Was Bastion ever a tank role?

Was Bastion Ever a Tank Role?

Bastion, the omnics engineer, has been a subject of debate among Overwatch enthusiasts regarding his role in the game. Some players claim that Bastion was indeed a tank hero in his early days, while others argue that he was always a damage hero. Let’s dive into the details and explore the history of Bastion’s role.

Early Days of Overwatch

When Overwatch was first released in 2016, players were introduced to a hero roster that included a mix of damage, tank, and support heroes. Bastion, with his unique appearance and abilities, was touted as a tank hero by many players. His deployment ability, which allowed him to transform into a hulking tank, lent credence to this argument.

Bastion’s Abilities

Bastion’s abilities, especially his Deployment (now known as Cone Cannon), seem to suggest that he was designed to be a tank hero. His deployment allowed him to become a literal tank, absorbing damage and protecting his teammates. Furthermore, his Repair Dad ability, which restores health to nearby allies, was seen as a sign of his tanky nature.

Countering Sombra

In the past, players would often argue that Bastion was a tank hero because he could effectively counter Sombra’s Hack ability, which would disable enemy abilities. Tank heroes like Reinhardt, Sigma, and Ramattra were seen as the only heroes capable of countering Sombra’s Hack. This led many players to believe that Bastion was a tank hero who could absorb damage and disrupt Sombra’s hack.

Role Evolution

However, as the Overwatch meta evolved, Bastion’s role began to change. His abilities, such as Cone Cannon and Repair Dad, became more situational, and his damage potential increased. Players began to use him as a hybrid hero, combining his tanky abilities with his damage output.

Overwatch 2

In the latest iteration of Overwatch, Bastion’s role has undergone significant changes. He now has a new passive ability, Fortified, which increases his survivability and allows him to absorb more damage. While this change may seem tanky, it’s also designed to make him more durable and flexible in-game.

Conclusion

To answer the question, was Bastion ever a tank role? The answer is yes, but his role has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, players saw him as a tank hero due to his Deployment ability and other tanky traits. However, as the meta evolved, his role shifted, and he became a more versatile hero with a hybrid playstyle.

Tanking Heroes vs. Bastion

Here’s a comparison of tanking heroes and Bastion’s current abilities:

As you can see, Bastion’s damage absorption is significantly lower compared to traditional tank heroes like Reinhardt, Sigma, and Ramattra.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, while Bastion was initially seen as a tank hero, his role has evolved over the years. He is now a hybrid hero with a more versatile playstyle, blending tanky abilities with damage output. While he’s not a traditional tank, he’s still a valuable addition to any team with his unique abilities and survivability.