Learning Shion: Why Overwatch's Newest Flanker Is So Brutal

Shion, the latest gangster robot to join the Overwatch roster, is currently kicking my ass. Hard. When I first saw game producer Kenny Hudson demo the newest flanker at a press event, I thought I had her figured out. As someone who has spent the entire year maining flankers, I assumed she would be a squishier version of Vendetta. I was wrong.

My weapon accuracy has never been lower. I am dying two to three times as often as usual, and it is clear that Shion is my current weak point. While I have no trouble with movement—outmaneuvering Sierra players and handling sharpshooters like Ashe, Cassidy, or Sojourn—Shion demands something different. She requires movement and aim simultaneously, and my brain is, apparently, just not wired for that yet.

Understanding Shion's Unforgiving Kit

Shion does not play like other flankers. Her primary fire is restricted to close- to mid-range with significant damage fall-off, while her secondary fire, Execution, requires a delicate balance. It fires a spread of bullets in an X-shape that tightens the longer you charge it. Unlike other characters, her mobility dash provides overhealth that decays quickly, and her motorcycle ability ends in a timed explosion.

The first time I tried her ultimate, I dashed straight into a wall, whiffed every attack, and was promptly run over by the enemy D.Va. Unlike Soldier 76 or Emre, Shion lacks survivability and wide-area alternate attacks. You have to get in, deal massive damage, and get out, but the margin for error is razor-thin.

Tips for Improving Your Shion Gameplay

Despite the embarrassing performance in my early matches, I am having a blast learning her. I have already identified a few areas for improvement:

• Use Execution liberally: I keep forgetting the cooldown is short. You do not always need a full charge; firing without holding the charge provides a wider spread that is perfect for wounding enemies.
• Save the bike for escapes: I have been launching it into foes before engaging, but it is much more effective as a tactical retreat tool.
• Master the map: I am hoping to get more practice on the new Neon Junction map. Its many nooks and ambush points feel custom-made for Shion’s playstyle.

Mastering her will take time, which is currently in short supply given the massive queues for the damage role following the Overwatch Season 3 launch. The game is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary with a massive drop, and there is a dedicated Shion lore event active right now with plenty of loot boxes to earn. Even if I am struggling, the progress is worth it.