Navigating The Enhanced Avoid As Teammate Feature in Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 has introduced a revamped "Avoid As Teammate" system starting Season 12, designed to enhance the player experience by granting more control over who they're matched with. Addressing both the need to avoid disruptive players and cleverly navigate the system to ensure a pleasant team environment, this updated feature is a game-changer for many. If you've ever found yourself frustrated with a teammate's behavior or performance, this guide will walk you through how to effectively use this new system to your advantage.

Understanding The Basics

Firstly, it's essential to understand what the Avoid As Teammate feature is and why it's so pivotal to your Overwatch 2 experience. Essentially, it allows you to mark specific players, ensuring you’re not teamed up with them in future matches. This can significantly improve your gameplay, allowing for more harmonious team compositions and enjoyable sessions.

Step 1: Identifying Players to Avoid

Before diving into the technicalities, the first step is identifying whom you want to avoid. While it may be tempting to mark someone immediately after a bad game, consider if their actions were genuinely disruptive or a one-off incident. Look for consistent patterns of behavior that negatively impact your gameplay over multiple encounters.

Step 2: Accessing The Avoid As Teammate Feature

To utilize this feature, you’ll need to access the Social menu, which is found within the Overwatch 2 main menu. From there, locate the "Recent Players" tab, where you'll see a list of players you’ve recently played with or against. This list is your gateway to selecting whom to avoid.

Step 3: Utilizing Your Avoid Slots Wisely

With the newly expanded system, you can avoid up to 10 players simultaneously. However, choose wisely! Three of these slots are pinned slots, meaning those players will permanently remain on your avoid list until you decide to unpin them. Use these for players you strongly wish to never encounter again on your team.

Step 4: Understanding The Priority Ladder System

For the seven non-pinned slots, the priority ladder system comes into play. This system essentially ranks your avoided players, meaning those at the bottom are less likely to be avoided if your list is full and you choose to add someone new. This dynamic ranking helps manage your list effectively but requires you to be strategic about whom you're avoiding and why.

Step 5: Managing Your Avoid List

Regularly check and update your avoid list. Your Overwatch 2 journey will see many players coming in and out of your games. Some may improve or change their behaviors, or you might find others that disrupt your gameplay more significantly. Keeping your list current ensures you're always matched with the best possible teammates.

Step 6: Making The Most Out Of Pinned Slots

Deciding on whom to assign to your three pinned slots is a critical decision. Reserve these for the players who significantly degrade your gameplay experience—be it through toxicity, consistent non-cooperation, or any behavior that prevents you from enjoying the game. Remember, these slots are meant for the utmost problematic players in your experience.

Tips & Tricks For Effective Avoidance

• Timing Matters: Keep in mind that player behavior can fluctuate. Using the Avoid As Teammate feature after repeated negative experiences ensures you’re making informed decisions.
• Rethink Before Renewing: Before automatically renewing an avoid on someone, consider if their behavior still warrants it. This offers you more flexibility and keeps your list effectively tailored to your current needs.
• Communicate With Teammates: Sometimes, a quick conversation can solve what seems like a major issue. Use the avoid feature as a last resort, not a first response.
• Peak Hours Play: When playing during peak hours, the chances of being matched with avoided players decrease due to the larger player pool. Keep this in mind when planning your gaming sessions.

Conclusion

The expanded Avoid As Teammate feature in Overwatch 2 represents a significant shift towards empowering players to customize their gaming experience actively. By carefully selecting whom to avoid and strategically managing your list, you can significantly impact your overall gameplay positively. Remember, the goal isn’t just to avoid players who disrupt your game but to foster a more cooperative and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone involved. Happy gaming!