Unveiling Overwatch 2's Mauga: The Powerhouse Tank and His Counterplay Tactics

Overwatch 2's recently introduced Tank hero, Mauga, is undoubtedly formidable, but there are specific strategies and hero choices that can effectively counter his abilities in the game. As anticipated by many fans, Blizzard officially unveiled Mauga during their BlizzCon 2023 presentation, shedding light on the new hero's capabilities in Overwatch 2.

Mauga's abilities have raised some concerns among fans. On the surface, it may seem like Mauga has the potential to be overpowered. His Overrun ability, for instance, cannot be thwarted by crowd control attacks, such as Ana's Sleep Dart. Moreover, he possesses healing abilities that not only sustain himself but also extend to his allies. During a group interview session at BlizzCon 2023, Blizzard acknowledged these concerns and outlined potential counters for dealing with Mauga.

According to Blizzard, two of the most effective counters against Mauga in the Tank category are D.Va and Sigma. Mauga's Berserker passive ability is central to his sustain, healing him when he lands critical hits. Both D.Va's Defense Matrix and Sigma's Kinetic Grasp can effectively intercept Mauga's chaingun projectiles, preventing the Tank hero from self-healing. Given that Sigma's Kinetic Grasp transforms projectiles into a protective shield, he may prove to be a potent adversary for Mauga, though the full extent of this counterplay remains to be seen.

Blizzard also identified two other Overwatch 2 heroes who could potentially counter Mauga, particularly in response to his Cage Fight Ultimate ability. Mauga's Cage Fight Ultimate permits him to confine opponents within an enclosed ring, shielding them from external influences. This barrier can impede incoming damage and healing efforts. However, there are several strategies to overcome it. Opponents can enter the ring after its deployment, overwhelming Mauga. Moreover, since Mauga's ring lacks a roof, heroes can target him from above.

For dealing with Mauga's Cage Fight, Blizzard suggested Damage heroes Pharah and Widowmaker as suitable choices. Depending on the location of Mauga's Ultimate, Widowmaker can use her grappling hook to gain an advantageous position above it, while Pharah can simply hover over the ring, launching her missiles at Mauga.

It is important to note that Overwatch 2's dynamic gameplay and evolving strategies may continue to unveil more effective counters against Mauga and his kit. Mauga will officially join the Overwatch 2 roster when Season 8 begins on December 5, but players have the opportunity to test him out in a special free trial period, available until November 5.