How I Survive Overwatch’s Petra Death Trap
May 22, 2018, marks Overwatch’s 2nd anniversary. The gift: the Petra map for Deathmatch mode.
I’ve been playing Overwatch for five months now. I was expecting the cool new skins and received news of Petra at the last minute. Coincidentally, I’ve been thinking about visiting Petra in real life.
I was excited for Petra until I played in it. The problem: it’s huge!
“This map is too freaking big!” — Me talking to my TV screen
Have you thought of this while playing?
While I’m searching for an enemy, the top player has already scored 19 kills! It’s more challenging to find your enemies compared to Chateau Guillard and the Hollywood stages.
But isn’t that the point?
Blizzard’s not going to make it simple for gamers, but they’re nice enough not to make it impossible.
I’ve practiced fighting many times in Petra enough to get the gist of the area. If you’re getting started, be prepared for beginners’ frustrations.
Here’s how I survive Overwatch’s Petra death trap:
1. I CIRCLE THE AREA
Never wait for someone for long in one spot (unless you’re Torbjörn or Symmetra with their trusty turrets).
In one match, I was standing on a high cliff overlooking the center of the map and a McCree rolled (yes, rolled) my way and shot me down.
Never again.
The best method for me was to circle around Petra until I could find an opponent.
2. I REMEMBERED THE HEALTH PACK LOCATIONS
Know Petra’s health pack locations whether you’re a self-healing hero or not. One of Petra’s best features is the large number of health packs in the area.
Special note to self-healers, heal yourself asap after a one-on-one fight. No time for teabags or dancing on top of your enemy’s corpse!
3. I KNEW MY HERO’S STRENGTH & WEAKNESS ENEMIES
I’m a Moira main. Over time, I’ve found out my best “strength” enemies and my “weakness” enemies for her.
Here’s a list (note: not all the heroes):
“Strength” Enemies
- The Shimada brothers (Genji & Hanzo at a close distance)
- McCree (when he’s not doing his rolling surprise at me)
- D. Va (out of her mech)
- Pharah (when she’s not looking)
“Weakness” Enemies
- The Tanks (except for Zarya surprisingly)
- Mei
- Brigette
- Reaper
4. I LISTEN
Can’t find anybody? Listen for distant fights especially for ultimate shouts.
If you hear Hanzo’s ultimate, you’d best look out for flying dragons coming at you from the other side of the map.
I’d like to call Moira the “vulture” fighter. If I hear two players fighting to the death, it’s my opportunity to take them out while their health bars are low, like a predator waiting for their dying prey to fall.
5. I ESCAPE VIA JUMP PADS
“Oh balls, D. Va’s right behind me!”-Me again
If I’m not up for an opponent I can’t take out under a hot minute, I’d make an emergency exit with the jump pads. The only time they’re a disadvantage to me is when Symmetra’s turret hive is waiting for me at the end.
6. I WATCH OUT FOR THE BROKEN FLOOR
You’ll notice a suspiciously cracked floor in the center of Petra. Careful, it’s breakable. Always look at this floor before attempting to reach the large health pack in the center.
I thought I’d make a safe landing during one match. Nope, fell through one of the floor cracks.
That’s all the lessons I’ve learned playing in Petra.
Happy Overwatch Anniversary!
Do you love the new Deathmatch map or absolutely loathe it?
