Hanzo
Role: Defense
Difficulty: Hard
Hanzo’s arrows have a multitude of purposes, from devastating damage to enemy acquisition coupled with incredible agility make for a versatile Defender.
Abilities
Storm Bow: Basic high damage arrows.
Sonic Arrow: A sonar tracking device affixed to the end of an arrow, and any enemy caught in the detection radius becomes visibly marked.
Scatter Arrow: A devastating flurry of arrows that can bounce off of walls.
Dragon Strike: A spirit-dragon flies in the direction of an arrow, causing devastating damage to all those caught in its wake.
Tactics
Hanzo's bow is both a beast and a burden, a beast of burden if you will, and shouldn't be used like Widowmakers sniper rifle. Hanzo lives in the medium range and performs best there. First, you're going to need to practice with his bow, as it's drop off distance, and delay can spell trouble for those used to Widowmakers immediacy. The delay itself is why staying in the medium range is of the utmost importance, as this distance is perfect for landing high-damage shots on the opposing team. Start by using Hanzo's climb ability to scale up to a heightened position. When you see the opposition approaching try to fire at them from behind. This will give you enough time to land a second hit before they can become privy to your location. As for groups, the sonar, followed by the scatter arrow is a great combination for dealing some damage before flanking and going for the kill. The sonar will not only help you line up the first shot, but also help you hone in on their location, and take them down. You should also use Sonar Arrow before ever using dragon strike. Make certain you have a group of enemies lined up before you fire, and you'll surely take down a foe or two.
Pro-Tip
When using Hanzo's Scatter Shot, aim the bow at the floor just in front of the enemy. This will bounce the arrows directly up towards your opponent. Generally, this results in an elimination.
Strong Against
Torbjorn: Due to his slow movement speed, Torbjorn is an easy target for a well time Arrow to the noggin.
Roadhog: Considering the close range nature of Roadhogs primary attacks, Hanzo can easily pick him off from a distance.
Weak Against
Tracer: Due to her incredible speed and agility, Tracer can easily close in on Hanzo jumping around him, making it immensely difficult to line up a shot.
Reinhardt: Reinhardt’s shield protects him from any arrows Hanzo can fire his way, and one he is in range, Reinhardt can easily take Hanzo out with a couple swings of his immense hammer.
Biography
Real Name: Hanzo Shimada
Age: 38
Occupation: Mercenary, Assassin
Base of Operations: Hanamura, Japan (formerly)
Affiliation: Shimada Clan
Story
Mastering his skills as a bowman and an assassin, Hanzo Shimada strives to prove himself as a warrior without peer.
The Shimada family was established centuries ago, a clan of assassins whose power grew over the years, enabling them to build a vast criminal empire that profited from lucrative trade in arms and illegal substances. As the eldest son of the family's head, Hanzo was bound by duty to succeed his father and rule the Shimada empire. From a young age, he was trained for that responsibility, displaying a natural aptitude for leadership and possessing an innate understanding of strategy and tactics. He also excelled in more practical areas: he was a prodigy in martial arts, swordplay, and bowmanship.
Upon the death of his father, the clan elders instructed Hanzo to straighten out his wayward younger brother so that he, too, might help rule the Shimada empire. When his brother refused, Hanzo was forced to kill him. This act broke Hanzo's heart and drove him to reject his father's legacy, ultimately leading him to abandon the clan and all that he had worked so hard to attain.
Now, Hanzo travels the world, perfecting his skills as a warrior, attempting to restore his honor and put the ghosts of his past to rest.