Echo in Overwatch 2 shines as an underappreciated gem, dominating with unique aerial ambushes and devastating ground tactics.

Let me tell you something – I've been soaring through the skies of Overwatch 2 since its inception, and even now in 2026, Echo remains one of the most underappreciated gems in the roster. While everyone's chasing the latest heroes added in Season 25, I'm still outplaying them all with this aerial assassin who's been around since the original game. Can you believe some players still haven't unlocked her? Their loss, my aerial playground!

The Art of Aerial Ambush

I've perfected the art of flight with Echo in ways that make even Pharah mains jealous. While other flankers like Tracer and Genji are crawling through corridors and pathways, I'm literally flying over entire defensive setups. Have you ever seen the look on a support player's face when they realize I've bypassed their entire frontline from above? Priceless!

The beauty of Echo's mobility isn't just going from point A to B – it's creating paths that didn't exist for other heroes. When snipers make Pharah unplayable and ground routes are choked with spam damage, I'm still finding angles that leave enemies wondering, "How did she get behind us AGAIN?!"

Ground is Where the Kills Happen

Now, here's where most Echo players get it wrong. They think being airborne 24/7 is the way to go – WRONG! Unlike Pharah, my deadliest work happens when I touch down. My primary fire spreads like a shotgun, and trying to rain it down from above is like trying to hit a mosquito with a water balloon.

My strategy? Fly behind, land, unleash hell, and fly out before they even register what hit them. My sticky bombs and primary fire become laser-accurate when I'm on the same plane as my targets. And don't even get me started on aerial duels – the look on a Pharah's face when I meet her in the sky and out-maneuver her is worth every hour I've spent mastering Echo!

My Laser is Your Worst Nightmare

Let's talk about my focusing beam – the most underrated ability in Echo's arsenal. This thing is BRUTAL against enemies below half health. When I see that health bar dip, I'm not just coming for you – I'm erasing you from existence.

I've turned around so many fights by diving in with my beam to finish off key targets. Yes, it puts me in danger, but what's life without a little risk? The beam's range is limited, but with the 2025 patch buffing its width slightly, I've been able to secure kills that would have escaped in the past. Have you ever melted a Reinhardt in seconds while he desperately tries to shield? That's the power of proper beam timing!

Duplicate: Becoming Your Worst Enemy

My ultimate ability is where I truly shine. Duplicate isn't just an ability – it's psychological warfare. Nothing strikes fear into enemies like seeing their own tank's ultimate used against them with zero warning.

The key is choosing the right hero to copy. I've spent countless hours learning every hero's kit precisely for this moment. In 2026, with 40+ heroes in the roster, this knowledge is my secret weapon. A well-timed Reinhardt duplicate can shatter an entire team push. A Reaper duplicate can wipe a bunker composition. And don't get me started on duplicating the newer heroes – their ultimates charge so quickly I can sometimes get TWO off in one duplicate!

My duplicate selection checklist:

• ✅ Does the team need a tank to create space?

• ✅ Do we need a burst damage ultimate to break a stalemate?

• ✅ Can I counter the enemy's current strategy with a specific hero?

• ✅ Will my duplicate catch them off-guard?

Tank Avoidance 101

Let's be honest – tanks are NOT my preferred targets. My sticky bombs and primary fire excel at bursting down 200 HP heroes, not chipping away at 500+ HP behemoths. When I see a tank, I see an obstacle, not a target.

My sticky bomb + focus beam combo can delete supports and damage heroes in seconds, but against tanks? I'm just feeding their support's ultimate charge. The 2026 meta is all about target prioritization, and my targets are the backline heroes keeping those tanks alive. Why waste time on the shield when I can fly around it?

The exception? When a tank is already low. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a tank at 40% health trying to retreat, only to hear my focusing beam activate and watch them disintegrate.

Hero Knowledge is My Superpower

What makes me an Echo master in 2026? It's not just mechanical skill – it's encyclopedic knowledge of every hero in the game. When I duplicate, those 15 seconds are precious, and I need to extract maximum value.

I've created a mental tier list of duplicate targets based on the situation:

1. S-Tier (Game-changers): Heroes with fight-winning ultimates that charge quickly

2. A-Tier (Specialists): Heroes that counter the enemy's current composition

3. B-Tier (Sustainers): Heroes that can extend a fight or stabilize a position

4. C-Tier (Last Resort): Heroes I duplicate only when better options aren't available

But Echo's versatility extends beyond her ultimate. Her flight gives me creative problem-solving options that other heroes lack. Sniper dominating from high ground? I'll approach from an unexpected angle. Team needs a distraction? I'll create chaos in their backline. Need to contest an objective? I can get there faster than almost anyone.

Mastering the Skies in 2026

As we move through 2026, Echo's position in the meta continues to evolve. The introduction of more aerial counters has made sky control more contested, but it's also made skilled Echo players like myself more valuable. Why? Because we understand that true mastery isn't about dominating the air – it's about knowing when to fly and when to land.

My Echo playstyle checklist for 2026:

• 🚀 Use flight for positioning, not prolonged aerial combat

• 💣 Land sticky bombs on stationary targets or predictable paths

• ⚡ Save focusing beam for targets below half health

• 🔄 Choose duplicate targets based on team needs, not personal preference

• 🧠 Study every hero's kit to maximize duplicate value

So next time you see an Echo player struggling to make impact, remember: the difference between a good Echo and a great one isn't just aim – it's strategic thinking, hero knowledge, and knowing when to strike from the sky and when to bring the fight to the ground.

Have you tried mastering Echo yet? If not, what are you waiting for? The skies of 2026 are calling, and I'm already up here, dominating from above!