Tracer Overwatch 2 Guide: Master the Blink Queen

Introduction
Tracer is the face of Overwatch and for good reason. With unmatched mobility, high burst damage, and the ability to zip around the battlefield, she can single-handedly turn the tide of battle in an instant. However, Tracer’s low health pool makes her a high-risk, high-reward hero. In this guide, we’ll help you harness her power, maximize her potential, and become a menace on the battlefield.

Abilities Breakdown

• Pulse Pistols (Primary Fire):
  Tracer wields dual pulse pistols that deal rapid burst damage at close range. They’re highly effective in short-range combat, but their damage falls off quickly over distance. To make the most of her pistols, always try to engage within close proximity to your target.

• Blink (L-Shift):
  This ability allows Tracer to dash forward instantly in the direction you’re moving, with up to 3 charges that replenish over time. Blink is the core of Tracer’s kit, allowing her to evade enemies, close gaps, and reposition quickly. Use it aggressively to harass the enemy backline, or defensively to escape danger.

• Recall (E):
  Tracer rewinds herself back to where she was 3 seconds ago, restoring health to the state it was in at that time. This is your get-out-of-jail-free card. Use Recall to escape lethal situations, confuse enemies, or reset your position after a risky engagement. Smart use of Recall is essential for survival.

• Pulse Bomb (Ultimate):
  Tracer’s ultimate is a sticky bomb that can deal massive AoE damage, perfect for taking out squishy targets or comboing with other ultimates. Stick this to high-priority targets like healers, damage dealers, or even tanks in low-health scenarios.

Tracer's Playstyle: Flanking & Harassment

Tracer excels at flanking and diving into the enemy's backline. Her playstyle revolves around harassing key targets, forcing them to retreat or distracting the enemy long enough for your team to capitalize.

Key Tips:

1. Be a Distraction:
   As Tracer, you’re not a front-line fighter. Your goal is to distract and harass. Constantly pressure the enemy team by flanking, forcing them to split their focus. Blink in, deal some damage, and Blink out before they can react.

2. Focus on Supports and DPS:
   Tracer's damage potential is huge, but her low health means dueling tanks isn’t optimal. Focus on picking off supports like Ana, Zenyatta, or squishy DPS like Widowmaker and Ashe. Blink in, burst them down, and Recall out.

3. Track Cooldowns:
   Pay attention to the enemy’s cooldowns. Heroes like Moira, Reaper, or Cassidy can punish you if you Blink in without their key abilities on cooldown. Once you’ve baited out abilities like sleep darts or flashbangs, it’s safe to engage.

Positioning: How to Stay Alive

While Tracer’s mobility makes her elusive, poor positioning will get you killed quickly. Here’s how to avoid that:

1. Use Cover:
   Always engage near cover so you can Blink to safety or Recall if things go south. Keep your surroundings in mind and never get caught out in the open.

2. Three-Blink Rule:
   Avoid using all three Blinks in one go unless absolutely necessary. Save at least one charge for an escape route, and Blink unpredictably to avoid enemy fire.

3. Stay Unpredictable:
   Never Blink in a straight line toward enemies. Zig-zag, use high ground, and Blink past your target to confuse them. Tracer’s survivability is all about being hard to track.

Ultimate Usage: Pulse Bomb

Pulse Bomb is a high-damage ultimate that can make or break a fight if used correctly.

1. Stick Priority Targets:
   The best use of Pulse Bomb is to stick it to key targets like healers or DPS, eliminating them from the fight quickly. Avoid wasting it on tanks unless they are low health or out of position.

2. Combo with Other Ultimates:
   Pulse Bomb pairs well with crowd control ultimates like Zarya’s Graviton Surge or Winston’s Primal Rage. Communicate with your team to combo these ults for devastating results.

3. Practice Your Sticks:
   Landing a successful stick with Pulse Bomb is a skill that takes practice. Blink in close to your target, throw the bomb, and Blink out. Practice this in custom games to get comfortable with the timing.

Matchups: Who to Engage & Who to Avoid

Strong Matchups:

• Ana: Her lack of mobility makes her an easy target. Just be careful of her Sleep Dart.
• Zenyatta: Low mobility and a large hitbox make Zenyatta an easy pick for Tracer.
• Widowmaker/Ashe: Both have strong ranged damage, but they’re vulnerable at close range. Blink into them before they can react.

Difficult Matchups:

• Brigitte: She can quickly burst you down with her melee attacks, and her Shield Bash makes her dangerous in close quarters.
• Torbjörn: His turret can auto-track you, making it difficult to Blink around effectively. Take out the turret before engaging him.
• Cassidy: His Magnetic Grenade can instantly shut you down if you Blink in carelessly. Bait it out before fully committing to a fight.

Advanced Tips: Becoming a Tracer God

1. Mind-Game with Recall:
   Trick your enemies by using Recall strategically. Engage in a fight, take damage, and then Recall to a safe location, leaving your enemies confused about your position. It’s one of the best ways to create space and keep enemies guessing.

2. Blink Melee Combo:
   For quick burst damage, get in the habit of using Blink + Melee. Tracer’s melee attack is instant and can help you finish off low-health targets.

3. Health Pack Control:
   Tracer benefits immensely from controlling health packs. Always be aware of their locations, especially when diving deep into the enemy backline. If you take damage, Blink to the nearest health pack instead of relying solely on supports.

Conclusion
Mastering Tracer is no easy task, but with the right mindset and practice, she can be one of the most rewarding heroes in Overwatch 2. Her mobility, burst damage, and disruptive potential make her a threat that any team should fear. Keep practicing your Blink management, aim, and target priority, and soon you'll be blinking your way to victory.

Good luck and happy blinking!