Jun 23, 2019 01:08 AM
(This post was last modified: Jun 23, 2019 01:40 AM by 1mortal1ty.)
ESCAPING GOLD AND PLATINUM -- SOME GUIDANCE
From what is understood, statistically, the majority of the population places in either Silver or Gold, however this was a study conducted in 2017. I would imagine it is still the same, however. I do not know how many people here play Overwatch or would be interested in playing with a 3400 support main (me) but I am hoping to give a few pointers as to why you cannot climb and you'll have to swallow your pride and accept that some of your game play might need improvement.
-Positioning - Depending on your role and class, this is literally one of the biggest issues amongst low elo groups. Let's assume you aren't even solo queueing and you are running with a 6 stack; each individual character should always be positioned correctly based on the moment. For example, if you are Zenyatta, always take high ground no matter what. This gives you the advantage in not only positioning to land your discords and DPS but it is less likely for players to notice you from the first few seconds.
-This also goes along with positioning. DO NOT overextend. Unless you're in high diamond or masters and you are smurfing, do not overextend. Especially when there are enemy ults and team ults both available. Sometimes you may peak a bit if you are comfortable to get your picks, but Overwatch is a team game and you must stick as a group. Ironically, the Pirateship Comp (Shield/Bastion) on payload maps still works wonders in gold and platinum and in high diamond if the Bastion is aware of what they are doing it is a fantastic comp. Probably one of my favorite for Route 66.
-Learn every single hero. One method I find that works best is to simply play 1 hero for an extended period of time one day, then switch to the next, and then the next. Eventually after a month, even for someone who is in high platinum and feels they have a general grasp on game mechanics, your mind will automatically become accustomed to CD's on different classes and it just gives you an overall better perception on how to counter if necessary and how to correctly use your skills and ultimate.
-Ultimate usage. This is self explanatory really. Don't blow your ultimate at the wrong time and always use your ult in accordance with your group makeup/comp and strat. Don't solo ult unless absolutely necessary. This is simple basic stuff but to be honest you will be surprised at how many players will ignore this rule and it is actually HUGE for your team.
-Overwatch is a team game. Mic and extensive conversation with at least 2-3 people in your stack is highly recommended if you are trying to climb past Diamond. Make sure to be very communicative if you wish to climb. Make calls, call out discords, and just be overall aware of your surroundings and ensure your healer knows where you are early so you do not LOS (Line of Sight) them.
-Write down the CD's for each individual hero abilities, the dmg, revamps, etc. If you are going to main Tracer or Sombra as of June 2019, this is highly recommended. <--- This is probably one of the best tips I can give you if you would like to reach Masters+ -- you have to literally remember every game mechanic by each individual class if you want to make it in 3500-4k+
-Be aware of your teammates current situation. Some of them don't communicate. Especially if you are trying to solo queue to Diamond. If you are a healer know when each teammate dies, and as a Mercy you need to decide the best moments to use your revives and do so within less than a second before flying back away because you will be focused heavy, even low elo. Also, make it a habit to count ults used by your team and theirs. Try to almost pinpoint where each enemy might be on that specific map based off of the class they play and incorporate this into your game style as well based off your character. If you are a Hanzo on Hanamura on control point B and they are running a Tracer or Reaper, keep this in the back of your mind while trying to get picks.
-Counter the enemy via team composition. This is probably the most easy thing to do. Are they running pharmacy and is your Ana having some issues being unable to receive peels from other teammates or stay alive to provide heals and assists? Then someone witch to a hitscan and take care of business and force them to switch back on the other team.
-Be fast and on your toes. I've seen a lot people sit there for a solid 20-30 seconds trying to decide on a team comp for the second point. Literally to where the gates open. And yes, this happens above 3k rating all the time, if not more. Yes, it depends on the map and the game-mode but in this game every second counts. Sometimes it's better to be on offense than defense off the rip.
-KNOW THE MAPS! This is honestly one of the most important ones, but if you think you know the map, you actually would be surprised about how much more there is to learn. This is huge for Sombra, Reaper, and Tracer players. Know where each health pack is and if playing Tracer or Sombra, look up a guide on how to effectively hack the health packs and as tracer play around them (very important). But definitely know every corner and crease of the map before you hop into really trying to climb in competitive, even if you just placed Plat off rip.
-git gud -- This is a common phrase used by trolls but it is actually quite true. Go into the practice range, work on your aim and try to improve its percentage, get good at dodging, and enemy prediction shots via Hanzo and Zenyatta (just because they are my favorite to do this with). Everything above will come to you like riding a bike, but there is a skill cap with Overwatch. Not everyone is simply as good as the pros you see in OWL. That's talent and extreme reflexes.
Anyway, just thought I'd post a short guide here with a few tips from me. If anyone on US servers would like to play with me sometime and is at least Platinum go ahead and PM me and if anyone is Silver or Gold I am willing to help you climb into Plat for free out of the kindness of my heart. So shoot me a PM.
Also, for information in regards to all characters, their abilities and what they do, patch notes, and all else, I recommend using the site "Overbuff."
~1mortal1ty
![[Image: BVZS8fa.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/BVZS8fa.gif)