Countering Pocketed Genji: Ultimate Guide

Introduction: The Menace of the Pocketed Genji

Alright, guys, let's talk about something that can make even the most seasoned Overwatch players sweat: the pocketed Genji. You know the deal – this hyper-mobile, blade-wielding ninja is already a force to be reckoned with, but when he's getting constant heals and damage boosts from his team, he becomes an absolute nightmare. Dealing with a pocketed Genji requires a shift in strategy, a deep understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, and, let's be honest, a little bit of teamwork. In this guide, we're going to break down exactly how to handle this situation, covering everything from hero selection to positioning and communication. Buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the art of taking down the pocketed Genji menace. The key here is understanding that a pocketed Genji isn't just a Genji; he's a Genji amplified. His damage output is significantly higher, his survivability increases exponentially, and his ability to dive your backline becomes even more devastating. That means you can't approach him the same way you would a regular Genji. You need to adapt, anticipate, and execute with precision. We are going to explore various strategies, discussing which heroes excel in this situation, how to effectively disrupt his gameplay, and the importance of coordinating with your team. Remember, the goal isn't just to survive; it's to shut him down and give your team the edge in the fight. So, are you ready to learn how to take on this formidable foe? Let's get started!

So, why is the pocket so dangerous? Well, it’s simple, really. A pocket provides Genji with increased damage output, making his already lethal shurikens and swift strikes even more deadly. Pocketing also gives him increased healing, essentially turning him into a tanky damage dealer. This makes him extremely difficult to kill, especially when he's zipping around the map with his double jumps and wall climbs. Because of this, a Genji becomes a relentless threat that constantly pressures your team. That's why it’s really important to understand the composition of the enemy team and how to effectively deal with them. If they have a pocket Genji, you have to switch up your strategy or you’ll find yourself constantly respawning!

So, how do we deal with this? First of all, the very first thing to realize is the importance of counter picking. You can’t just run your usual hero and expect to come out on top! Choosing heroes with the right tools is key to mitigating the pocketed Genji's impact. Remember, the goal is to shut him down, not just trade kills. A good strategy disrupts his flow, forces him to play defensively, and ultimately neutralizes his threat. Be ready to adapt your hero choices based on the situation and the specific heroes supporting the Genji. This is key to victory.

Hero Selection: Choosing the Right Counters

Alright, let's talk about the heroes that can make a real difference against a pocketed Genji. Selecting the right heroes is the first and often the most important step in countering him. It’s not about finding a perfect counter; it’s about building a team composition that can effectively manage his threat. What's more, you can also adjust your playstyle with the hero you are playing, so that you can do your best against the enemy Genji. Let’s break down some of the best choices, considering their strengths and how they can be utilized. Remember, a versatile team composition is often more effective than a team with a single, dedicated counter.

• Winston: Our favorite angry monkey is an excellent choice. Winston's primary strength lies in his ability to dive and isolate key targets, making him perfect for taking down a pocketed Genji. His Tesla Cannon deals consistent damage, bypassing armor, and his Primal Rage ultimate can be used to knock Genji away from his supports or eliminate him outright. To use Winston, you need to be able to predict the Genji's movements and coordinate with your team to focus fire. Diving in with a clear plan and good communication is the key to success. You want to focus on diving the Genji and the supports that pocket him. If you can take one or two of them out, this will make life a lot easier for you. Use your barrier to protect yourself and your team while engaging. Coordinate with your team to focus fire on the Genji while he's in your bubble.

• Moira: The purple hero is a good choice, due to the fact that she can do a lot of damage and heal, while being very safe due to her fade ability. Moira's damage orb can be used to deal consistent damage to Genji and his supports, while her coalescence ultimate can quickly eliminate him or force him to retreat. The beauty of Moira is that she's relatively easy to play, making her a great pick for players who are looking for a simple counter. Be sure to use your damage orb effectively, aiming it to bounce around corners and hit the Genji and his supports. Use your ultimate to pressure the Genji and force him to disengage, or eliminate him.

• Brigitte: The Shield maiden can be a great counter. Brigitte's shield bash ability can interrupt Genji's dash and deflect, making him vulnerable. This is probably one of the best heroes against Genji. Brigitte's healing and armor packs can also help your team survive Genji's onslaught. To be effective, time your shield bashes to interrupt Genji's dashes and deflects, preventing him from getting easy kills. Use your flail to hit Genji and his supports, applying pressure and forcing them to play more cautiously. Coordinate with your team to focus fire on Genji when he is stunned or vulnerable.

• Zenyatta: Zenyatta is a good choice if you can aim. Zenyatta's orb of discord can amplify the damage dealt to Genji, making him an easier target to eliminate. His orb of harmony can also keep your team alive. To use Zenyatta effectively, you need to be good with your aim. You also need to be good at positioning. Focus on using the orb of discord to amplify the damage dealt to Genji, making him a priority target. Use your ultimate to keep your team alive during Genji's blade or other high-damage abilities.

• Sombra: And finally, here’s Sombra! Sombra is another excellent choice. Her hack ability can shut down Genji's mobility and deflect, making him extremely vulnerable. Her EMP ultimate can disable all enemy abilities, leaving Genji helpless. If you want to effectively play Sombra, you need to be able to hack him. Hack Genji as often as possible, preventing him from using his abilities and making him an easy target. Use EMP strategically, disabling all of the enemy team's abilities during a team fight. Coordinate with your team to capitalize on the opportunities created by your hacks and EMPs. These are all very important things to keep in mind when selecting your hero. So next time you see a pocketed Genji, don’t be scared, instead, select one of the heroes we talked about and get to work!

Disrupting the Pocket: Strategies and Tactics

Now that we've covered hero selection, let's dive into the strategies and tactics you can use to effectively disrupt the pocket and shut down the Genji. Remember, the goal here isn't just to kill the Genji; it's to make his life miserable and prevent him from carrying the team. This involves a combination of aggressive plays, smart positioning, and effective communication. There are many things you can do to disrupt the pocket. Let’s explore some of these strategies. These techniques are about making the Genji uncomfortable, forcing him to play reactively, and creating openings for your team.

• Focus Fire: The first, and possibly most obvious, strategy is focus fire. When you see the Genji, call him out and make him a priority target. This forces him to disengage or risk being eliminated. This is a basic concept, but it is also the most effective, if your whole team is on board. Make sure your whole team is working together on this one. Focus on the Genji. This is the number one key to winning. Don't let him get away with anything. Don't worry about killing him, just constantly harass him and distract him.

• Isolate and Engage: Try to isolate the Genji from his supports. If you can pick them off one by one, the Genji will have a tough time. This can be done by diving his supports or by using heroes like Sombra to hack the supports and prevent them from healing. If you take away the support, the Genji is no more. Make sure that you coordinate with your team on this. You want to make sure you are on the same page as everyone else. If you can focus your attacks and get rid of his support, the Genji will get out of his comfort zone and play more passively, which will make the game a lot easier for you.

• Disrupt his Flow: A good Genji will be constantly moving and looking for opportunities to engage. Disrupt his flow by using abilities that can interrupt his dashes, deflect, or ultimate. Heroes like Brigitte, McCree, and Sombra are great for this. The more you can interrupt him, the less effective he will be. Predict Genji's movements and try to interrupt his dash or deflect. Use abilities that will stun or slow him down. Coordinate your attacks with your team, so that you are always on the same page. This is one of the best strategies. If you can do this, you can render his abilities useless.

• Counter-Ults: Genji's blade can be devastating if you allow him to get it off. Use your own ultimates to counter his blade. Heroes like Zenyatta, Lucio, and Moira are great for this. This is super important. This is what will turn the tide of battle, and give you the edge. Use your ultimate to block or mitigate the damage from his blade, so that your team can live and fight back. Coordinate with your team and make sure you are always aware of when he is going to blade so you can counter it. This will turn the tide of battle and help your team win.

• Peel for your Backline: If the Genji is constantly diving your backline, make sure your team is peeling and protecting your healers and damage dealers. This can be done by focusing fire on the Genji, or by using abilities to push him away. Keep an eye on the Genji, so that you know when he is trying to engage. This is a basic concept but one that is necessary to master. You need to be ready to push him away or focus fire on him. Make sure you are on the same page as your team. This will give you the edge you need to win. Communication is key.

Communication and Teamwork: The Unsung Heroes

Guys, let's be real: No matter how good you are at the game, dealing with a pocketed Genji is a team effort. Communication and teamwork are absolutely essential for success. You can have the perfect hero counter and the most brilliant strategies, but if your team isn't on the same page, you're going to struggle. That being said, if you are on the same page as your team, you are in for a good time. Let's discuss some tips on how to improve these crucial elements. If you want to truly shut down the pocketed Genji, you need to coordinate with your teammates and establish good communication, which is important for all games.

• Callouts: Always call out the Genji's position and any actions he's taking. This helps your team stay aware of his movements and allows them to react accordingly. Let your team know when he's using his deflect, dashing, or ulting. Knowing where he is and what he's doing is crucial for your teammates to stay aware of their surroundings. Call out the location of the supports pocketing the Genji. This is important so that your team can isolate and focus them down. Be specific with your callouts. For example, instead of just saying,