Players who primarily use a single character in Overwatch 2 are having a poor experience due to the recent introduction of the Hero Ban system during Season 16.
In Overwatch 2 (OW2), Hero Bans are finally here after much anticipation. For several months, bans have been trialed in the competitive gaming sphere, and now, they’re accessible to all players in the ranked mode, irrespective of their skill level.
Players may mark their favorite characters as “favorites” for protection, but this doesn’t ensure that these heroes won’t get banned, whether it’s by their own team or the opposing side.
In the early stages of Season 16, Hero Bans have been widely acclaimed, even being hailed as “the best new feature”; however, this positive reception isn’t shared by those who prefer sticking to a single hero.
In Overwatch 2, Hero Bans have arrived, introducing an extra layer of strategy to competitive play 🚫
Come along with us as we delve into all you need to know about the Hero Ban Mechanism before giving it a shot during Season 16! ✨
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) April 24, 2025
One-trick Overwatch 2 players are hating Hero Bans
On various social media platforms, individuals who specialize in a single hero have expressed their bitter criticisms about the Hero Bans, while others claim that these one-trick players intentionally sabotage matches when they are unable to use their preferred character due to restrictions in Overwatch 2.
Avoid picking a single hero in competitive matches if it’s commonly banned, as it limits both you and your team. In two consecutive games of mine, the team’s chosen heroes were frequently banned, and they struggled playing other characters, leading to losses.
An individual forfeited the match, it seemed, because we prohibited their choice of character, Widowmaker, despite them not explicitly stating their intention to pick her originally.
Can we please get a grip
— Mr Zeddus (@MrZeddus) April 23, 2025
Some people are upset because they can’t use their preferred characters (mains), as demonstrated by a user on a Mercy subreddit who was ridiculed for labeling the ban as “oppressive.
As a gamer, I’m taking advantage of this moment to finally show those who rely solely on one trick a well-deserved lesson that’s been brewing for quite a while now.
This game has been around for eight years and is well-known for being suitable for players who specialize in a single character. If a one-trick’s favorite hero gets banned, even unintentionally, there will likely be an adaptive phase.
First game of comp with bans…
I feel evil but you know, gotta learn more than 1 hero.
— LG Jay3 (@Jay3OW) April 23, 2025
Streamer Jay3 on Twitch demonstrated the characters he prohibited during his initial match, emphasizing that it’s beneficial for one-trick ponies to expand their skillset.
He remarked, ‘Though I might seem villainous, remember, it’s important to master various characters. In casual play, choose the one you adore. However, when it comes to competitive play, be prepared to adapt.’
I strongly dislike one-tricking, the practice of focusing on just one character in a game with forty available ones. While it’s understandable to have a preferred character, it’s essential to learn how to play others as well.
Rest assured, it’s not that I disdain kindness; rather, I have an issue with one-trick ponies. In a game featuring forty characters, I believe it’s essential to master more than just one. While you can certainly favor one character, it would be beneficial to learn the mechanics of others as well.
— LG Jay3 (@Jay3OW) April 24, 2025
The developers indicate that imposing temporary bans on certain heroes allows them to identify which ones may require balance tweaks, and they intend to disclose more information about this to the public at a future time.
It’s unclear if there will be more adjustments to the system, particularly a ‘protect phase’. However, it might be beneficial for one-trick players to learn another hero in quick play or try out the new Stadium mode, just in case they can’t continue playing their preferred character.
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2025-04-25 00:22