Hanzo Guide for Rialto Escort - GM Level
General Tips
Positioning is Key: Hanzo thrives when he's on high ground, where he can take full advantage of his Storm Arrows and Dragonstrike abilities. Make sure you're on a perch where enemies are either forced to engage you or have no easy way to avoid your line of sight.
Utilize Storm Arrows: On a map like Rialto, where many narrow streets and chokepoints exist, Storm Arrows can be devastating when used on clustered enemies, especially tanks like Reinhardt or Roadhog.
Be Aware of Sightlines: On Rialto, you have long sightlines from the high ground. After the first choke near the bridge, you should try to position yourself near the balconies to the sides, allowing you to see and deal damage from an unexpected angle.
Use Scatter Arrows Wisely: Scatter arrows are great for hitting multiple enemies at once or dealing with tanks. On Rialto, the best places to use Scatter are around corners or doorways where enemies tend to stack up or clump together.
Use Dragonstrike on Chokepoints: The narrow streets of Rialto make it the perfect map for Dragonstrike. When attacking, use it to flush enemies out of their defensive positions, especially when they are hiding behind barriers or corners.
Know When to Retreat: As Hanzo, your survivability is a key part of your team's success. Don’t overstay your welcome. If you're not able to secure a kill or if your team is under pressure, retreat and reposition rather than risking death unnecessarily.
Ultimate Usage: Dragonstrike can be extremely impactful if you time it right. Wait for the enemy team to group up or use it when they push through narrow spaces, such as the alleyway near the final checkpoint. Alternatively, use Dragonstrike as a zoning tool, pushing enemies out of key spots (such as the choke by the bridge).
Key Locations to Watch
First Choke: The initial bridge area after the spawn is a critical spot for Hanzo. Position yourself to the right or left of the bridge’s upper levels. From here, you can freely poke at the enemy team and set up Storm Arrows on any tank pushing through the choke.
First Payload Push: After securing the first choke, keep an eye on the high ground overlooking the payload area. This allows you to drop down, make your plays, then retreat if needed. Hanzo is a hit-and-run hero, so using the height advantage is crucial for survival.
Second Choke: On the second payload choke (near the water canal), be cautious of flanks. You can position yourself on the high buildings to either the left or right of the choke, making sure you have clear sightlines and escape routes.
Synergy with Teammates
Tanks: Hanzo works best when his tank is creating space. A Reinhardt or Winston will help you by pushing forward, allowing you to play more aggressively. Storm Arrows can rip through the enemy’s frontline if the tanks create the space.
Support: Mercy can pocket you, boosting your survivability, while Zenyatta or Baptiste can provide additional utility, making your picks easier to secure. A well-timed Amplification Matrix from Baptiste can amplify your Storm Arrows damage for even more devastating plays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcommitting to High Ground: Always have an escape route. Don't get so focused on high ground that you become an easy target for the enemy team’s DPS or supports.
Misusing Storm Arrows: Don’t waste Storm Arrows on unimportant targets. Use them on key priority targets like tanks, or when the enemy is grouped up.
Ignoring Team Calls: As a sniper, it's easy to get tunnel vision, but always remember to listen to your team's communication. You need to support them by picking off key enemies or focusing on priority targets.
Match Flow Strategy
Early Engagements (First Choke): Start by focusing on poke damage as your team pushes. Hanzo excels at breaking the enemy’s shield and creating early pressure with quick Storm Arrows.
Midpoint (Payload Push): Once you’ve cleared the first choke and are pushing through the open areas, keep your distance but capitalize on the high ground. Use your Dragonstrike to zone out enemies or block their retreat.
Final Stage (Endgame): Once nearing the final payload capture point, use your ultimate when the enemy team is stacked near critical choke points, or if they’re grouped tightly near the payload.
By positioning smartly, timing your abilities, and focusing on synergy with your team, Hanzo can be a devastating force on Rialto.