Pharah is the Overwatch hero that proves size isn’t always indicative of power. This small but mighty commander can be found soaring through the skies, using her powerful rocket launcher to keep her enemies in check. She has an impressive enforcer arsenal, a natural affinity for strategy, and an inspiring backstory which, in Overwatch 2, is only served to add layers to this valiant hero.
Ana Amari, Pharah’s mother, was an accomplished Overwatch agent during its heyday, and the push for justice, security, and peace that this team invoked influenced her daughter greatly. This is why Pharah chose to join the private protection agency Helix Security International. Of course, as fate would have it, she was called upon again when Overwatch 2 was revealed and as of now, is a confirmed playable character in the game.
In terms of strengths, Pharah’s array of weapon options and game-breaking abilities offer an impressive suite of variety for a hero of her size. Her signature weapon is the Rocket Launcher, which deals powerful direct and splash damage to multiple enemies, making her hard to take down quickly. Her other abilities revolve around movement and battlefield control; Jump Jet lets her reach higher heights and stay airborne longer, while Concussive Blast deals with confusing and pushing back enemies while clearing choke points. Her ultimate, Barrage, gives her the ability to rain bullets down on her enemies in a devastating hail of fire.
While Pharah is a strong Overwatch 2 hero, she’s not without her drawbacks. Without the protection of her team and the right synergies, she’s far too vulnerable to the reaches of hitscan heroes like Soldier 76 and Sojorn. Careful positioning and aiding teammates with heals and shields should be your bread and butter while playing as Pharah.
Ana Amari, Pharah’s mother is a hero in her own right. This veteran sniper was a member of the original Overwatch squad and an admirable leader. Her accomplishments and impact on the organization did not go unrecognized, and even when Overwatch was disbanded, Amari’s legacy was remembered. In Overwatch 2, Pharah takes after her mother’s passion and courage, ensuring her place in the team and bringing her to the front lines of the battlefield.
With the release of Overwatch 2, Pharah’s abilities have been reinvented and refined. Her Rocket Launcher is now more lethal than ever and her Concussive Blast pushes the limits of what this ability can do. But her ultimate, Barrage, is invaluable to Pharah. This ultimate freezes her in one spot and unleashes a hellish flurry of rockets across the sky. Even though tanks like Reinhardt or Ramattra can mitigate some of the damage done, Barrage is still an effective tool in the fight against an enemy squad.
When playing as Pharah, it’s essential to remember she’s a flying hero and must be paired with a Mercy to be fully effective on the battlefield. By acting as a distraction and using her abilities to break up the enemy team, Pharah can be a formidable opponent, capable of creeping undetected across the sky and raining down upon her enemies with her Rocket Launcher and ultimate. With the right strategy, she can be a powerful hero, so make sure to take her for a spin in Overwatch 2.
