The controversy over "Brigitte's positioning in Havana" has become a hot topic among Overwatch players on X.
It started with this post:
Players of various ranks have been sharing their opinions in response:
Arguments like "This position is dangerous," "Wait, what's wrong with this spot?", and "The high ground is obviously the right answer" have been flying around. While it's a great sign for the OW community that so many opinions are being exchanged, I'm sure many people are left wondering, "So, what should I actually do?"
Conclusion
I believe the high ground is the best starting position.
The reason this spot is so strong is that it allows you to "choose your response after seeing how the enemy attacks."
- Stop enemies pushing forward
- Watch for enemies flanking
- Defend the high ground
- Drop down to join a chaotic brawl
This position can handle all of those. You'll understand the detailed reasons as you read on. First, just the conclusion.
Why Opinions Differ by Rank
Low to mid-rank players often suffer from an obsession that they "must constantly be dealing damage."
In an environment where the "correct" play isn't common knowledge, it's typical for losses to be blamed on stats.
Therefore, if they aren't receiving heals while taking damage on the high ground, they tend to make extreme judgments like "It's better to fight on the ground than stay up here."
This stems more from a mindset of "I have to be doing something" rather than mechanical skill.
In reality, just being on the high ground establishes sightlines and pressure; you don't need to force damage constantly.
For such players, questions like "If I wait on the high ground, won't I be unable to hit anyone?" or "What about Inspire?" are natural.
This isn't just a lack of understanding; it's because the criteria for "what is valuable" differs.
Low ranks prioritize "winning the fight in front of them," while high ranks prioritize "controlling areas and expansions."
This difference directly translates to gaps in behavior and positioning. The proverb "seeing the trees but not the forest" fits perfectly here.
Common Patterns (Low to Mid-Ranks)
You deal damage. Inspire is active. It's a position that makes you feel like you're doing a lot of work.
However, while you're swinging, your field of vision narrows, making it hard to grasp the overall movement, and your HP and shield durability continue to drain.
As a result:
You've probably experienced this at least once.
"It's the DPS's fault for not watching the Hanzo."
"That's not Brigitte's job."
No. If you want to climb the ranks, you do it.
Instead of "constantly doing something to pad stats," you should "predict enemy movement, stand in the necessary position in advance, and perform the required task at the right time."
If you wait until the enemy has already expanded their line of sight to react, it's too late. Predict and act beforehand to disrupt their momentum.
Just having this awareness will drastically change your gloomy gaming experience tied to win-rate adjustments.
So, how do you predict? Actually, there are "theories" to how an offense plays.
Offensive Theory
Once the payload passes the corner:
The theory of offense is to hide from strong defensive positions, get close to the enemy, take their positions, and increase sightlines.
Let's dig a bit deeper to increase the resolution.
"Who will expand the area?"
"When will they expand it?"
It's the moment the payload passes the corner.
By now, you probably have a better understanding of how to attack.
Remember the attacker's psychology: the defenders have the advantage because the map structure allows them to fight with multiple sightlines from the start -> therefore, the attackers need to increase their own sightlines.
Offensive Theory = Actions to increase sightlines.
Defensive Theory = Actions to prevent sightlines from increasing.
So, how does Brigitte actually move?
Before that, let's explain what common meta heroes do.
Example: Meta Heroes (Illari, Zenyatta, etc.)
By shooting enemies, they effectively "prevent sightlines from expanding." They are good at shooting tanks and can pressure enemies who try to flank.
This is very logical, which is why these two have reigned as meta heroes in Havana for a long time.
However, their weaknesses are clear: if they can't hit their shots or if the high ground is taken, it becomes an aim duel, making them dependent on individual performance.
So, What Can Brigitte Do?
Brigitte can't snipe flanking enemies or save allies with burst healing.
What Brigitte has that Illari and Zenyatta don't is durability, easy-to-hit attacks, and a Whip Shot to knock enemies back.
Even if you can't shoot or kill them, you just need to prevent them from increasing their sightlines.
There's even an advanced technique: "Intentionally dropping your shield to be targeted, thereby diverting aggro away from your tank."
*This is an advanced move that assumes you have mastered HP and sightline management.
As long as you don't let them increase their sightlines, your team on the high ground can win the damage race.
After that:
- Enemy tanks who used their skills
- Isolated enemies
- Weakened enemies
Don't miss the chance to go in and hit them.
This is the general flow.
The important thing here is not to keep taking damage after being hit. Once you take a hit, you must immediately go to take back the initiative.
Instead of swinging at enemies constantly, change your position as needed, and when the enemy tries to do something:
"Disrupt their momentum."
Focus on this contrast.
4 Positions and Pros/Cons
Front 1F (Anti-Tank Focus)
A position where you can hit the enemy tank hard.
However, you can't suppress flanking enemies, and the risk of taking damage is high.
But if the enemy doesn't attack the sides at all, this spot is incredibly strong.
In Front of Small Room (Crossfire Focus)
A high-risk, high-reward position where you can set up a crossfire with your tank.
You can put strong pressure on heroes like Tracer or Soldier who want to expand sightlines.
However, it's easy to get isolated and focused, so situational awareness is key.
Behind the Pillar (Expansion Prevention)
A position where it's easy to hit Whip Shots on flanking enemies and transition to offense.
However, if the enemy has a Winston, there's a risk of them jumping directly to the high ground.
Additionally, it's harder to heal allies on the high ground.
High Ground (Stable Choice)
The most stable basic position.
- Wide field of vision
- Can heal allies on the high ground
- Can drop down anytime if needed
It's very powerful just for "observing the situation" first.
After confirming the enemy's expansion, intervene in the battlefield as necessary.
I think it's best to start from here for now.
Side Note:
There isn't a huge difference between high-rank players and low to mid-rank players.
The big difference is "whether or not you know the flow of the battle."
That's it.
Who is going to flank?
At what timing?
What do you need to watch out for?
Just by understanding that, your positioning and ease of aiming will change significantly.
Not just "where to stand," but "why you stand there."
When you can think that far, OW becomes even more interesting.
I'd be happy if this article helped you feel the "flow of the battlefield" even a little bit.
https://note.com/retty_ow/n/n01850f4e9af3
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