Overwatch 2 players fear the return of the infamous GOATS meta as a result of Junker Queen's arrival in-game.
The GOATS meta is a team composition strategy that dominated Overwatch's competitive scene for months prior to the implementation of role lock. The strategy, also known as 3-3 or triple-triple, consisted of three tanks and three supports, allowing teams to steamroll opponents with massive health pools and incomparable sustain. Lúcio, Brigitte and D.Va were core elements of the team for their movement and sustain boosts.
Because Overwatch 2 has shifted to five-hero teams, GOATS proper can't return to the spotlight. But Junker Queen's Commanding Shout ability is so successful at providing sustain that prominent members of the community see the potential for the tank-focused composition to make a comeback.
"So what's the deal with the Contenders meta?" tweeted Overwatch League host and sometime analyst Jonathan Larson on Monday. "Is it genuinely just Junkerqueen GOATS with Lucio/Brig because Commanding Shout is OP and Ana/Zen can't keep up + JQ anti-heal vs. trans? Are we doing a concern?"
Melonation Overwatch coach Waddi replied: "The speed amp + overheal from shout is just too powerful. Almost nothing can realistically stop you from just running over an Ana Zen backline unless they play absolutely perfect on a map that's god for them.
Players highlight the combined area of effect healing from Junker Queen, Brigitte and Lúcio as core to the looming GOATS threat, and some have suggested Blizzard eliminate the stacking of heal auras. Others say Commanding Shout itself should be nerfed.
Blizzard has yet to confirm dates for the third (and likely final) round of Overwatch 2 beta testing. The full game is set for release Oct. 4 of this year.
This article was originally published on dbltap as Junker Queen Stokes Fears of GOATS Meta in Overwatch 2.
