Everything you need to know, including the best combos, to improve your  game on Reaper in Overwatch 2.

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The Overwatch 2 changes that everyone has access to definitely made the game more attractive than before. Even though everything is different, the game feels much more intriguing because people come up with many new combos. Speaking of the devil, we have to mention a hero that is notorious for his ability to work with a wide range of options, and his name is Reaper.

Despite being one of the popular options in lower-rated games, he is not that big among pro players. However, this might change in Overwatch 2 because the current meta favors some tanks.

While it is true that most of their tanks lost their barriers, they are stronger than ever before because they have more HP and armor. This is good news for Reaper because he is notorious as the best hero against tanks.

Since tanks now dominate the Overwatch 2 meta, learning how to play with Reaper is crucial. That’s why it is time to learn more about the hero and how to use him properly.

Overview

Although some of the changes in Overwatch 2 transformed certain DPS heroes, this is not the case when it comes down to Reaper. In fact, he is one of the few names in the game that did not receive that many changes.

His Hellfire Shotgun now deals 5.4 damage per bullet instead of 6, and its spread was reduced from 8 to 7 degrees. Besides these nerfs, the hero also benefits from the new Overwatch 2 DPS passive ability. The latter gives the hero bonus movement and reload speed.

Besides the abovementioned changes, the hero is the same as in Overwatch. This means that he is exceptionally strong in close-range combat but doesn’t do much when shooting from a distance. The fact that long-range heroes counter him is one of the reasons why some players do not use him that often.

Tip – Positioning is everything

When talking about Reaper, we must remember that this is the best DPS hero against tanks. He was an excellent option in Overwatch, so you can imagine his power in Overwatch 2 where tanks are much better than before.

That said, the only way to make the hero work is if you are in their face. Sadly, this is not always possible because some tanks deal a lot of damage, and you will always bet on the number 1 target. That’s why you need to have good positioning.

One of the things that you can do to ensure you are in a good spot is to use the high ground. Although you may not deal that much damage at first, you can jump on your targets and eradicate them in seconds. If something goes wrong, you can always use your 2nd ability and run away.

Tip – Don’t take fights you can’t win

This general tip applies to every hero, but it is especially true for Reaper because he does not work in every situation. As mentioned, the hero can do wonders when he is in close range of his target. However, once this enemy runs away, he doesn’t do as much damage. 

In other words, you should use a cover or simply avoid fights you can’t win. Playing against heroes like Widowmaker or Pharah can be challenging, so it is better to avoid them or play smart. 

To sum up, do not stay in the open for too long because you could die fast. Always use the cover provided by the map itself and think carefully about how to make the most of the situation.

Tip – You can’t always rely on your lifesteal

One of the many reasons why Reaper is so popular in Overwatch is because of his lifesteal. This is among the few Overwatch 2 DPS heroes that can actually sustain themselves while fighting. However, you have to remember that he is not a healer, which means that the lifesteal may not be enough to keep him alive. That’s why the hero also needs to avoid tanking too much damage.

Speaking of lifesteal, the only way to benefit from this ability is if you hit a target. That’s one of the reasons why Reaper is among the worst options to have versus heroes like Widowmaker or Sojourn. These two can be miles away from him, so he won’t be able to benefit from the lifesteal. On top of that, they can kill him in seconds, which is also a problem.

Tip – Be careful when using your ultimate

Reaper’s ultimate is probably one of the best in Overwatch 2 because it can destroy all 5 players in seconds. However, this is only true if the hero actually lands it properly.

Failing to use the ultimate on time or when it is necessary can make it feel useless. One of the reasons why this is true is because it can be blocked, or Reaper himself can be CCied while using it. 

To prevent this from happening, you must be careful when using the ability and only go for it when the enemy does not have something to stop you. For example, if you face Rein, use your ult after his barrier is broken.

Combos

One of the things we’d like to point out in this Overwatch 2 Reaper Guide is that the hero can work with all sorts of tanks and supports. That said, he shines when used in conjunction with a couple of names, such as Zarya.

Aside from this tank, those who want to know how to play with Reaper can also try the combo with D.Va, Aana, and a couple of other heroes. All of them work, so it depends on the situation.

Zarya

Considering the fact that Zarya is one of the top-tier Overwatch 2 heroes right now, it shouldn’t be surprising that she and Reaper are amazing. Zarya is a powerful tank capable of annihilating her opponents. Fortunately, this also applies to Reaper, especially when he gets one of the bubbles.

Due to the fact that he is a tanky hero, enemies often have problems killing him. What’s more, he also lifesteals when doing damage, which makes him even stronger. So, just imagine what it feels like playing against a Reaper who also has a bubble.

Aside from the defensive part of the combo, we also have to remember that these two heroes have some of the best AoE ults in the game. Once Zarya catches heroes in her ult, Reaper can easily kill them in seconds.

The only problem with this combo is that the two heroes must communicate effectively. Playing with random people can be tricky, so try using voice chat when possible.