Overwatch Hero Guide: Tracer

Tracer is a high-mobility damage hero known for her speed, agility, and ability to quickly eliminate key targets. This guide will help you master her playstyle and maximize her effectiveness on the battlefield.

Hero Overview

Abilities

Primary Fire: Pulse Pistols

• Dual rapid-fire pistols
• Short range but high damage
• Accuracy decreases with distance
• Best used at close to medium range

Blink (Shift)

• Quick teleport in the direction you’re moving
• 3 charges with fast cooldown
• Can be used to escape danger or chase targets
• Maximum range of approximately 20 meters

Recall (E)

• Returns Tracer to her position 3 seconds ago
• Restores health to what it was at that time
• Can be used to escape lethal situations
• Cooldown: 12 seconds

Ultimate: Pulse Bomb (Q)

• Throws an explosive that sticks to surfaces and enemies
• Deals massive damage in a small area
• Can eliminate multiple enemies if they’re grouped together
• Charge rate: moderate

Playstyle

Offensive Strategies

• Flanking: Use Blink to reach the backline and eliminate supports
• Hit-and-Run: Engage enemies, deal damage, then Blink away
• Target Priority: Focus on squishy targets like supports and damage heroes
• Ultimate Usage: Save Pulse Bomb for grouped enemies or high-value targets

Defensive Strategies

• Blink Management: Always keep at least one Blink charge for escape
• Recall Timing: Use Recall just before taking lethal damage
• Positioning: Stay near cover to quickly retreat if needed
• Awareness: Watch for enemy crowd control abilities that can counter your mobility

Counters

Heroes That Counter Tracer

• Winston: His Tesla Cannon ignores your mobility and his barrier blocks your damage
• Moira: Her Fade can escape your chase, and her Biotic Orb deals damage over time
• Brigitte: Her Shield Bash stuns you, and her Whip Shot pushes you away

Heroes Tracer Counters

• Ana: Low mobility makes her an easy target
• Zenyatta: Squishy and lacks escape abilities
• Hanzo: Slow movement and reload times

Tips and Tricks

• Blink Jump: Use Blink while jumping to reach higher platforms
• Recall Reset: Use Recall to reset your Blink charges in emergency situations
• Pulse Bomb Placement: Stick Pulse Bomb to walls near enemies for unexpected kills
• Target Selection: Prioritize heroes with low health or who are out of position
• Map Knowledge: Learn flanking routes and high-ground positions on each map

Conclusion

Tracer is a challenging but rewarding hero to master. With her exceptional mobility and burst damage, she can single-handedly turn the tide of battle when played correctly. Remember to practice your Blink timing, Recall usage, and target selection to become a true menace to your enemies.

Good luck, and may your pulses be true!