Table of Contents
Introduction
Genji is a highly mobile and elusive hero in Overwatch, capable of dealing significant damage with his shurikens and swift strikes. As a player, countering Genji can be a challenge due to his agility and ability to quickly eliminate targets. However, with the right strategies and hero picks, it is possible to effectively deal with Genji and shut down his impact on the game.
Genji Overview
Before diving into countering Genji, let’s take a brief look at his abilities and playstyle. Genji is a cyborg ninja who excels at close-quarters combat. His primary weapon is his shurikens, which can be thrown in either a fan spread or in a straight line. He also has the ability to deflect incoming projectiles with his Deflect ability, making him difficult to hit. Genji’s mobility comes from his Swift Strike, allowing him to dash through enemies and deal damage. Additionally, his ultimate ability, Dragonblade, unleashes a flurry of deadly sword strikes that can quickly eliminate multiple targets.
Countering Genji
To effectively counter Genji, it’s important to understand his strengths and weaknesses. Genji excels at taking down squishy targets, such as supports and damage-dealing heroes, due to his high burst damage and mobility. However, he struggles against heroes who can out-range him, disrupt his mobility, or negate his abilities.
Heroes That Can Counter Genji
There are several heroes in Overwatch who are particularly effective at countering Genji:
1. Mei
Mei’s freezing abilities can quickly neutralize Genji’s mobility, making him an easy target. Additionally, her Ice Wall can block his ultimate ability, Dragonblade, preventing him from getting value out of it.
2. Winston
Winston’s Tesla Cannon can bypass Genji’s Deflect ability, allowing him to deal consistent damage. His mobility also makes it difficult for Genji to escape or engage in quick duels.
3. Symmetra
Symmetra’s turrets can slow down Genji and make it harder for him to engage. Her primary fire can also lock onto him even while he’s using Swift Strike, ensuring consistent damage.
4. Brigitte
Brigitte’s combination of crowd control abilities and sustain can make it challenging for Genji to secure kills. Her Shield Bash can interrupt his abilities, and her Inspire passive can outheal his damage over time.
5. McCree
McCree’s Flashbang ability can stun Genji, leaving him vulnerable to follow-up damage. His hitscan damage also makes it easier to hit Genji, even when he’s using Swift Strike.
Strategies to Counter Genji
Aside from hero picks, there are several strategies you can employ to counter Genji effectively:
1. Communication and Teamwork
Coordinating with your team and communicating Genji’s position is crucial. This allows your team to focus fire and quickly eliminate him before he can cause too much damage.
2. Map Awareness
Understanding the layout of the map can give you an advantage when countering Genji. Utilize high ground and tight spaces to limit his mobility and make it harder for him to engage or escape.
3. Ability Management
Genji’s Deflect ability can be deadly if you’re not careful. Avoid using abilities that can be deflected, such as large projectiles or powerful abilities with predictable trajectories.
4. Ultimate Usage
Save crowd control ultimates or abilities for Genji’s Dragonblade. Stunning or immobilizing him during his ultimate can prevent him from getting value out of it and potentially turn the tide of the fight.
Communication and Teamwork
Counter Genji effectively requires good communication and teamwork. Informing your team about Genji’s position, focusing fire on him, and utilizing crowd control abilities can help neutralize his impact on the game. Work together to shut down his potential threats and protect vulnerable teammates.
Map Awareness
Map awareness is crucial when countering Genji. Use the environment to your advantage by positioning yourself in areas that limit his mobility or provide cover. Take advantage of high ground positions where Genji will have a harder time engaging or escaping.
Ability Management
Be mindful of your abilities when facing Genji. Avoid using large projectiles or abilities that can be deflected, as this can turn the tide of the fight in his favor. Instead, focus on abilities that cannot be deflected or are harder for him to dodge.
Ultimate Usage
Genji’s ultimate ability, Dragonblade, can be devastating if not dealt with properly. Save crowd control ultimates or abilities to counter his Dragonblade. Stunning or immobilizing him during his ultimate can prevent him from getting multiple kills and give your team an advantage.
Countering Genji’s Ultimates
Genji’s Dragonblade and his other ultimate, Dragonstrike, can be countered with proper positioning and teamwork. Spread out to minimize the impact of Dragonblade, and use barriers or cover to avoid Dragonstrike’s area of effect damage.
Positioning and Predictability
Genji relies on the element of surprise and quick engagements to secure kills. By positioning yourself in areas that limit his mobility and predict his movements, you can make it harder for him to engage or escape. Deny him easy targets and force him to retreat or switch heroes.
Smart Targeting
When countering Genji, focus on targeting him when he’s vulnerable or low on health. Burst him down quickly before he has a chance to use his abilities to escape or deflect damage. Prioritize eliminating him to remove his threat from the battlefield.
Countering Genji’s Support
Genji can be a nuisance to enemy supports, diving into the backline and eliminating them before they can provide healing or utility to their team. As a counter, prioritize protecting your supports and peeling for them when Genji dives in. Focus fire on him to quickly eliminate the threat and allow your team to gain an advantage.
Team Composition
Building a team composition that counters Genji is essential. Consider heroes that can deny his mobility, disrupt his abilities, or burst him down quickly. Combining crowd control and burst damage can effectively shut down Genji and