December 21, 2023
Take to the skies with this DPS agent. Pharah has some of the best mobility in the entire game. She can take to the skies and deal damage from above. She is a great agent to choose if you want to dole out damage while moving around the map constantly.
Players familiar with Pharah from the first installment of Overwatch may note some changes to how the character works. Her rockets deal less area of effect (AoE) damage, but they deal more damage when hitting enemies directly. You’ll want to try and aim for an enemy directly instead of the area around them like you used to. She also has a slight boost in her Concussive Blast ability’s damage and knockback, as well as a slight increase in her reload speed after running out of ammo. Even with these changes, Pharah still feels familiar to players who used her in the first Overwatch game.
A good Pharah can make a team. However, a bad Pharah can aggressively ruin the team’s odds of winning. This guide will help both returning players and newcomers get familiar with Phara’s abilities.
Abilities
Rocket Launcher
Long-range explosive projectile weapon
The Rocket Launcher is Pharah’s primary weapon that allows her to shoot explosives. Pharah should always focus on charging her ultimate ability to deal the most damage possible. The best way to do this is to be firing rockets constantly. The rockets dole out less AoE damage, so even though it may seem like a long-range weapon, you may want to fire at a closer range to deal more direct damage.
Aim at a mass of enemies to up your odds. One lucky shot is all it takes to bring down an opponent.
Jump Jet
Fly rapidly upwards
This ability allows Pharah to rain down terror from the skies. It makes her one of the most mobile characters in the game. Jump Jet will get Pharah to locations above the battlefield and create a perfect overview. This will allow you to assess the situation and choose the best place to aim for maximum damage. Just be mindful of sharpshooters that can easily pick off flying characters.
Jump Jet can be used defensively as well. If you’re overwhelmed by the enemy, and your Hover Jets are on cooldown, use Jump Jet to maneuver upwards out of the enemy’s line of fire quickly.
Concussive Blast
Launch an explosive blast to knock back enemies.
The Concussive Blast ability may not do much damage, but it can come in handy offensively and defensively. This ability will knock enemies back, making it great to push opponents off a ledge. It can also be used to push opponents closer to your teammates for an organized attack.
Defensively, Concussive Blast can push your enemies back to allow for an escape. It can also be used to propel Pharah in a specific direction. Used in conjunction with Pharah’s other abilities, like Jump Jet, she can quickly maneuver out of many tricky situations that would leave other heroes headed back to respawn.
Barrage (Ultimate Ability)
Launch a continuous volley of mini-rockets.
Justice rains down from above! Barrage is one of the most deadly moves in the game. Enemies who get caught in the Barrage will be headed towards respawn within seconds if they don’t move. It is a high-risk, high-reward ability. Pharah is stuck in place when she launches her ultimate ability, so it is possible for the ability to be interrupted. However, if aimed correctly, Barrage could lead to a team wipe.
Before unleashing Barrage, try flanking and finding the optimal position and opportunity to unleash your rockets on the enemy team. Busting out your ultimate in the wrong place can leave your back exposed and make you an easy target.
Hover Jets
Hold to hover.
Holding to descend slowly when using Hover Jets will give the Jump Jets ability time to cooldown. This will allow Pharah to consistently take to the skies anytime she lands.
Pharah’s greatest asset is her mobility. Jump Jet and Hover Jet allow Pharah to reach places a lot of heroes can’t get to. Her abilities work in concert with one another. Use Jump Jet to get into the air, Hover Jet to stay there, then light your enemies up with a Rocket Launcher or Barrage.
Tips and Tricks
- Aim at a mass of enemies to up your chances when using the Rocket Launcher. One lucky shot is all it takes to bring down an opponent
- Jump Jet is great for getting above the noise. Used in conjunction with Hover Jet, Pharah can take to the sky and stay there for an extended period of time
- Concussive Blast are great for pushing enemies off the ledge and also for making a hasty retreat. Assess the situation, and be sure to use your mobility to your advantage.
- Barrage is one of the greatest damage-inducing ultimate abilities in the game. However, it does leave Pharah vulnerable. Be sure to not leave your back exposed when launching your Barrage.
- Barrage can also damage Pharah if you’re too close to the ground. Make sure to launch into the air before launching Barrage, so you’re a safe distance away.
- Hover Jets allow Pharah to stay in the air for long periods of time. Remember to hold to descend slowly to get the most out of this ability.
Pharah is great for players who want to remain mobile. Getting used to her mobility may be quite the hurdle, but it will be worth it in the long run. Phara’s abilities work in concert with one another, and figuring out the best ways to get in and get out of situations will be an asset. Mastering Phara’s movements is the first thing you should focus on when picking up this Hero. Being airborne does not make you invincible, but a moving target is trickier to hit than a stationary one.