Overwatch Heroes Tier List 2026

Overwatch Heroes Tier List Quick Summary:

• This guide is relevant to Season 1: The Reign of Talon
• Best tanks: D.Va, Sigma, Zarya
• Best DPS: Sojourn, Ashe, Vendetta, Bastion, Symmetra
• Best support: Lúcio, Kiriko
• Top heroes by pick rate and win rate: Vendetta, Illari, Sigma, Zenyatta, Junker Queen

Need a hand ranking up in competitive matchmaking? Buy Overwatch Rank Boost and get the desired rank on any role fast and easy. Just pick the role and your current rank, and let our professional Skycoach player take care of the rest!

 

 

How our Overwatch Tier Lists Work

Overwatch is back, baby! The game has finally ditched the controversial number “2” from the title and gone back to its roots, expanding the roster to 10 more heroes, with 5 of them available right now. It’s about time I’ve made an Overwatch character tier list. It’s been a long time coming.

I’d like to start by explaining what each tier means and what criteria were used to rank the heroes. Of course, there’ll be a separate tier list per role.

The main criteria I use to rank heroes are:

• Team impact – there are helpful heroes, and there are niche heroes of every role. If a hero can turn the tide without requiring too much skill from you, it’s a win.
• Role execution – some heroes are better at their role than others. There’s nothing you can do about it.
• Synergy value – heroes with abilities that can interact with other heroes are the best. You’ll know which ones I’m talking about soon.
• Flexibility – if you can play the same hero on different maps and modes and still win, it’s a plus.
• Meta relevance – gotta account for the current meta, which is now in shambles thanks to 5 new heroes.

The tiers in this Overwatch tier list mean the following:

• S-Tier – lots of heroes are good, but there are a few that deserve S-tier.
• A-Tier – this is going to be the tier for the most competitive characters in the game right now. Can’t go wrong with them.
• B-Tier – this tier is for solid picks based on the map, team comp, etc. They’re not as great standalone.
• C-Tier – this is the tier for quirky and gimmicky heroes. Or unbalanced ones.
• D-Tier – for dumpster fire heroes.

It’s not like you can’t win with lower-tier heroes. You know what? Take this current Overwatch tier list with a grain of salt anyway, because I’m a huge fan of the original roster and I don’t really dig most of the “sequel” heroes.

Overwatch Hero Tier Lists

Now, let’s get into it. Both ranked and unranked now feature 5v5 and 6v6 versions. While one can argue that different heroes will have different impacts depending on the size of the team, I really am not about to rank all heroes based on every single aspect, such as team sizes, the new passives, etc. What I’m here for is to show you the hero rating by role based on how they really play in this new version of the game. So, Overwatch characters ranked in this guide are based on how they actually perform in real matches, not just theorycrafting or highlight moments.

Tank Heroes Tier List

Tier	Heroes
S-Tier	D.Va, Sigma, Zarya
A-Tier	Domina, Ramattra, Hazard, Junker Queen
B-Tier	Reinhardt, Winston, Wrecking Ball, Mauga
C-Tier	Orisa, Doomfist
D-Tier	Roadhog

Now, let’s go through every Tank from the highest tier to the lowest and explain why they sit where they do.

S-Tier

D.Va

Is this surprising to you? I don’t think anyone would be. I don’t remember the time when D.Va wasn’t among the best Overwatch characters. Where do I even start? Her Defense Matrix is a nasty shield that will disable all incoming fire, which will force enemies to try and flank you. Even then, you’re chonky enough to withstand most attacks unless the entire team targets you. This hero can push, holdan objective, and do just about everything a great tank needs to do.

Sigma

Sigma isn’t really a one-button hero, but as far as tanks go, he is top-tier. His main attack deals AoE, he can absorb projectiles much like D.Va, he can stun and knock back, and he has a placeable shield. What more do you want? Plus, the passive makes him harder to knock back.

Zarya

Zarya is such a great tank because you can actually push with her. The dive teams need her to stay alive, and successful pushes always snowball. Many players keep asking who is the best Overwatch character right now, but the answer changes depending on role and team style. Zarya is the main character for lots of Overwatch fans.

A-Tier

Domina

Domina is the new tank in the game, and she is an interesting one. First of all, she’s doing pretty well staying out back. Her main weapon shoots a laser and charges up the explosion at the end. Her nastiest ability is the Crystal Charge, which I died to so many times already. By the way, she also has a placable big-ass shield.

Ramattra

Rammattra is here because of the two combat modes he has. These modes let him defend the point and perform his tank duties, or join the dive team and bring it to the enemies with melee combat. Both mods surprisingly work great and make him fit into a lot of team compositions/

Hazard

Hazard is one of my favorite new heroes, and I don’t like a lot of new heroes. He is a tanky dude with a shotgun-style main weapon. He is kind of like Wolverine from that other game - the leap ability is practically the same. Anyway, he is kind of simple to use, and while he doesn’t have any kind of shield to cover his teammates, he can do a lot of damage, which is just another way to do your tank duties.

Junker Queen

Junker Queen is probably the most favorite tank for damage lovers. She has both ranged and melee attacks, and a nice little buff for the teammates nearby. She might not be the best choice on every map and game mode, but she is pretty solid nonetheless.

B-Tier

Reinhardt

Reinhardt used to be my favorite tank. Why isn’t he S-tier then? Well, he is a melee character in a game dominated by ranged combat. The flying characters don’t make it easy either. But you know what? If your team is willing to stay near you, push or hold the ground with you – you will be unstoppable. This character works best when he is surrounded by others.

Winston

Winston is a perfect tank on some maps and not so much on others. His specific playstyle requires skill, and it might not always work with every team. But if you play him right and use that bubble when needed, he is pretty good.

Wrecking Ball

Now, this goddamn hamster is a pain in the ass when someone knows how to play him. This tank is really good, but only if you’re skilled enough. He is extremely dangerous, super mobile, and hits like a truck. But he is not always what the team needs. BLOG20

Mauga

Mauga is a tank who doesn’t need a shield. He is kind of like a Reinhardt slash Orisa mix, as in he can push you just like Reiny or keep the pressure with the two miniguns. What I love about Mauga is that he is simple but effective. He is also a bit selfish, as he doesn’t have a lot of team utility besides that one ability.

C-Tier

Orisa

Orisa is just slow. Compared to other tanks who have way more mobility choices, she just can’t keep up. And then you have damage and support characters who are way faster still, and it's just hard to be a good tank with her.

Doomfist

Doomfist is a glass cannon of a tank. You can still wipe the whole team with him, but his plastyle is way too risky. I guess he is way better in 6v6, where you have one other tank.

D-Tier

Roadhog

Here’s the thing - Roadhog is not a bad character, just a bad tank. Yeah, he has a lot of health, but as a team’s tank, he doesn’t have much to offer. What are the chances that the hooked enemy that you killed will help your team push back? And how much skill do you need to land that hook?

Damage Heroes Tier List

Tier	Heroes
S-Tier	Sojourn, Ashe, Vendetta, Bastion, Symmetra
A-Tier	Echo, Tracer, Venture, Mei
B-Tier	Reaper, Soldier 76, Emre, Anran, Cassidy, Genji, Pharah, Widowmaker, Sombra
C-Tier	Torbjörn, Hanzo
D-Tier	Freja, Junkrat

Sorry, Junkrat fans, this Overwatch DPS tier list might not have turned out the way you wanted.

S-Tier

Sojourn

Everyone says Sojourn is a meta DPS hero. Who am I to disagree? I see her as a better Soldier 76. She might not have his heal, but everything else in her toolkit is an upgrade. Better mobility with the slide and jump, the grenade that deals damage over time for area denial, and the rail cannon shot is arguably more reliable than the Soldier’s auto-aim fire. She is Overwatch meta because she is always a reliable pick.

Ashe

Ashe is the kind of character that needs to be tracked at all times. She is the best DPS Overwatch hero and if the enemy team has her and she is left to her own devices, she’ll just pick everyone off one by one. Also, she doesn’t have to hide from the fight and hang back like Widow Maker. If this isn’t convincing enough for you, she is also top-10 by pick rate and winrate. How about that?

Vendetta

She is the first top-tier melee DPS that actually works. She is the kind of character that you want in the middle of a fight, hitting multiple enemies, blocking them when needed, and unleashing that super hard-hitting ultimate.

Bastion

Bastion has become a real menace thanks to the past balancing changes. His damage allows him to melt tanks and keep the pressure on until the enemy team folds. It’s nice to see an OG character in S-tier.

Symmetra

Symmetra used to struggle a lot during the early days, but now she made her way up to the top. While not the easiest of characters, she is incredible with a coordinated team. She now also deals lots of damage up close, which caught me off guard a couple of times.

A-Tier

Echo

Echo is kind of great as long as you stay out back behind the tank’s backs, you’ll be invaluable. She deals lots of damage, she has the ability to fly around, and a bunch of fire modes (meaning more than one). The ultimate is kind of situational, but can also lead to epic POTGs.

Tracer

Tracer has fallen from being a “must-have” pick in this game. She is still very good, but due to her fast pace and squishinness you have to put in way more work to be effective.

Venture

Venture has a unique set of abilities that make her good for pushing objectives and doing it “under” the enemy lines. She is definitely all about utility and playing objective rather than dealing damage. But you can also be a real menace when chasing down poor, defenseless supports.

Mei

Mei is here mainly because of her wall. If you can use it to the benefit of your team, helping them win the fight, you’re playing her right. She is rarely the focus of enemy fire, so she is super strong in the right hands.

 

B-Tier

Reaper

Just like Tracer, Reaper is no longer top-tier. It’s a shame because there are not many heroes who can match his pressure in close combat. But just like tracer, most DPS heroes can deal damage more effectively and don’t need as much skill.

Soldier 76

Ah, Soldier, my favorite character in all of the game. Sadly, his abilities are just as old as he is. Even though he still shows up in discussions about Overwatch best heroes, his kit feels very straightforward compared to newer picks. Most of the time you take an off-angle and keep firing until you secure a frag. Pushing with the team is risky since you drop fast without support, but a well-timed Tactical Visor can still turn a fight around.

Emre

Emre is kind of like a mix between Soldier 76 and Baptiste. He is pretty strong in terms of dealing damage, but the secondary pistol that gives him extra speed and health regen seems pretty weird to use. So, B-tier from me.

Anran

Anran is a new assassin-type hero. She is the new Tracer. Super squishy, but deals a lot of damage. You have to play very smart because she is often targeted by enemy players as the main damage dealer. So, you have to know your maps and pick good spots to poke enemies until you find the window to dive in. She is not the hero who can kill tanks easily. That’s for sure.

Cassidy

Jesse McRee will be missed. He used to be the pick for the skilled. And if your aim is good enough, Cassidy can still have his moments, but why would you torture yourself when there are way more rewarding characters that you can play? Just pick Ashe.

Genji

Yet another hero from the original roster who has no place in the current roster. There are so many characters with area denial abilities now, you’d have to constantly play “the floor is lava” as Genji. While he still has his aura, picking him is a style choice more than anything else.

Pharah

Phara used to be a real threat back in my day. But now, she is way easier to counter than you might think. Her limited jetpack won’t save you against someone with good reaction time. I see her more valuable at low ranks of competitive play or unranked fun.

Widowmaker

Another character with a high skill requirement, and also being very situational. Some maps just don’t have any good spots for you to hang back at. You don’t want to have your team have a minus one in team fights, do you? But if you do land your shots, you can make her work for sure.

Sombra

Sombra is only as good as the enemies on the opposing team. I mean, she is more of a counter pick rather than something you’d go for in any other case. She is great when you have some very important characters to disable, but nothing more. I think that’s what she was designed to do, but it's kind of sad that she isn’t as good at dealing damage as she used to be.

C-Tier

Torbjörn

Torbjörn used to be a lot of fun, especially when you had to push or defend the cart. Now, Torbjörn and his turrets will fold super quickly under pressure. He is just not as scary as he used to be, and the only time Torbjörn is feared is when he has his ultimate on.

Hanzo

Another outdated legend who is losing pretty hard to other characters in the same role. To be valuable to your team, you’d need to have amazing aim, find the right timing, and be able to dodge enough crap flying your way. He feels like Hawkeye fighting aliens with a bow and arrows - there isn’t much he can be turned into with this kind of fighting style.

D-Tier

Freja

Freja has gotten the same deal as Brigitte back in the day, as in she went against how the game balance works. Currently, this hero has the lowest pick rate of all. And despite her being the only character in the game who could two-tap anyone at the start, she is now one of the worst DPS heroes of all. Take Aim is nerfed into oblivion without anything to show for it. This ultimate is mediocre now. The rest of the abilities are also like “whatever”. That’s the general consensus, and I’m not a huge fan of her anyway.

Junkrat

He is still fun as hell to play as, but he is also very easily countered, so you can’t really jump around the map like a maniac hoping to catch enemies off guard. Someone will just snipe you with one hit, and you’ll have nothing to show for your death.

Support Heroes Tier List

Tier	Heroes
S-Tier	Lúcio, Kiriko
A-Tier	Baptiste, Juno, Wuyang
B-Tier	Brigitte, Mercy, Moira, Ana, Jetpack Cat, Mizuki
C-Tier	Illari
D-Tier	Zenyatta, Lifeweaver

S-Tier

Lúcio

I used to think that support is measured by the amount of healing they can do, but in reality, you also need other buffs. In this regard, Lúcio is one of the top Overwatch characters because he can heal and increase speed, which is everything in this game. He has great survivability, unlike most classic healers. He can push off enemies, and the ultimate is super valuable. He is just the support that is always the right pick.

Kiriko

Kiriko is one of the first characters that was released in the “sequel”. By today, she is practically immune to nerfs and is just way too damn good. The healing is amazing; she can actually survive team fights pretty easily, stay with teammates thanks to the teleport, and even her ultimate, although weird, actually works wonders.

A-Tier

Baptiste

Baptiste is my favorite “new” support just because he is the military kind of medic who can deal damage and heal just as well. His jumping boots are not my favorite mobility tool, but I’ll take it. His AoE healing is great, and the ultimate is just cheff’s kiss. He is also seemingly doing pretty well in competitive and ranked matchmaking, having a pretty good winrate.

Juno

I don’t like Juno personally, but I have to hand it to her - she can do everything a healer needs to do. She is kind of a Lúcio alternative because she also has AoE heals and the speed buff. She is especially useful in team fights now that she can actually survive them. At the same time, you don’t want to dive with her too deep.

Wuyang

I like how casual and clean Wuyang’s style is. I love his primary fire, the way he can heal his teammates, and his push-back wave. As long as you stay behind your friends and heal them, while dealing pretty good damage, he is a great support hero. But if you keep jumping into fights or pick bad spots, you’ll be dealt with pretty quickly.

B-Tier

Brigitte

She was never meant to be overpowered the way she was in the beginning. The melee-style support character is a strange idea, but Brigitte players can make it work. She is pretty situational, but luckily, every team always has two healers.

Mercy

Mercy is still a respectable and strong support. Everyone loves having her on the team, but when enemy teams start working together, with coordination, Mercy falls victim first. If you love playing a support, learning to play as Mercy is not only a badge of honor, but also a good character to know how to play as.

Moira

I don’t play Moira much, but I hear she is super situational and is only effective on certain maps. She is also not very “game-defining” or POFG material. Sounds like a mediocre pick to me. If you can play as her and have the biggest K/D in the team, I admire you.

Ana

Ana has always been better in skilled hands. Someone who can disable the right enemy hero at the right time can change how the fight goes. In more casual hands, there are better support picks. I like playing as Ana because of how simple she is at healing and dealing damage. She reminds me of that meme: “It ain’t much, but it’s honest work”. That’s the kind of mentality she has.

Jetpack Cat

I still can’t believe this hero is not a meme. The cat is the first-ever hero who has flying as a default movement style. It’s great for positioning and makes it very annoying to aim at the feline. If you’re okay with what this character is, the cat can be very useful. But the problem with this character is the useless gimmick that lets you pick other heroes and fly them around. The players can make a choice to get a lift or healing, but it’s a super situational thing. It’s nothing like Symmetra’s teleport. The hero might end up pretty good with time, but for now, I put it in B-tier for being weird and situational.

Mizuki

Mizuki is the cool new cat on the block. He has a cool main weapon, but his healing and utility are lacking. The healing hat that bounces between friendly targets is nowhere near as effective as any target heal. But the healing aura and a cool ultimate make him better. The main thing is that you have to deal damage in order to heal better, which is an interesting mechanic, but not one worthy of a main support in the team.

C-Tier

Illari

Illari is one of those supports that feels amazing when the map actually lets her play her game. Long sightlines and open angles give her room to poke, pressure, and take fights on her own terms. The problem starts when teams collapse into messy brawls. That’s where she struggles to keep up with the more flexible supports. She’s not bad, just a little awkward outside of her comfort zone, and she often loses value when fights get chaotic.

D-Tier

Zenyatta

Right now, Zenyatta feels like he’s fighting an uphill battle. The faster pace and constant pressure make it hard for him to survive long enough to really shine. Discord Orb still has value, but it doesn’t save him from being the easiest target on the field. In slower poke fights he can still do his thing, but most games move too fast for him to keep up without getting punished.

Lifeweaver

Lifeweaver sits at the bottom of the support lineup right now. He can still do his job, but there is almost always a more efficient pick available. Most of his value depends on teammates making use of his saves and positioning tools, which doesn’t always happen in real matches. Until his kit matches the speed and damage of the current game, he stays a low-tier option.

Top-5 Heroes by Pick Rate & Win Rate

You’re definitely going to be surprised to see which heroes get picked the most and which ones have the highest win rate. This comes from the official hero stats page, and sometimes it's worth checking it out.

1. Vendetta
   Vendetta has one of the best win rates, even though she is not picked all the time. That usually means players who choose her know how to use her kit well. She works best in aggressive fights and rewards confident players. Even without huge popularity, she wins a lot of matches.
2. Illari
   Illari keeps showing strong results, especially on open maps where she can poke safely. Her pick rate is higher than many other top heroes, so she is not just a rare success story. Many players use her regularly and still keep solid win rates, which shows she is a reliable support when played correctly.
3. Sigma
   Sigma has one of the highest pick rates among the top performers. That reflects how stable he is in the current tank meta. He brings strong poke pressure and safe frontline control. His kit fits slower and more structured fights, which keeps him consistent across many matches.
4. Zenyatta
   Zenyatta might look surprising here because some tier lists rate him lower. The stats show that players who stick with him still win games. Discord Orb remains very valuable, especially in coordinated poke comps where positioning matters more than raw survivability.
5. Junker Queen
   Junker Queen closes the top five with a strong win rate and a moderate pick rate. She is not the most popular tank, but she performs well in aggressive close-range fights. Teams that play fast and keep pressure on the enemy can get a lot of value from her.

Overall, the numbers show a simple pattern. Heroes that focus on safe positioning and steady pressure tend to win more games right now. Even if some of them sit lower on this Overwatch tier list 2026, real match results prove that the right playstyle and good map conditions can turn them into top performers.

Read our other WoW guides:

• The Stadium Best Builds
• The Stadium Guide
• How to Rank Up Fast

F.A.Q.