Venture, the first new damage hero introduced in Overwatch 2 Season 10, has taken the battlefield by storm. This close-range powerhouse boasts an arsenal of high-damage options, demanding exceptional proficiency in maneuvering and positioning. This guide delves into Venture’s abilities, combat strategies, and advanced tactics to help you dominate the competition.
Unveiling Venture’s Arsenal
Venture’s primary weapon, the Smart Excavator, fires explosive projectiles that detonate upon contact with enemies or reaching a set distance. While direct hits inflict maximum damage, mastering Venture involves exploiting the weapon’s alternative fire method. Targeting enemies’ feet or nearby objects guarantees detonation, making it a reliable tactic against foes employing erratic movements.
Dominating Close Quarters with Venture’s Abilities
Venture’s unique ability set revolves around dominating close-range encounters. Let’s explore these abilities in detail:
- Smart Excavator: This drill serves as Venture’s primary weapon, firing short-range explosives that detonate on impact or after traveling a set distance. It also grants Venture a slightly stronger melee attack compared to other heroes, albeit with a slower animation.
- Burrow: This ability allows Venture to burrow underground, becoming invulnerable to enemy attacks while traversing the battlefield. Emerging from the ground delivers a burst of damage to nearby enemies. Burrow proves invaluable for escaping precarious situations or flanking unsuspecting opponents.
- Drill Dash: This maneuver propels Venture forward, functioning both above and below ground. It inflicts damage upon impact with enemies and boasts a reduced cooldown when used underground. Effectively using Drill Dash for swift entries and exits is paramount to mastering Venture’s aggressive playstyle.
- Clobber (Passive): This passive strengthens Venture’s melee attack, enabling them to deal more significant damage in close-quarters combat.
- Explorer’s Resolve (Passive): Utilizing Venture’s abilities grants temporary shields, enhancing their survivability during intense confrontations.
- Tectonic Shock (Ultimate): Venture’s ultimate unleashes devastating shockwaves that erupt from the ground in a cone-shaped pattern. These shockwaves travel outwards, inflicting heavy damage on struck enemies. Tectonic Shock proves highly effective against grouped-up opponents, especially when they’re already weakened.
Mastering the Art of Aggression: Venture’s Combat Approach
Venture thrives in the heart of the battle, strategically utilizing their abilities to overwhelm foes at close range. Here are some core principles to dominate as Venture:
- Embrace the Drill: The Smart Excavator forms the cornerstone of Venture’s offensive strategy. Mastering its alternative fire method by aiming at enemies’ feet or environmental objects guarantees consistent damage application.
- Burrow for Advantage: Burrow serves more than just an escape mechanism. It allows for flanking maneuvers to surprise enemies and unleash devastating attacks from unexpected angles. Remember that a brief animation precedes Venture’s complete submergence; initiate Burrow strategically to avoid getting caught vulnerable.
- Aggressive Mobility: Drill Dash empowers Venture with exceptional mobility. Utilize it to close the gap on enemies rapidly, escape danger zones, or reposition for advantageous surprise attacks. Remember, Drill Dash offers a reduced cooldown when used underground, enabling more frequent repositioning while burrowed.
- Synergy is Key: Combine Venture’s abilities to maximize their effectiveness. For instance, Burrow can be used to strategically position yourself for a powerful Tectonic Shock ultimate, potentially eliminating grouped-up enemies.
- Shields Up!: Explorer’s Resolve grants temporary shields whenever you use an ability. Capitalize on this by using your abilities strategically in combat sequences to bolster your survivability.
Advanced Tactics for the Aspiring Venture Master
As you hone your Venture skills, consider incorporating these advanced tactics to elevate your gameplay:
- Controlled Burrow Exits: Burrow’s exit attack can be charged by holding down the button. This fortified attack inflicts more damage but grants enemies a split second to react. Utilize the charged exit strategically, especially when aiming to secure eliminations.
- Environmental Mastery: Don’t underestimate the impact of environmental objects. The Smart Excavator’s projectiles can be detonated by striking these objects, enabling strategic area denial or last-minute damage bursts around corners.
- Ultimate Timing: Tectonic Shock is a potent ultimate, but timing its deployment is crucial. Ideally, unleash it when enemies are clustered together and potentially weakened, maximizing its impact.
By mastering Venture’s unique abilities and strategic application of these combat tactics, you’ll transform into a formidable foe on the Overwatch