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Overwatch 2 provides players with a roster of heroes to adapt to any circumstance. Even so, many players push one main hero, learning all their abilities and tricks to make the most out of them. Zarya is a long fan-favorite tank character. We’ll tell you whether you must unlock the hero Zarya in Overwatch 2 as well as how to best utilize all of her abilities. Also, we’ll touch on some of her drawbacks, so you’ll know when it’s time to pull back.
Do You Have to Unlock the Hero Zarya in Overwatch 2?
Fans of Zarya can rest easy. No, you don’t have to unlock her in Overwatch 2.
Zarya is among the numerous starting heroes you can choose from once you start Overwatch 2, whether you’re a veteran player or a new one. This way, everyone can take advantage of this tank of a character.
Zarya Abilities and Tips in Overwatch 2
Anyone who previously played Overwatch knows that Zarya is a heavy hitter. A frontline combatant, she’s known in-universe as one of the strongest women in the world. At the same time, she strives to protect her allies and herself, and her abilities reflect that.
General Zarya Abilities
- Projected Barrier: Projects a protective barrier around an ally.
- Particle Barrier: Projects a protective bubble around yourself.
Passive Zarya Abilities in Overwatch 2
- Energy: Any damage done to Zarya’s barriers converts to energy and increases Particle Cannon damage.
Weapon & Ultimate
- Particle Cannon: A short-range linear beam weapon.
- Graviton Surge: Launches a gravity well that sucks enemies toward it.
Zarya can turn into a tough opponent to kill when you combine her healthy life pool with her barrier. Even if an enemy does manage to drop your health down, the barrier serves to buy that extra time to either dish out more damage of your own or get to the safety of your teammates.
Meanwhile, her Projected Barrier comes in handy when the other support needs backup. It’s a brief window, but it’s more than enough time to save an ally’s life so they can get healed back up. This makes Zarya good support for your Overwatch 2 support.
At the same time, these barriers continue to bolster Zarya’s damage with her Particle Cannon. The cannon is deadly enough without being charged. Having it charged up, along with the extra damage from the barriers, can make quick work of enemies. Consider amplifying Zarya’s damage more with a combo by another strong Overwatch 2 hero like Mercy.
As for her ultimate, this is where team communication is a must. Pushing the enemy team, so everyone gets sucked into the Graviton Surge is the right call to wipe them out.
Remember to keep an eye on your allies, though, more so the ones with lower health. They can get wiped out fast while Zarya stays in the fight, so you will need to know when to toss a barrier. Also, understand cooldown times, so you don’t waste them.
Related:
Overwatch 2: Reaper Guide (Tips & Abilities)
Overwatch 2 is available on PC, PS5, and PS4 systems, Xbox One and Series systems, and Nintendo.