Overwatch 2: How To Play Zarya (Abilities, Strategies, Tips & Tricks)

Here's all you need on how to play Zarya in Overwatch 2 with his abilities and a few strategies.

Blizzard Entertainment has finally released the sequel to Overwatch and players are hopping on to try it. While there are many new players, the veterans of Overwatch are already excited to see the changes made to the characters. Many of the characters are stronger in Overwatch 2 when we compare them to the old ones. However, whether you are a veteran or a new player, it is always useful to get some tips and tricks for the character you want to try out. In this guide, we will show you how you can play the Tank Class Zarya in Overwatch 2. Zarya is a lot more than just a Tank and the full range of her abilities will be very useful in battle. So let’s check out this guide on Zarya to get a head-on in the game.

Tips and Tricks to Play Zarya in Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 Zarya Abilities Strategies Tips and Tricks

While Zarya may be a Tank class, she is much more than that. She is close to the best Tank if not the best. Zarya can swiftly change defense to offense with the use of her barrier and the powerful beam that she fires.

And if that is not all, Zarya’s ultimate is one of the best support moves a team could ask for. In all technicality, Zarya in Overwatch 2 is part and parcel of the Tank, DPS, and support abilities.

Thus, Zarya should definitely be the one who should be upfront. While her additional skills are great, they do have a drawback that you will have to watch out for. Zarya does not have the typical strength of other Tanks. But her other abilities are why she is one of the best.

Abilities of Zarya

Now that it is clear that Zarya pretty much can play as a Tank, DPS, or Support, let’s check out the abilities that allow her to do that in Overwatch 2:

  • Particle Cannon
    • Short Range Linear Beam Weapon
    • Energy Grenade Launcher
  • Particle Barrier – This creates a defensive barrier around you.
  • Projected Barrier – Use it to create a defensive barrier around your ally in danger.
  • Energy – While it is a passive ability, it does increase the damage of the Particle Cannon when your barrier soaks up enough damage.
  • Gravitation Surge (Ultimate) – Launch a Gravity well that pulls enemies to it.

Now that we know her abilities, we can use the best strategies for Zarya.

Strategies for Zarya in Overwatch 2

Zarya simply as a Tank would have been pretty much in the lower tier of the character tier list. However, her other abilities make her a great fit for the roles of Tank, DPS, and Support. Having someone like Zarya on the team greatly boosts the team’s gameplay.

So here are the strategies that will prove useful for Zarya in Overwatch 2:

  • While Zarya cannot soak up heavy damage, her Particle Barrier ability is enough to protect herself. But that is not its only use as it can also be a useful tool for distraction. If perfectly timed with a DPS character in your team, Zarya can block an opponent’s attack while the teammate takes out the enemy.
  • Next, her Particle Cannon is quite useful for an onslaught. Once you go on using the Barrier a few times, your passive ability Energy will make your weapon even more overpowered. While in close combat, these two combined will be very useful and there is the Particle Barrier for the quick defense of course. These two also make Zarya a powerful DPS in Overwatch 2 if the need arises.
  • Along with your own defense, the Projected Barrier allows you to help an ally in need. It works the same way as Particle Barrier but instead of you, your ally gets the defensive barrier. While in a vital situation in the game, small moves like these can generate big outcomes. However, make sure you are somewhat in the clear before you try to save someone else. Since this strategy can backfire, it should be met with caution.
  • Lastly we come to the Ultimate ability of Zarya in Overwatch 2. Gravitation Surge is a heavenly move for any team when executed perfectly. It pulls enemies that are close to the well through gravity and lays them in the center. Almost like food served in silver platter if your attackers are ready. This is one of the best team moves and should be executed in full coordination.

That’s all there is on how to play Zarya in Overwatch 2. While we are here, make sure you do not miss out on our other Overwatch 2 guides with Gamer Tweak.