October 5, 2023
Usually found lurking in the shadows, Hanzo is the cause for many player’s pain. With a well-aimed shot, Hanzo can instantly drop many players before they even realize what happened to them.
As a sniper, Hanzo is usually removed from the action, and with some good intel, he can stay on the move and out of the enemy’s sight. He can flank the enemy, fire off some shots, and disappear before the enemy has time to react.
Hanzo is great for players who don’t want to be in the middle of the action and like to stay on the move. He can be tough to master, but this guide is here to help get you acquainted with the basics.
Storm Bow
Hold to charge, then release to launch arrows further.
This is a projectile-based weapon, so you’ll need to lead your shots. You can also adjust the trajectory of the shot based on how long you charge before releasing.
It’s best to find vantage points, which can be done easily with Hanzo’s ability to double-jump and climb walls. Reach higher parts of the map that are out of other character’s limits to make it easier for you to stay out of sight. The added vantage point could make it easier for you to land headshots.
Storm Arrows
The next five arrows ricochet and fire instantly at reduced damage.
This is a rapid-fire ability best used when Hanzo is backed into a close-range fight. While the attack does deal reduced damage, it can still be lethal if you manage to get headshots with the ability.
The arrows also have the ability to ricochet, which can come in handy by giving you a second chance to hit an enemy if you miss a shot.
This ability is also a great way to break through enemy defenses quickly. If your opponent has a shield or wall, rapidly firing all five arrows at this broad target can make quick work of the obstacle.
Sonic Arrow
Reveals enemies for a short time upon impact.
This is a great information-gathering ability. While it can still do damage like a normal arrow if you land a hit, its main function is to send out a beacon that reveals nearby enemies wherever it lands.
Knowing where your enemies are is great intel for Hanzo. This can help you lead shots to better take down your opponents, and it can help you plan where to aim your Ultimate Ability for maximum damage.
Information is key in any game you are facing an opponent. The ability to see enemies around corners and through walls can give your team the advantage they need to win any objective.
Lunge
Double jump.
This is a passive ability that does not require a cooldown. This ability, combined with his ability to climb walls, allows Hanzo to get to locations that other heroes can not. In a pinch, it can also be used to escape dangerous situations.
Wall Climb
Jump at walls to climb up.
Vantage points are Hanzo’s best friend. Since he can’t do much damage to shields without the Storm Arrow ability, Hanzo should get around the enemy and find high ground. With his Lunge and Wall Climb abilities, Hanzo can do just that. Flanking the enemy and getting a good vantage point will allow Hanzo to use the elevation to his advantage and pick off vulnerable targets.
Dragonstrike
Launch a deadly Dragon Spirit that devastates enemies it passes through.
This ability can take a lot of work to get right. It fires a slow cylinder that makes its way across the map. Those caught in its radius take a great deal of damage. However, it’s relatively easy to dodge.
That being said, if used correctly, it has the potential to take out an entire team in one blow. If you can pair this with another hero’s Ultimate Ability, like Zarya’s Graviton Surge that pulls enemies to one spot or Reihnardt’s Earthshatter that knocks enemies down it can get enough people in one location for you to use Dragonstrike in a devastating combo attack.
Using the Sonic Arrow to gain intel on the enemy’s position before firing Dragonstrike can also help make sure the Ultimate is not wasted.
You can also use this ability as a way to herd your opponents. As they attempt to avoid your Ultimate, it can cause them to break formation, which can isolate them and make for easier battles for your team to pick them off.
Tips and Tricks
- Storm Bow is a powerful weapon, so be sure to aim for the head for maximum damage. Don’t push in too close to the active fights. Learn vantage points and stay mobile.
- Storm Arrows are a great way to destroy barriers and walls at close range. You can also use this if you’re ever backed into a close-range fight. The damage output may be lower, but a headshot can still be fatal.
- Sonic Arrows are great for gathering intel. You can see around corners or through walls and use that information to lead your shots or help aim your Ultimate.
- Lunge and Wall Jump are great mobility abilities that allow Hanzo to reach new heights. Take advantage of these abilities to scope out great vantage points, flank your enemies, and strike where they are vulnerable.
- Dragonstrike is best used in combo with abilities that will group your opponents together. It can also be used to separate the opposing team into easier battles for your team to pick them off.
Hanzo is a great hero for players who don’t necessarily want to be in the heat of battle. His damage output may not always be the highest, but a good Hanzo will consistently have many kills. With a great way to gather intel and mobility, Hanzo is definitely a character worth getting to know.