Overwatch is unlike any other first-person shooter, which is the only reason a Hero like Reinhardt can exist. Reinhardt is a melee tank that uses a hammer to do damage and a giant barrier to shield teammates. Here’s how to use his abilities to crush your foes and climb the ladder.
Primary Fire: Rocket Hammer
Reinhardt’s main source of damage is swinging his hammer. Each swing deals 75 damage, and you can move and turn while swinging to hit your targets. You should swing your hammer at enemies whenever you aren’t holding up your shield or using another ability. You can also cancel swings by holding up your shield or using Fire Strike.
Alternate Fire: Barrier Field
This is Reinhardt’s signature shield ability. Using this correctly is often the difference between being a good Reinhardt player and a mediocre player. The barrier has 1,600 health and recharges after being down for two seconds. It’s important to never let the barrier break so that you can use it to block key abilities like D.Va’s Self-Destruct and an enemy Reinhardt’s Earthshatter.
To use Reinhardt’s barrier correctly, you need to remember that your job as the main tank is to create space. Use your shield to give cover to allies behind you. Make sure to drop the shield and let it recharge if you aren’t taking any fire. Remember that you can look around while holding your shield by holding your primary fire key.
Charge
Reinhardt’s charge ability is the bane of many a low-rank Reinhardt. You have to be very careful about how you use this so that you don’t charge face-first into the enemy team and die alone. You should use Charge to interrupt enemy abilities like an opposing Reinhardt’s charge, Doomfist’s alternate fire, or Brigitte’s Shield Bash. You can also use your charge to peel an enemy off of a nearby ally. Just be sure not to use it to charge in alone at all six enemies.
Fire Strike
Fire Strike shoots a jet of fire that deals 100 damage to everyone it hits. It also goes through barriers and enemy Heroes. If you don’t have your ultimate, you should use Fire Strike on cooldown to hit as many enemies as possible and charge it up. You should also use this to deal extra damage while fighting opponents.
Earthshatter
Earthshatter is one of the best Ultimate Abilities in the game. It knocks down and stuns every enemy in a cone ahead of Reinhardt. Keep in mind that an enemy barrier (including a Zarya bubble) can block your Earthshatter. Try to use it if you know the enemy doesn’t have a barrier available. You can also try a flank with it, but that can be risky if you get caught (Reinhardt isn’t very sneaky). Most importantly, try to make sure you hit key targets. Earthshatter will go up and down terrain, as well as through the payload.
Reinhardt is one of the best tanks in the game, and he is always an asset to any Overwatch team. He works best with Zarya and D.Va, but he can play with any team. He doesn’t require aim, so he is a great choice if you don’t feel confident aiming. Make sure to have fun and be patient when learning him!
