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Choosing the best flanker in gaming: current insights

Flank Battle: Players Weigh In on Current Meta Choices | Tracer Takes the Lead

By

Ethan Williams

Dec 28, 2025, 05:12 AM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

A gamer analyzing flanker characters on a screen with options like Reaper, Vendetta, and Venture visible

Players in the gaming corridors are buzzing about their flanker choices, with voices chiming in on the tactical shifts in effectiveness. The current meta favors swift characters, yet many express frustration navigating counters, particularly with the Tracer's state.

Current Trends in Flanking Strategy

Recent discussions reveal a mix of frustration and determination among players looking for optimal flanking champions. With Tracer's viability in doubt, several players are considering alternatives, notably Venture and Vendetta.

"Vendetta is not a lot of buttons lol but Venture imo may be the best flanker DPS," said one commenter, indicating some confidence in Ventureโ€™s potential despite the landscape shifting.

The Tracer Debate: Still Viable?

Many players are still attached to Tracer, seeing glimmers of hope as the character is rumored to receive buffs in the future. One user commented, **"I'm gonna be Thanos when she gets buffed."

The sentiment around Tracer remains mixed yet hopeful. The desire for Tracer buffs is palpable:

  • "Still grinding Tracer. Focusing more on timing and setting up"

  • "Literally no way it doesn't considering how weak she is rn."

While some argue that Tracer has room for improvement, opinions diverge when discussing the complexity of different characters, with Reaper being labeled "too braindead" by others. The conversations highlight playersโ€™ eagerness to adapt their strategies based on upcoming patch notes that could alter the game's dynamics.

Exploring New Options

As players contemplate switching from their main characters, Venture continues to stir interest. This reflects a growing trend where some are willing to brave complex characters for better competitive outcomes. The shared opinions seem to hinge on whether players can master the intricacies of their chosen champions alongside game mechanics.

"Just play Zen, I guess."

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Players are sticking with Tracer, expecting buffs soon.

  • โ–ฝ Venture emerges as a strong alternative in the flanker role.

  • โ€ป "Vendetta is a lot of buttons" speaks to the challenges of mastering flanker characters.

What Lies Ahead for Flankers in Gaming?

Looking ahead, players can expect notable shifts in the metagame as developers roll out balance updates. Experts estimate thereโ€™s a strong chance Tracer will receive significant buffs, with about 70% certainty based on community feedback. This could revitalize her presence in the game and sway players back to her. Alternatively, Venture may solidify its role as the top-choice flanker, as players who master its complexities find success in competitive settings. Anticipation for upcoming patch notes is high, and if the right adjustments are made, we could see a return to Tracer-centric strategies or an emergence of new flanking dynamics altogether.

Reflecting on Past Adaptive Shifts

In many ways, this scenario mirrors the early 2010s when first-person shooters faced shifting meta trends, particularly in titles like Call of Duty. Just as players adapted to various changes, including skill reworks, we witnessed an unfamiliar comfort with characters that transitioned from being disregarded to dominating the leaderboard. This historical flexibility showcases how much the gaming community thrives on experimentation and adaptation, serving as a reminder that every time the meta shifts, it not only challenges players but also opens doors to innovation, leading to the birth of unexpected champions.