5 best Overwatch 2 heroes to counter Soldier: 76

Counters for Soldier 76 in Overwatch 2 are pretty basic, as this hero also brings a basic ability kit to the table. This is one of the original damage dealers that was introduced in Blizzard's hero shooter title. Although he can dish out a healthy amount of damage, the lack of any evasion or proper repositioning skills makes it difficult to escape enemies when cornered.

Soldier 76 in Overwatch 2 has a basic set of skills with a powerful primary weapon. He can sprint around the map, which provides mobility. There is also a healing skill that can be used to be as independent as possible on the battlefield. However, this also makes him easy to counter since you can just aggressively push the hero and burst him down with damaging abilities. You should watch out for his ultimate ability since it temporarily makes him unable to miss any shots from the gun.

This article will highlight the most effective characters you can pick to counter Soldier 76 in Overwatch 2.

Editor’s note: The contents of this article are subjective and solely feature the writer's own opinion. Furthermore, the article has been updated to feature the latest information in accordance with the balance patch deployed by Blizzard Entertainment on February 18, 2025.

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5 best heroes to counter Soldier 76 in Overwatch 2

1) Genji

Genji in Overwatch 2 (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Genji is a versatile hero who can excel in both close-range and long-range combat. His mobility and agility make him a great counter to Soldier: 76.

Genji's Deflect ability allows him to reflect Soldier: 76's shots back at him. This makes it difficult for Soldier: 76 to hit him.

Additionally, Genji's Shuriken and Swift Strike abilities can deal significant damage to Soldier: 76 from a distance. His ultimate ability, Dragonblade, can also be used to quickly eliminate Soldier: 76 and any nearby enemies.

2) Pharah

Pharah in Overwatch 2 (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Pharah is a strong counter to Soldier: 76 due to her ability to fly and attack from above. This ability makes it difficult for Soldier: 76 to hit Pharah when she is in the air.

Pharah's Rockets can deal significant damage to Soldier: 76, and her Concussive Blast ability can be used to disrupt his positioning and push him away from his team.

Additionally, Pharah's ultimate ability, Barrage, can be used to finish off Soldier: 76 and any nearby foes.

3) Sombra

Sombra is an Overwatch 2 hero who specializes in disrupting enemy abilities and hacking them. She is a great counter to Soldier: 76's Biotic Field ability, as she can hack it and prevent him from using it.

Sombra's Stealth ability also allows her to approach Soldier: 76 unnoticed and deal significant damage to him. Additionally, her ultimate ability, EMP, can disable all of Soldier: 76's abilities and leave him vulnerable to attacks.

4) Winston

Winston tank hero in OW2 (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Winston is a tank hero who excels at disrupting enemy positions and diving into the enemy team. He is a strong counter to Soldier: 76 due to his mobility and ability to jump into the backline.

Winston's Tesla Cannon can deal significant damage to Soldier: 76. Additionally, his Barrier Projector can be used to block Soldier: 76's shots and prevent him from dealing damage.

Once you have mastered the jump ability, you can slam down on Soldier 76 with ease and take a close-range fight. Combine this with the dome shield to block outside interference to ensure that you have an isolated fight. This creates an advantageous situation for you where you can pick up an easy elimination.

5) Widowmaker

Widowmaker in OW2 (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Widowmaker is a sniper hero in Overwatch 2 who can deal significant damage to Soldier: 76 from a distance. Her shots have no damage falloff and can deal critical hits to Soldier: 76's head.

Additionally, Widowmaker's grapple hook ability allows her to quickly reposition herself and avoid Soldier: 76's shots.

Widowmaker's ultimate ability, Infra-Sight, can be used to reveal the enemy team's positions, which can help her team to get a hold of Soldier 76's location and eliminate him.

Soldier 76 in Overwatch 2 is susceptible to damage due to the lack of any defensive abilities. This is a point that you can exploit while playing against him in online lobbies. He would need to fight on the frontlines and repeatedly return to receive heals if you can focus on dealing damage. This makes it possible you to capitalize on some opportunities and eliminate Soldier 76 whenever he hits critical health points.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh