Understanding Cheese Comp In Overwatch: Strategies, Strengths, And Counterplay

what is cheese comp overwatch

Cheese comp in Overwatch refers to a strategic team composition that leverages unconventional or underutilized characters and tactics to gain an advantage over opponents, often exploiting specific map mechanics or enemy weaknesses. Typically, this involves using heroes like Symmetra, Torbjörn, or Bastion to create defensive strongholds or area denial, forcing the enemy team to adapt or struggle to counter the setup. While not always considered meta, cheese comps can be highly effective in certain scenarios, particularly in lower ranks or on specific maps, as they rely on catching opponents off-guard and capitalizing on their inability to quickly adjust. However, their success often hinges on coordination and the enemy’s lack of preparation, making them a high-risk, high-reward strategy in competitive play.

Characteristics Values
Definition Cheese Comp in Overwatch refers to a team composition or strategy that relies on unconventional, often underutilized, or "cheesy" tactics to gain an advantage. These strategies may exploit specific hero abilities, map mechanics, or opponent weaknesses.
Purpose To catch opponents off guard, disrupt their standard gameplay, and secure victories through unexpected means.
Common Heroes Heroes like Symmetra, Torbjörn, Junkrat, and Bastion are frequently used due to their ability to set up strong defensive positions or area denial.
Map Dependency Highly dependent on map design, often favoring maps with tight spaces, chokepoints, or elevated positions that amplify the effectiveness of the chosen heroes.
Counterplay Cheese Comps can be countered by adapting team composition, focusing on disrupting the setup (e.g., destroying turrets, avoiding traps), or exploiting the comp's lack of mobility or versatility.
Competitive Use Less common in high-level play due to predictability and counterability, but occasionally used in lower ranks or for surprise tactics.
Community View Often seen as either clever or frustrating, depending on the perspective of the players involved.
Examples Symmetra + Torbjörn on defense maps, Junkrat + Bastion bunker compositions, or Pharah + Mercy pocket strategies in specific scenarios.

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Cheese Comp Definition: A defensive strategy in Overwatch using Bastion, Reinhardt, and Orisa for strong hold

In the realm of Overwatch, the Cheese Comp has emerged as a formidable defensive strategy, leveraging the unique synergies between Bastion, Reinhardt, and Orisa. This trio forms a nearly impenetrable stronghold, capable of repelling even the most aggressive enemy assaults. The key lies in their combined abilities: Reinhardt’s shield provides a protective barrier, Orisa’s Halt! ability disrupts enemy positioning, and Bastion’s Sentry mode delivers devastating, sustained damage. Together, they create a defensive line that is both resilient and punishing.

To execute the Cheese Comp effectively, positioning is critical. Reinhardt should anchor the team at the front, his Barrier Field absorbing incoming fire while allowing Orisa to fortify the area with her Deployable Cover. Bastion, meanwhile, should be positioned behind Reinhardt’s shield, maximizing his damage output while minimizing exposure. Orisa’s Halt! should be used strategically to pull enemies into Bastion’s line of fire or disrupt their advance. Coordination is key—misaligned abilities can leave the team vulnerable, so clear communication is essential.

One of the Cheese Comp’s greatest strengths is its ability to control space. By funneling enemies into a narrow choke point, the team can maximize Bastion’s area denial capabilities. Reinhardt’s Fire Strike can be used to clear enemies attempting to flank, while Orisa’s Fortify mitigates incoming damage, ensuring the team remains intact. This strategy is particularly effective on maps like Eichenwalde or Hollywood, where tight corridors and high ground provide natural advantages. However, it’s crucial to adapt to enemy compositions—teams with high mobility or long-range damage can exploit the comp’s lack of flexibility.

Despite its defensive prowess, the Cheese Comp is not without weaknesses. Its reliance on Bastion makes it vulnerable to heroes like Sombra, who can disable his Sentry mode with EMP, or Widowmaker, who can pick him off from afar. Additionally, the comp struggles against compositions that bypass traditional frontal assaults, such as Pharah or Wrecking Ball. To counter these threats, consider swapping Orisa for Zarya to increase survivability or adding a Mercy for damage boost and resurrection. Flexibility is the key to mastering this strategy.

In practice, the Cheese Comp is a high-reward, high-risk strategy that demands precision and teamwork. It’s ideal for holding objectives in overtime or securing a defensive win, but it requires a deep understanding of each hero’s role and the ability to adapt under pressure. For teams looking to dominate the defensive meta, mastering this comp can be a game-changer—just be prepared to adjust when the enemy catches on.

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Map Suitability: Best on control maps like Hanamura, Horizon Lunar Colony, and Blizzard World

Cheese comp in Overwatch thrives on chaos and surprise, making control maps its natural playground. These maps, like Hanamura, Horizon Lunar Colony, and Blizzard World, feature tight chokepoints, elevated positions, and multiple routes—ideal for executing unconventional strategies. Unlike payload or hybrid maps, control maps force teams into a confined, high-stakes dance for territory, where cheese comp’s unpredictability can disrupt enemy coordination and secure early picks.

Consider Hanamura’s first point, a classic example. A well-timed flank from a Sombra or Wrecking Ball through the side routes can catch defenders off-guard, while a Pharah or Echo can rain fire from the high ground. Horizon Lunar Colony’s gravity-defying design amplifies this advantage: a D.Va bomb dropped from the upper level or a Tracer blink through the point’s center can create instant chaos. Blizzard World’s first point, with its multiple levels and flanking paths, allows cheese comp heroes like Genji or Doomfist to exploit verticality and split enemy focus.

However, map suitability isn’t just about layout—it’s about timing. Cheese comp relies on catching opponents unprepared, so understanding spawn times and health pack locations is crucial. For instance, on Horizon Lunar Colony, a coordinated push immediately after the enemy respawns can capitalize on their disorganized state. Similarly, Hanamura’s health packs near the point can sustain aggressive plays, allowing cheese comp heroes to extend their presence without retreating.

The key to mastering cheese comp on control maps lies in adaptability. While these maps favor its strengths, they also demand quick decision-making. If the enemy adjusts to your strategy—say, by posting a Widowmaker on Hanamura’s high ground—you must pivot. Swap to a more traditional comp or exploit a different map feature, like Blizzard World’s arcade area for a surprise flank.

In practice, cheese comp on control maps is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. It’s not about brute force but about exploiting the map’s quirks to outmaneuver the enemy. Teams that study these maps—memorizing sightlines, flank routes, and health pack locations—will find cheese comp not just viable, but devastatingly effective.

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Counter Strategies: Use long-range heroes like Widowmaker, Pharah, or Junkrat to disrupt setup

Long-range heroes like Widowmaker, Pharah, and Junkrat excel at dismantling Cheese Comp's reliance on tight formations and coordinated setups. Their ability to engage from afar disrupts the delicate synergy between heroes like Wrecking Ball, Lúcio, and Brigitte, who thrive in close quarters. Widowmaker's precision headshots can pick off key targets like the Ball or the Lúcio, forcing the enemy team to retreat or risk losing their momentum. Pharah's rockets rain down chaos, scattering the grouped-up enemies and denying them the space they need to execute their dive. Junkrat's area-denial tools, like his Frag Launcher and Concussion Mine, create no-go zones that hinder the Cheese Comp's ability to initiate fights on their terms.

The key to success with these heroes lies in positional awareness and timing. Widowmaker should prioritize high ground positions that offer clear sightlines to the enemy backline, while also staying mobile to avoid becoming a target herself. Pharah pilots must constantly adjust their altitude and positioning to avoid anti-air threats like McCree's Flashbang or Soldier: 76's Helix Rockets. Junkrat players should focus on area denial, using their traps and mines to control chokepoints and flank routes, forcing the Cheese Comp to engage on less favorable terms.

A critical aspect of this strategy is target prioritization. While it may be tempting to focus on the most threatening heroes like the Wrecking Ball or the Lúcio, taking out the team's main healer (often Brigitte or Baptiste in Cheese Comp) can be just as effective. Without healing, the Cheese Comp's aggressive playstyle becomes unsustainable, and their dives lose their potency. Coordinating with your team to focus fire on these targets is essential for maximizing the impact of your long-range harassment.

Practical tips for executing this strategy include: communicating with your team to ensure coordinated focus fire, using abilities like Widowmaker's Grappling Hook or Pharah's Hover Jets to reposition quickly and avoid getting flanked, and exploiting the enemy team's tendency to group up by targeting clustered enemies with area-of-effect abilities like Junkrat's RIP-Tire or Pharah's Barrage. By mastering these techniques, you can effectively neutralize the Cheese Comp's strengths and turn the tide of battle in your favor.

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Team Composition: Requires coordination, with Mercy for healing and Zarya for additional damage

In Overwatch, the "cheese comp" often refers to unconventional or niche team compositions designed to exploit specific mechanics or catch opponents off guard. One such strategy involves pairing Mercy for healing and Zarya for additional damage, a combination that thrives on coordination and synergy. This duo leverages Mercy’s ability to amplify damage through her Damage Boost and Zarya’s Graviton Surge ultimate, which can lock down enemies for easy elimination. The key lies in timing: Mercy must prioritize boosting Zarya’s high-damage abilities, such as her right-click beam or Graviton Surge, to maximize impact.

To execute this effectively, communication is non-negotiable. Mercy should call out when she’s boosting Zarya, and Zarya must coordinate her cooldowns and positioning to capitalize on the amplified damage. For instance, during a Graviton Surge, Mercy’s Damage Boost can turn Zarya’s follow-up attacks into a devastating team wipe. However, this strategy requires practice, as poor timing or misalignment can render it ineffective. Teams should drill this coordination in controlled environments, such as custom games, to ensure seamless execution in competitive play.

While this Mercy-Zarya synergy is powerful, it’s not without risks. Opponents can counter it by focusing Zarya or disrupting Mercy’s line of sight. To mitigate this, Zarya should maintain bubble usage to absorb damage and grant herself charge, while Mercy must stay mobile and use Guardian Angel to reposition safely. Additionally, the rest of the team must complement this duo by providing space control and additional pressure. For example, pairing this with a Reaper or Junkrat can further capitalize on Graviton Surge, ensuring consistent follow-up damage.

The beauty of this composition lies in its simplicity and scalability. It doesn’t require complex mechanics but demands precise teamwork, making it accessible to players of varying skill levels. However, its effectiveness diminishes if opponents adapt quickly, such as by spreading out during Graviton Surge or targeting Mercy early. To counter this, teams should vary their engagement strategies, using the Mercy-Zarya synergy as a surprise rather than a predictable tactic.

In conclusion, the Mercy-Zarya cheese comp is a high-reward strategy that hinges on coordination and timing. By mastering this duo’s synergy, teams can create game-changing moments that swing matches in their favor. However, success requires practice, adaptability, and a supportive team dynamic to address its inherent vulnerabilities. When executed correctly, this composition can be a potent tool in any Overwatch player’s arsenal.

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Strengths & Weaknesses: Strong defense but vulnerable to flankers and high burst damage

In Overwatch, a "cheese comp" often refers to a team composition designed to exploit specific weaknesses or mechanics in a way that feels unconventional or overly effective. When discussing a cheese comp with strong defense but vulnerabilities to flankers and high burst damage, it’s critical to understand the trade-offs involved. A defensive setup typically relies on barriers, healing, and area denial to control space and protect key objectives. Heroes like Reinhardt, Orisa, or Sigma paired with Moira, Lúcio, or Mercy create a resilient frontline capable of withstanding sustained pressure. However, this strength becomes a liability when faced with agile flankers like Genji, Tracer, or Sombra, who can bypass barriers and disrupt backlines. Similarly, high burst damage from heroes like Widowmaker, Hanzo, or Reaper can quickly eliminate key targets before the defensive matrix can react.

To maximize the defensive strength of such a cheese comp, focus on map control and chokepoint management. Position barriers to block enemy sightlines while maintaining LOS (line of sight) for your supports. Use abilities like Reinhardt’s Fire Strike or Orisa’s Javelin Spin to deter flankers from engaging too aggressively. Pairing Lúcio’s speed boost with Moira’s fade can help reposition quickly if a flanker breaks through. However, avoid overcommitting to a single position; static defenses are predictable and easier to counter. Instead, rotate between high-ground and ground-level positions to keep the enemy guessing while maintaining a cohesive formation.

The vulnerability to high burst damage requires proactive counterplay. Prioritize enemy snipers and flankers in your ult economy; for example, use Zarya’s Graviton Surge or Sigma’s Gravitic Flux to neutralize grouped threats before they can unleash burst damage. Supports should pocket high-priority targets like the main tank or themselves to ensure survivability during critical moments. Communication is key—call out flanker positions and coordinate cooldowns like Defense Matrix or Sound Barrier to mitigate burst windows. If running a double-shield setup, consider swapping one barrier tank for a brawler like D.Va or Zarya, who can absorb burst damage and provide additional crowd control.

A practical example of this cheese comp in action is the "GOATS" composition, which dominated pre-Role Lock Overwatch. Its triple-tank, triple-support setup offered unparalleled sustain and engagement power but struggled against coordinated dive compositions featuring Winston, D.Va, and Tracer. The lesson here is that while strong defense can dominate in certain scenarios, it’s essential to adapt to counterplay. If the enemy team consistently fields flankers or burst damage dealers, consider swapping to a more mobile or disruptive composition. For instance, replacing one support with Brigitte can provide additional anti-flank tools, while swapping a barrier tank for Wrecking Ball introduces flanking potential of your own.

In conclusion, a cheese comp with strong defense but vulnerabilities to flankers and burst damage requires meticulous positioning, ult tracking, and adaptability. Lean into your strengths by controlling space and denying enemy aggression, but be prepared to counter their counters. Practice recognizing when your defensive setup is being outmaneuvered and don’t hesitate to adjust your strategy mid-match. By balancing resilience with flexibility, you can turn a seemingly one-dimensional cheese comp into a dynamic and effective tool in your Overwatch arsenal.

Frequently asked questions

Cheese Comp in Overwatch refers to an unconventional or off-meta team composition designed to exploit specific weaknesses or catch opponents off guard. It often involves unexpected hero picks or strategies that are not typically used in competitive play.

Common heroes in Cheese Comp include Symmetra, Torbjörn, Bastion, and Sombra, as they can create unique setups or disrupt standard gameplay. For example, a "Torbjörn + Symmetra" combo is a classic cheese strategy.

Cheese Comp can be effective in lower ranks or against unprepared teams, but it is less reliable in higher-level play where opponents are more adaptable. Its success depends on catching the enemy team off guard and executing the strategy flawlessly.

Cheese Comp is best used in casual or non-serious matches, or when you notice the enemy team struggling to counter unconventional strategies. It’s not recommended for critical matches unless you’ve practiced the strategy extensively.

To counter Cheese Comp, communicate with your team to identify the enemy strategy and adapt quickly. Focus on shutting down key heroes (e.g., Torbjörn’s turrets or Symmetra’s teleporter) and use heroes or abilities that directly counter their setup.

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