, Torbjörn positions himself on a side angle or even behind the enemy to harass. This forces the enemy to either:
Turn around and fight Torb (weakening their front line vs. your five), or
Ignore him (and allow Torb to get free damage from behind).
+1 Turret: Torbjörn’s turret acts as an additional threat. Even if Torb himself is out of sight on a flank, the turret can still pick away at the enemy from a different angle or cover the objective while Torb is roaming. Effectively, it’s an extra teammate when considering the enemy’s attention and cooldown usage.
The result is that the enemy either faces:
A 5v4 in the main fight (if someone peels off to deal with Torbjörn), plus the pressure from a turret, or
A 6v5 if they ignore Torb’s flank—but his turret and crossfire can swing that 6v5 in your favor quickly.
2. Why It Works Well on Push Maps
On Push maps (the mode with the moving robot/payload), the team fights tend to revolve around controlling the bot and the immediate area around it. However, there are numerous flank routes and side paths that let a hero like Torbjörn set up a turret on high ground or corners. Some key points:
Smaller Skirmishes: Push maps often have quick back-and-forth fights around mid-map checkpoints or forward spawns. A single flanker can make a big difference by taking a high ground or surprising angle.
Long Sightlines: Most Push maps have at least one or two angles overlooking the main path. Torbjörn’s turret placed on a ledge or behind partial cover can see a large portion of the robot’s route.
Constant Re-Engagement: The robot is always moving, so the fight shifts through different parts of the map. You can reposition your turret each time your team regroups, maintaining that constant +1 threat from new vantage points.