Identify Multiple Attack/Defense Routes
Attack routes: Look for flanks, ledges, or side corridors that let you shoot into the objective area from a new angle. Even if it’s a shorter side path that only gives you a temporary view, it can split the enemy’s attention.
Defense routes: On defense, recognize the “standard” chokes but also plan out off-angles. For example, if the attackers keep coming in from mid-lane, don’t stay in the same window or corner the entire time. Move to a slightly wider angle or a different corridor so that they can’t just pre-aim your usual spot.
Tip: In Overwatch 2, many maps have added new doorways or geometry that let you change the angle on a fight much faster than in OW1. Make note of these when planning your rotations.
2. Use Off-Angles to Pinch or Crossfire
“Off-angle” simply means any angle that isn’t head-on. If your tank is pushing the main choke, consider sneaking to a flank or high ground to establish a crossfire. The enemies either turn to deal with you (freeing up your tank/teammates) or ignore you (letting you rain damage from the side).
Torbjörn Example:
Turret Placement: Instead of putting the turret right in front of the choke, consider placing it on a side ledge or behind an obstacle that catches the attackers in a crossfire. If they push forward to get around your turret, you or your teammates can pick them off from the front.
Your Positioning: Torbjörn isn’t just about your turret. You can shift from behind your tank to a side ledge or flank route, lob shots from a new angle, then rotate again. Keep the enemy guessing where you’ll pop out next.
3. Rotate Like Poker “Hands”
In poker, you vary how you play each hand so that nobody reads your pattern. In Overwatch:
Start at angle A (e.g., the main choke or a common vantage spot).
After you take an engagement or secure a kill, rotate to angle B (e.g., a side corridor).
Next time, maybe you go from angle B to angle C (e.g., a high ground approach).
You don’t have to do a full loop around the map every time; just shift a few meters or to an alternate ledge so your line of sight changes. If enemies come back from spawn, they’ll have to guess your position.
Tip: If your team has mobility heroes (e.g., Genji, Sombra, Pharah, etc.), coordinate so that you strike from multiple angles at once. For instance, if the enemy is distracted by your tank at the choke, your flankers can swoop in from behind, finishing off supports or squishies.
4. Communicate So Teammates Adjust, Too
Rotating angles is even more effective when your whole team is in on the plan. Let them know:
“I’m going right side flank to pressure their backline.”
“I’ll set up my turret on the left ledge so we have a crossfire.”
“Move up after I start shooting so they have to split focus.”
When you coordinate your rotations, the enemy can’t simply turn to face each new angle in sequence—they’ll be dealing with multiple directions at once.