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Why mercy is surprisingly the most banned hero in overwatch

Mercy Ban Shock | Players Split on Hero Choices

By

James Wright

Apr 23, 2025, 05:08 PM

Edited By

Emma Collins

Updated

Apr 24, 2025, 01:53 AM

2 minutes of duration

A digital illustration of Mercy, a healer character in Overwatch, with her wings spread, ready to revive teammates in a combat scene.
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A rising trend in hero bans is stirring debates in the Overwatch community. Players are increasingly targeting Mercy in competitive matches, drawing both support and criticism from various corners of the gaming world, particularly among those who main Sombra.

Insights from the Forum

A vocal Sombra main voiced surprise at the ban trend, stating, โ€œI always thought a good Mercy was a menace to VS but I didnโ€™t realize it was widespread.โ€ This comment highlights the unexpected impact of Mercy's presence in match dynamics, leading to various strategic bans that many find puzzling.

Interestingly, some players see merit in these bans as a tactical move. One player noted, "The general opinion is that a lot of them are banning Mercy to 'teach us a lesson.'" This suggests a belief that restricting certain heroes might refine overall strategies and improve matchmaking outcomes.

Diverse Opinions on Mercy Bans

The community remains divided on the effectiveness of banning Mercy.

A concerned gamer expressed frustration, saying, "People are misusing the hero ban system, ban the op hero? No!" This sentiment is echoed by others who believe Mercyโ€™s bans disrupt gameplay flow.

Conversely, some players argue that bans keep the game engaging. โ€œI always thought Mercy and Moira are absolutely solid picks under diamond,โ€ remarked a player. Additional comments reflected on the mentality behind the bans, with one stating, "Imagine being that petty that you would ban characters to spite players instead of actually banning op and problematic heroes."

Trends in Player Sentiment

Notably, a theme has emerged regarding player skill, particularly related to DPS roles. "Mercy gets a lot of hate because a lot of DPS have to come to terms with the fact they actually cannot aim for shit. At least in metal ranks and below." This sentiment points to underlying frustrations among DPS players as they face challenges against skilled Mercy players.

"Haven't had a chance to touch stadium yet, how is it for Mercy?" raises questions about the current gameplay environment and hero viability.

Key Insights from Ongoing Discussions

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Strategic Bans: Some players believe that banning Mercy is a tactical choice meant to improve overall gameplay.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Player Frustration: Many express annoyance at bans perceived as petty rather than strategic, with calls to focus on genuinely overpowered heroes.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Skill Levels Matter: Thereโ€™s recognition that lower-ranked players often struggle against capable Mercys, driving frustration and calls for bans.