Why is Bastion bad Overwatch?

Why is Bastion bad in Overwatch?

Bastion, one of the original heroes introduced in the popular multiplayer online battle arena game Overwatch, has gained a reputation as being a formidable tank-hybrid character. However, beneath its imposing appearance lies several reasons why Bastion can be considered a ‘bad’ hero. This article aims to identify these drawbacks, providing insight for both newcomers and veteran players on what makes Bastion challenging to play effectively.

Insufficient Mobility

Why is mobility so important?

Bastion’s mobility, or lack thereof, is its biggest flaw. This turret-like robot has two firing modes: Sentry mode and Soldier mode. While both modes provide a decent damage output, they severely hinder its movement capabilities. The following limitations make Bastion difficult to play effectively:

• Slow speed: Bastion’s base movement speed is only 11 km/h, which can lead to frustration in both casual and competitive matches.

In contrast, other tank characters, like Reinhardt and Winston, have faster movement speeds and can easily stay on top of objectives and foes. This limitation further accentuates Bastion’s issues, making it susceptible to flankers and rapid-poking heroes.

• Teleport limitations: Although Bastion has a useful Teleporter ability, which can move it short distances quickly, it can’t teleport too far away and may need to backtrack after being positioned.
• Impractical Soldier mode: While the Soldier mode increases Bastion’s mobility slightly, its usefulness is reduced since it exposes the robot to danger.

Limited Offense

Offensive weaknesses:

While Bastion excels in damaging structures, its own survival capabilities and defense mechanics hinder its potential as a force multiplier:

• Pinned by fire: Despite having an HP pool, Bastion can easily get locked down by concentrated fire or damage. Its immobile Sentry mode makes it easy for enemies to pick at its HP.
• High health requirement: Although its base HP is adequate, it needs sustained support and care to survive matches.
• Unengaging Soldier mode: Unless combined with other ultimates or powerful teammates, Soldier mode may not lead to the destruction of enemies due to its low range, poor aim, and general inability to take the lead.

Vulnerabilities to Combos and Compositions

Overlapping synergies:

Various combinations and compositions in the Overwatch meta can significantly trouble Bastion:

• Bulky teams: Bastion struggles when confronting a diverse team composition featuring characters like Winston, Brigitte, or Hammond. Its slow movement makes it susceptible to the tank- busting effects from these heroes.
• Mobile snipers: Enemy players wielding mobility-focused sniper rifles can take advantage of Bastion’s slow movement speed to stay out of its effective range.
• Counters to damage-absorbing: Many teams rely on damage-absorbing effects, like Symmetra’s Phasic Buffer, to whittle down opponents. These countering measures can quickly disengage or negate Bastion’s healing and defensive benefits.

Conclusion

Summary:

While Bastion excels at structured gameplay, its various flaws limit its overall viability and usefulness:

• Insufficient mobility due to its immobile firing modes
• Limited offensive capabilities due to survivability concerns and slow healing
• Vulnerability to certain team compositions, counter-play, and environmental effects

These shortcomings significantly diminish the value of a typically high-DPS hero. Instead of providing a significant boon, Bastion may merely exist to support a dominant composition, relying on support abilities from teammates. These concerns might make other Overwatch heroes, like Winston, Brigitte, or Roadhog, more enticing to play.