Overwatch characters: the best heroes in every class

Overwatch characters are the backbone of Blizzard's ever-evolving... thing. This incredible team-based hero shooter has its own metagame, patch structure, test phases, and massive, massive community. 30 men, women, robots, heroes and every combination therein are available to play, and if you're just jumping in, or returning from an extended hiatus, it can be a bit confusing. In Blizzard style, most of the heroes are viable, but who are the best Overwatch characters? A few pointers will help you on your way to better scores, more kills and wins, wins, wins. The roster won't be changing again until later in 2019 so now's the perfect time to start picking favourites. Below you'll find descriptions and videos for each hero, broken up by their role as offense, support, or tank, as well as recommendations for who to start as, an alternate choice just in case, and one to put your skills to the test and make flashy play of the games with.