Overwatch Season 9 has brought significant changes that are impacting the way DPS players need to approach competitive play. With the introduction of the new DPS passive ability and an influx of new and returning players, the ranked ladder meta has been shaken up. As a result, many DPS mains are finding they need to relearn how to be effective and climb in this new environment.
One of the biggest takeaways is that the days of being able to hard solo carry as a DPS seem to be over, at least for now. The new DPS passive has reduced the solo carry potential compared to previous seasons. Players who could rapidly boost accounts from bronze to diamond are no longer finding that to be viable. Queueing in duos or stacks appears to provide a meaningful advantage in win rate over solo queue.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t climb and improve as a DPS player this season. The key is to focus on your own gameplay rather than worrying about teammate performance or rank. Every match provides an opportunity to identify areas to get better, whether it’s refining mechanics, improving decision making, or increasing game sense. Maintaining this growth mindset, even in losses, is essential for progress.
The specific skills to focus on developing vary based on rank:
Bronze to Gold:
Aim and ult usage are paramount. Building consistency in winning duels and optimizing ults will enable you to rise through these ranks.
Gold to Diamond:
Positioning becomes critical as mechanics even out. Minimizing deaths by leveraging natural cover and playing angles that pressure enemy supports and DPS can give your team an edge.
Masters to Grandmaster:
Game sense is the differentiator. With mechanical skill being more equal, knowing where to be, when to engage, who to target, and how to synergize with your team is what enables climbing. Even small missteps are punished harshly.
Many DPS players are finding they need to expand their hero pools as well. Comfort picks from past seasons may no longer be as viable in Season 9. Taking the time to learn new heroes that are well-positioned in the current meta, like Reaper for example, can pay big dividends. Finding 3-4 heroes that you can play at a high level with positive win rates is a great target.
It’s also important to remember that between the changes to the game and the ladder population, Season 9 is a challenging time to climb. Lobbies are less consistent, with wider skill gaps between teammates from all the ranking flux. This uneven matchmaking will likely stabilize in the coming season as things settle out.
As frustrating as it can feel in the short-term, try to avoid placing too much emphasis on your current rank or SR gains/losses. Focus instead on the process of improving your own play session over session. Developing a stronger overall DPS skillset now will set you up for success in future seasons when the ranked environment normalizes. If you need help climbing the ranks or learning the tactics, you might consider getting yourself a Duo Carry.
Watching how top players and streamers are adapting can also accelerate your own learning. Pay attention to their positioning, decision making, and how they’re playing around their team. Try to understand the reasoning behind their choices. Then practice applying those concepts in your own games.
At the end of the day, Overwatch is still a game and the point is to have fun. Embrace the learning challenge of Season 9 and enjoy the process of leveling up your skills. The SR gains will come as a natural byproduct in time. For now, experiment with new heroes, make friends to queue with, and don’t stress too much about the number next to your name. We’re all Overwatch students this season.