Overwatch Season 1 Tier List: All Heroes Ranked

Overwatch witnessed a pivotal shift in 2026. With the game reverting to its original name, the addition of five new heroes, and a host of in-game changes, the meta has undergone a transformative shift. Many heroes have lost their effectiveness, while a select few have risen to the top. In this article, we'll break down the current Overwatch meta and categorize all heroes into tiers based on their roles.

Before we dive into our tier list, it’s worth remembering that Overwatch is a complex game with many variables, and player preference plays a huge role in the way heroes perform. So our list will likely differ from yours for various reasons. It's also important to note that this tier list is based on 5v5 competitive play, not Stadium or 6v6 formats.

Our Tier Ranking System Explained

Our tier list is divided into five tiers: SS, S, A, B, and C. We have not included a D or an F tier, as no hero in the game is currently considered unplayable. Below is a breakdown of what each tier represents:

• SS – The absolute best in their role; these are often the heroes you'd prioritize banning.

• S – Not quite ban-worthy, but still highly effective and impactful.

• A – Solid picks that perform well, though they may not excel on every map and often have stronger alternatives.

• B – Situational or weaker options that can work in the right hands but are generally outclassed.

• C – Below-average heroes that can still find value in niche compositions or on specific maps.

Overwatch Tank Tier List 

Best Heroes

Domina and Zarya currently stand as the strongest Tank heroes and are frequently banned as a result. Zarya has been the meta for several months, and despite receiving nerfs in Season 1, she still deals lethal damage and remains a threat to most heroes. Her Extra Oomph Major Perk makes it easier for her to build energy, and with proper support, she can feel nearly unstoppable.

As for Domina, the new hero brings considerable damage and a kit that is currently highly effective. Her Wall ability introduces a new dynamic to the game, effectively blocking enemy flankers, while her combination of Crystal Charge and Sonic Repulsors can catch squishy heroes off guard.

D.Va came very close to being an SS-tier pick. Despite multiple recent nerfs, she remains highly effective in both high and low-elo lobbies, especially with dive compositions being so strong in the current meta. The popularity of picks like Zarya and Domina does put a dent in her survivability, but her ability to dive into the enemy backline and brawl remains solid.

Overwatch Damage Tier List 

Best Heroes

Keeping up with the changes in the lore, Vendetta has emerged as one of the strongest characters in the game right now. She can easily dive into a fight, deal significant damage, and escape, making her highly effective in most situations and a frequent target for bans. Despite two recent nerfs, DPS players have found ways to keep Vendetta lethal in 5v5, earning her a spot in the SS tier.

Sojourn is another excellent Damage pick. She appears in nearly every professional match, boasts insane damage potential, and benefits greatly from the current meta being favorable for hitscan heroes. For these reasons, she stands out as one of the top DPS heroes in Season 1 so far.

We have several DPS heroes in the S tier. Tracer, for instance, remains highly effective in higher elo and professional play, and is quite frustrating to face. With dive heroes like Vendetta dominating the meta, counter-picks like Cassidy, Ashe, and Echo gain additional value.

Both Ashe and Cassidy excel at dealing consistent medium-range damage. Ashe, in particular, has become even more useful now that Jetpack Cat can carry Bob around using her tether, adding a new layer of synergy to her kit.

Overwatch Support Tier List 

Best Heroes

Jetpack Cat may very well be the most banned hero in the game right now. While not the strongest healer, she brings a multitude of playmaking options that can be used to build up offensive plays. Currently, there are very few counterplay opportunities due to the sheer variety of ways her tether combos can be executed. Although she loses value in solo queues, Jetpack Cat can be a menace when played with a coordinated friend or team. Her dominance may fade over the course of the season, whether through necessary nerfs from Blizzard or as players learn to counter her more effectively, but for now, Fika remains a threat across all elos.

Kiriko is a must-pick in almost every lineup right now. With Anran consistently dealing burn damage and heroes like Ashe and Ana remaining common picks, Kiriko has become a necessity across all maps in Overwatch Season 1. She is also a regular pick in professional matches, solidifying her spot in the SS-tier.

Juno, Ana, and Lucio are also close to being SS-tier picks. With more abilities in the game that apply negative effects to enemies and fewer options for cleansing them, Ana now has a better chance of maximizing the value of her Biotic Grenade. Additionally, her Headhunter Major Perk allows her to deal 150 HP of damage with headshots, making her a force to be reckoned with. As for Lucio and Juno, both are consistently favored by professional players and remain reliable options in ranked play. Neither received any changes in the Season 1 patch. However, like Ana, Juno and Lucio are rarely worth a ban in most instances, which places them firmly in the S-tier.

Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for more updates on the latest season of Overwatch. You can also follow us on our X account for the latest content and coverage.

Featured Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

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