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Overwatch ban debate: what to play when zen and ana are out

Overwatch Ban Debate | Players Seek Alternatives When Zen and Ana Are Nixed

By

Maximilian Schubert

May 7, 2025, 07:48 AM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

Updated

May 13, 2025, 10:45 AM

2 minutes of duration

A screenshot of an Overwatch character selection screen showing available heroes for gameplay after Zen and Ana are banned.
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Players continue to voice their concerns over the recent bans of key support heroes like Ana and Zenyatta in competitive Overwatch matches. Discussions on forums show a growing discontent with current ban strategies, as players face challenges adapting to changing team dynamics.

The Shift in Hero Banning Priorities

Commentary from gamers highlights a significant change in focus towards banning support characters rather than high-damage dealers, leading to frustrating team experiences. One player noted, "If your team keeps dying without Ana or Zen on the enemy team, itโ€™s likely due to poor positioning. Heal-botting isn't enough."

Interestingly, many now advocate for the banning of less common heroes like Sombra or Doom over established threats like Sojourn. A user pointed out, "Instead of banning heroes like Sojourn, we leave ourselves open to tanks like Hog or Mauga."

Strategies Emerge Amid Frustration

To mitigate the impact of these bans, several players are dusting off alternative supports that can still contribute to team success:

  • Moira: Lauded for her self-sustain and damage output.

  • Kiriko: Described as crucial with her Suzu ability for cleansing burns and ult for DPS boosts.

  • Baptiste: While considered versatile, some find him less fun to play.

Moreover, there's a push for unconventional picks like Lifeweaver, with one player quipping, "I play DPS Lifeweaver to make them regret banning Zen." This trend shows a willingness to experiment in the face of adversity.

Emotional Responses to Support Bans

The current atmosphere in competitive play has led to mixed feelings. One user shared their experience, stating, "I tried going supports like Juno and Mercy, but my teammates eat too much damage. I canโ€™t always heal them!" This reflects the struggle many face when relying on less conventional heroes in high-stakes environments.

Another player revealed their approach: "If I canโ€™t play Zen, I'll go Illari. You need to adapt."

Quote: "Interestingly, using utilities instead of healing can be a game-changer. Pull a teammate to safety while you deal damage."

Key Insights into Current Trends

  • โ˜… Players are increasingly emphasizing the need for strategic ban discussions, steering focus towards alternative support heroes.

  • โ˜… Frustrations are mounting as teams adapt to the banning of essential characters, leading to creative strategies emerging.

  • โ˜… Insights into player dynamics suggest that teamwork and positioning are pivotal for overcoming challenges when key supports are unavailable.

As the competitive landscape continues to shift, will players find a way to better communicate and coordinate their strategies? The ongoing evolution of team compositions in Overwatch may redefine which heroes emerge as favorites.

Ultimately, adapting to these shifts is crucial as players look beyond traditional bans to craft a more cohesive gameplay experience.