December 28, 2023
Though she’s not a newcomer to Overwatch, Mei has grown in popularity since the game’s previous installment. With her tank-like abilities and rapid heal, she serves her team well in the Overwatch 2 battle landscape.
Mei is a DPS hero that’s equal parts utility and tank. She can take on the front lines without much worry as she has an ability that allows her to go immune and immobilized for a few seconds while she heals. This allows her to survive in many situations that would leave other heroes on ice.
As we stated before, Mei also has a decent utility build. She doesn’t heal others, but she has an immovable wall great for cutting off an enemy’s advance or allowing your teammates to escape. This wall can separate a tank from their team or block a sniper’s line of sight. In the right hands, Mei can be an exciting player and the bane of the opposing team’s existence. This article will help dive into her abilities to help you become familiar with this ice-cold hero.
Mei’s abilities
Endothermic Blaster
Left-click for a short-range spray weapon that slows enemies. Right-click for a long-range icicle launcher.
This is Mei’s primary weapon and only form of damage output. The standard spray shot is perfect for close-range targets, and the secondary fire is a great long-range weapon with no drop-off that can potentially take out the enemy in one shot with a well-timed headshot.
Fans of the original Overwatch may be upset that Mei’s weapon no longer freezes the enemy, but her weapon still doles out a lot of damage if you can manage to keep contact with the enemy. The primary fire for her weapon is well-suited for tanks since Mei can keep on them and heal herself as needed, so don’t be afraid to push ahead. However, if you want to play a more defensive role, you can use the alt-fire to launch a long-range assault and take down other DPS characters or the more squishy healers.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up, either. Like other heroes, it all comes down to aim, and sometimes it is easier to land a shot with the alt-fire than it is to constantly laser your foes with the primary spray, so throw in the icicle shot from time to time to help ensure you’re doing steady damage.
Cryo-Freeze
Become invulnerable and heal yourself.
Mei’s Cryo-Freeze ability puts her on par with tanks when it comes to survivability. This makes her great for taking the fight to the frontlines and gives her the ability to lock down a point or escort the target without much worry. Though her life pool may not be on par with actual tanks, when she launches into her Cryo-Freeze ability, she becomes immune and heals almost all of her health.
This ability makes her a great pick for players who want to play aggressively. As long as the opposing team does not overwhelm Mei, she can control the flow of battle.
This is also a great way to give yourself time if you need to plan out an escape. While Mei is great for close-range combat, sometimes you need to pull back. Hopping into your Cryo-Freeze will give you about four seconds to think of an escape plan while you heal. Luckily, you can aim your wall while healing up, so a good play is to use your wall as soon as you come out of the icicle to get away if you need to play it safe.
Ice Wall
Create a wall in front of you.
The Ice Wall ability is Mei’s biggest strategic advantage, so getting some placement practice in may be pertinent. The difference between a good Mei player and a great one is how well they use their Ice Wall. This wall can block damage for a long period unless sections are destroyed.
Defensively, the wall can be used as cover from long-range attacks and to shield your teammates. This gives them the chance to escape or regroup. On the other hand, you can also use the wall Offensively. If the enemy tank is overextended, you can throw up the ice wall to separate them from their team and keep them from retreating.
Blizzard (Ultimate Ability)
Launch a weather control drone that freezes enemies in a wide area.
The Blizzard ability is great for clearing an area. It is a projectile ability, so make sure you are facing the direction you want to throw it before you engage your ultimate. You’ll want to try to aim it towards as many enemies as you can to try to trap them in the freezing zone.
Some enemies may escape the Blizzard’s grasp, but that is not necessarily bad. Those trapped in the Blizzard are frozen and become sitting targets. However, those who escaped are usually separated from their team and can still be overwhelmed.
This ability is great for clearing a point. The opposing team will have to either stay on the point and run the risk of freezing, or they can clear out and leave it open for your team to take.
Timing is everything. The Blizzard ability may take some time to get comfortable with, so practice your throws.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t be afraid to mix up Mei’s primary spray shot and alternate icicle shot to make sure you’re outputting steady damage.
- Cryo-Freeze is great for pushing and planning escapes putting Mei on par with some tanks
- Be sure to practice wall placement! A good wall can keep your team alive and separate the opposing teams front and backlines.
- Blizzard is great for clearing an area. The opposing team will have to choose between getting frozen or clearing the site if this is used correctly.
Mei can be a fun character to take into the fray, but she will definitely take some practice to get used to her kit. She is a great character for players who like versatility. You can play her both defensively and offensively while choosing to play like a tank or more like DPS.