Omnic Lab: A Strategic Overwatch Podcast

Latest Episodes:

73 - Omnic Lab: Contenders + Hero Tips & Tricks Oct 10, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week Andres & Rob sit down to talk through a lot of various topics that we think are important for all players in Overwatch. General tips, specific techniques, and even mental tips on how to better equip yourself to handle improving in the game.

News & Blue Posts:

Omnic Meta: (Homepage)
- Top Hero Mains for S6
- Console Meta Oct. 3, 2017
Halloween Terror 2017 coming Oct. 10th!
Overwatch Contenders Finals at the new Blizzard Arena:
- NA: EnVyUs vs FaZe
- EU: Gigantti vs Misfits

Hero Tips &Tricks:

Doomfist:
Meteorstrike gives you a TON of shielding when you hit 2 targets so you can get a pick and make yourself extremely durable.
Genji:
Your dash can animation cancel through your sword strikes giving you an immense burst capability in a short amount of time.
Using the right click in combination with a melee provides a huge burst of damage immediately following a swift strike dash on a target.
McCree:
Deadeye can be used as a quick reload which can be helpful in specific situations or to catch the enemy off guard.
Pharah:
If done right you will never have to touch the ground! (not always the best idea, but possible).
You can jump before boosting yourself off the ground for and even higher altitude.
Reaper:
Your teleport can be used to dodge certain death from things like D.Va’s ult if timed right.
Using all/most of your shots before using Wraith form is a good practice since it reloads your clip to full
Soldier:
Try to use Helix Rocket at the feet of enemies to pop them up for a brief second and make their movements more predictable for follow up shots.
Sombra:
Using the Translocator early and just poking and being annoying is the best thing. Never over-stay your welcome. Be sure to hack the right targets!
Tracer:
Angle your pulse bomb slightly downward to throw it right in front of you.
Throw the bomb at the feet of people in a graviton to ensure maximum damage.
Use map props to make up for your vertical mobility disadvantage.
Bastion:
Interweave healing in between your attacks while in ult form. If done right you will have no downtime, but a lot of extra health.
Hanzo:
Firing your ultimate through walls the enemy team is not expecting can be a great surprise.
Your ultimate can be deflecting by Genji’s right before it explodes into the dragon, watch out!
Junkrat:
You can use both charges of your exploding mine to create a double jump and get to places a lot of heroes can’t.
1 Mine and any other junkrat grenade or trap is a 100% kill on 250 HP heroes or less.
Using the ultimate when against low damage heroes like Winston solo you can detonate it right away and they can’t kill the tire fast enough.
Mei:
Hitting the wall button a second time changes the wall’s orientation between horizontal and vertical.
If a target is starting to freeze you can let go of the spray fire a little earlier and continue to track the target because the spray is still a projectile applying damage & Freeze.
Using the Primary fire during blizzard does increase the speed of freezing someone and adds damage.
Torbjorn:
The Hammer does do increased damage during ultimate, but only use when a Rein is Barriering you or DVa is matrixing and you’re out of ammo.
Primary fire, while odd trajectory, is generally more powerful than the alternate shotgun round at medium range unless you can land all the shotgun rounds.
Widowmaker:
Fake falling can be a great way to dodge/avoid an incoming gank. Throw yourself off of your high ground (or cliff) and after a little delay grapple yourself back up (ideally on a different part of the high ground).
Using the Grapple Hook on the ground is a quick way to dodge and space between an enemy for a quick flick shot.

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(11/25) Ben W, Good Apollo, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, RickyTicky, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.

New Patrons this week: Chrisdaplaya, Koen D.

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon Twitch, Youtube, MERCH Discord: discord.me/omniclab Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://www.omniclab.com iTunes, Google Play Music, RSS Full Extended Show Notes Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Velen's Chosen Podcast, Concept Craft Podcast Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio, soundcloud ConBeforetheStorm: Website, Bob’s Tweet

72 - Omnic Lab: Learning New Maps Oct 04, 2017

Show notes

News & Blue Posts:

Omnic Meta: (Homepage)
DVA DPS Patch 1.15
Jeff Kaplan HUGE Blue Post
- “Do we do everything right? Certainly not. The 100 members of the OW team are *far* more critical than most of you of the game on a good day (although we're a little more professional about how we express our criticism). You will never meet one of us who says, "the game is perfect". We have no shortage of ideas of how to make the game better and we are lucky enough to show up to work every day and try to make those things happen.”
- “Two weeks ago, I was offsite all week without posting access (I cannot make forum posts from my phone for security reasons). The week after that, I came into the office 1 hour later than I normally do (I was feeling extremely fatigued and rather than waking up at 5:40am like I do most days, I woke up at 6:30am). The end result was that for 2 weeks I haven't posted at my normal rate. I apologize that it's been a quiet two weeks but that doesn't mean that we -- the OW team -- haven't been working just as hard as we always do and are not dedicated to making this game great. “
JOIN THE OVERWATCH ON-AIR TALENT TEAM
- Starting September 25, the Overwatch team will review submissions and reach out to promising candidates with further instructions. Please note that only English submissions will be considered at this time.

Learning a New Map - Junkertown

Analyzing the general layout
Where is the open areas?
Where’s the alleys?
Where can safely weave cover?
Where are the flanking routes?
Where are the main objectives? Locations of the payload/point/etc.
Where are the “safe zones”?
Where are the health packs?
Where are the “choke points” forcing players through?

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

Ben W, Good Apollo, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, RickyTicky, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.

Omnic Lab Links:

71 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: Orisa with EvilToaster Sep 24, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we brought EvilToaster out from the woodwork to slam down a bongo drum and talk Orisa this week! He’s a top 500 finishing tank-main player who mains Orisa since her release and has a lot of tips for us this week, so Halt and Fortify as we whip out those Fusion Drivers for the next Going Deep episode!

News & Blue Posts:

Game Night -- Sept. 29th
Junkertown/DVa/Mercy Patch Drop!
Omnic Meta: (Homepage)
Mercy-DVa Rework Analysis
PC Meta: Sept. 20, 2017
Mercy Resurrect Analysis
Reporting & Bans Update: Blue Post
Inaugural Overwatch League Announcement
12 Teams
LA, LA, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Boston, NYC, Seoul, Shanghai, London, Philadelphia, & Miami/Orlando
Dec. 6, 2017 (Wed) - Pre-season
Jan. 10, 2018 (Wed) - Season 1
Championship, playoffs, finals - July 2018
Overwatch Balances the game with Pro Opinions
JOIN THE OVERWATCH ON-AIR TALENT TEAM
Starting September 25, the Overwatch team will review submissions and reach out to promising candidates with further instructions. Please note that only English submissions will be considered at this time.

Orisa Questions: (Orisa Reference)

What roles does Orisa fill or what is his job in a game?
What are the fundamentals of the hero (maybe for Low Tier play as well)?
Let’s talk about using Fusion Driver effective use.
How to do we get the most out of Projected Barrier?
What are some of the big differences since the Shield Adjustments patch?
Where do you put this sucker?
Do you launch them to save teammates as a desperation play?
What tips do you have for using Halt! To grab targets for repositioning or environmental kills?
Hoyle391: what is your strategy for saving or using halt. What are the best times to keep it saved for. Do you get the most value out of yanking people away from you or pulling groups together.
X-Kaliper: How do you use this ability to combo with teammates?
How do you optimize your use of Fortify?IcySorrow: With dive being all about mobility, do you see Orisa's fortify being more beneficial as we move away from that meta? Or do you have thoughts about how you would change or rework the ability to better her kit.
Supercharger breakdown
Can we chat about positioning and how to use your Shield and Halt! Combined with Fusion Driver pressure to maximize damage and pressure?
Team Compositions & Counters:
Who do you like to build Orisa with? Who is your worst enemy?

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(11/25) Ben W, Good Apollo, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, RickyTicky, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.

New Patrons this week: Rusty D. & kSheehan

Omnic Lab Links:

70 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: Doomfist with PVPTwitch Sep 18, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we brought PVPTwitch, a popular, repeat top500 Junkrat specialist streamer, to talk about Doomfist. Sounds odd, but PVP hit Grand Masters last season on a nearly 100% Doomfist only account. So charge your Meteor Strikes as we punch through this going deep episode!

News & Blue Posts:

Omnic Lab Game Night Sept 22nd
Omnic Meta: (Homepage)
- Patch Analysis of Junkrat/Roadhog
- PC Meta: Sept. 6, 2017
- Console Meta: Sept. 11, 2017
Free OW Weekend! Sept. 22-25 (Basically no comp, all features)
PTR is now OFFLINE
Patreon 4v4 Team Deathmatch Tournament??
Blizzard Press Center opens Oct 7th in LA
Mei Short: Rise and Shine: Behind Rise and Shine
Junkertown Comes Sept. 19th! (Escort Map
Developer Update: Play Nice, Play Fair

Doomfist Questions:

What roles does Doomfist fill or what is his job in a game?
What are the fundamentals of the hero (maybe for Low Tier play as well)?
Let’s talk about using Rocket Punch effective use.
How to do we get the most out of Uppercut & Seismic Slam?
Meteor Strike breakdown
- When to use, where to be, who to prioritize
- How many kills is enough//Zoning Pressure
- Combo ult with what?
- Charging tips
- Can we chat about positioning and how to use your Punch and Hand Canon to maximize damage and pressure?
Now let’s work on proper engagement and disengages.

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(11/25) Ben W, Good Apollo, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, RickyTicky, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon Discord: discord.me/omniclab Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://www.omniclab.com iTunes, Google Play Music, RSS Twitch, Youtube, MERCH Full Extended Show Notes Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Velen's Chosen Podcast, Content Craft Podcast Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio, soundcloud PVPTwitch: Twitter, Twitch, YouTube

69 - Omnic Lab: Carolina Ravassa (Sombra) Interview! Sep 10, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we are going to deep into the underground of Dorado and into the mind of the sneakiest of Talon operatives to talk with the one and only Carolina Ravassa! She is the official voice for Sombra in Overwatch and we wanted to do a cool interview with her and what it’s like breathing life into a character through the power of voice overs & voice acting!

References:

Omnic Meta: (Homepage)
Thumbnail Art thanks to DanByte- on Reddit

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors:

Ben W, Good Apollo, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, RickyTicky, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.

New Patrons this week:

Steven K
Good Apollo (edited Diamond) (previously Zampano)
Matailander (edited Plat)
Haiyin
Henning L

Omnic Lab Links:

68 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: Hanzo with Arrge Sep 04, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we are going to Hanamura to visit the eldest of the Shimada clan, Hanzo in yet another going deep episode. We brought on Hanzo Top 500 specialist Arrge on the show this week. So string your bows, cork your sake flasks, and wall climb behind enemy lines with us as we scatter shot a flurry of questions at Arrge to help you learn Hanzo!

News & Blue Posts:

Omnic Meta: (Homepage)
Patreon 4v4 Team Deathmatch Soon (tm)
Mercy Adjustment Round 2:
Jeff Kaplan Talks to Toxic Forum Poster
- Original response
- S6 Developer Update Video Promised

Going Deep Discussion

What roles does Hanzo fill or what is his job in a game
Let’s talk about using Wall Climbing effective use
How to do we get the most out of Sonic Arrow?
The most BALANCED ability Scatter Arrow, let’s talk about landing it?
Dragonstrike breakdown
- When to use, where to be, who to prioritize
- How many kills is enough//Zoning Pressure
Can we chat about positioning and how to use your primary and Sonic Arrows to maximize damage and pressure?
Now let’s work on proper engagement and disengages.
Now let’s talk synergies and match-ups.

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(11/25) Ben W, HannibalSnowden, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.
New Patrons this week:
- Neil B
- kSheehan

Omnic Lab Links:

67 - Omnic Lab: Battle Mercy, Valkyrie! Aug 27, 2017

Show notes

This week Andres holds down the fort with guest from High Noon Podcast, D3athbl0w! They sit down and chat about the huge changes hitting PTR about Mercy, the DVa adjustments, and a cool change to Reinhardt’s camera.

News & Blue Posts:

Sept 1st Game Night!
Omnic Meta: (Homepage) - This report is all about Doomfist and his high pick rate completely shaking up the meta. Doomfist has the highest debut of any new hero since Overwatch came out, as he has made an immediate impact and claimed more than 25% usage across all tiers - putting him as one of the most popular DPS heroes in the game. Encourage you to check out the: Patch 1.13 hero change analysis over at omnicmeta.com.

New Competitive Season Changes:

Players in Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond can now drop into lower skill tiers.
We’ve made some adjustments to how skill rating is calculated after a win/loss.

New PTR Hero Changes:

D.Va
Micro Missiles (New Ability)
D.Va fires a barrage of small rockets that detonate on impact, dealing damage in a limited radius around each explosion. These can be fired while D.Va is using any other ability or firing her Fusion Cannons
Defense Matrix- Defense Matrix's resource meter will now deplete twice as quickly
Boosters - Fusion Cannons can now be fired while flying
Mercy:
- Resurrect (formerly Mercy’s Ultimate ability)
- Targets 1 player, instead of every player within a 5m radius
- Ability cooldown: 30 seconds
- Mercy is no longer granted invulnerability while Resurrecting
- Valkyrie (New Ultimate)
- Valkyrie unleashes the full power of Mercy’s Valkyrie Suit, enhancing her weapons and abilities for 20 seconds:
- Caduceus Staff: Mercy’s healing and damage boost beams now affect all allies near the targeted teammate, and the staff’s effective range has been extended
- Caduceus Blaster: Granted infinite ammo, while simultaneously increasing damage and fire rate
- Guardian Angel: Increased range and movement speed
- Resurrect: Cooldown is instantly reset when Valkyrie is activated and reduced to 10s after the initial cast
- Hover: Mercy gains the ability to fly freely, at increased movement speed
- Regeneration (Passive): No longer interrupted when Mercy takes damage
Reinhardt:
- Barrier Field - Holding primary fire while your shield is active now allows you to rotate the camera
User Interface Updates:
- The skull icons that indicate where teammates were killed throughout the map have been replaced with Hero Portrait icons
- Third person camera view will now frame the action automatically when spectating or waiting to respawn
End of Competitive Season 5
- Season 5 will conclude on Monday, August 28th at 5:00 PM PDT. A countdown is conveniently located in the Important Box at the top right corner of the sub.
Beginning of Competitive Season 6
- Season 6 will begin on Thursday, August 31st at 5:00 PM PDT.
End of the Summer Games event
- The announced end date is Monday, August 28th. While there is not typically an announced end time, note that past events have ended around 5:00 PM PDT (00:00 UTC). Please use the "End of Season 5".

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(12/25) Ben W, IceWeasel, HannibalSnowden, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon Discord: discord.me/omniclab Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://www.omniclab.com iTunes, Google Play Music, RSS Twitch, Youtube, MERCH Full Extended Show Notes Rob: Twitter, Twitch,Velen's Chosen Podcast, Content Craft Podcast Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio, soundcloud D3athbl0w: Twitter, High Noon Podcast

66 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: McCree with CurryShotTV Aug 23, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we are going to the Wild West at high noon with CLG Streamer & top 500 DPS Player CurryShotTV to talk about McCree. So reload your Peacekeepers, kick over that tumbleweed, and slap on your BAMF belt buckle for the McCree show! Sept 1st Game Night!

News & Blue Posts:

Omnic Meta: (Homepage)

Patreon 4v4 Team Deathmatch Tournament!

Going Deep Discussion

What roles does McCree fill or what is his job in a game?
Lower Skill or just never played the hero before tips?
Let’s talk about using Flash Bang effective use.
The different kinds of flashbang use: Offense, Defense, 1v1 Duels, Flanking, etc.
How to do we get the most out of Combat Roll?
High Noon aka Dead Eye chat
When to use, where to be, who to prioritize
How many kills is enough//Zoning Pressure
Deadeye Minimum Damage 80
Can we chat about positioning and how to use your primary and secondary fires.
Now let’s work on proper engagement and disengages.
Now let’s talk synergies and matchups.

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(12/25) Ben W, IceWeasel, HannibalSnowden, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, NotMuaddib, RcCrispy, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, & Trinium.

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon Discord: discord.me/omniclab Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://www.omniclab.com iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube Twitch, RSS, MERCH ull Extended Show Notes Rob: Twitter, Twitch,Velen's Chosen Podcast, Content Craft Podcast Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio, soundcloud CurryShotTV: Twitch, Twitter

65 - Omnic Lab: Lucioball & Deathmatch Aug 13, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we got a LOT of news for esports, Lucioball, Deathmatch, and we’ve be really engaged within other podcasts to hang out with other creators this week. We want to talk about all these things and drop a few announcements!

News & Blue Posts:

Omnic Meta: (Homepage) Doomfist Impact in the Meta // Console Meta Aug 8, 2017
- Highlight: (As it turns out) Doomfist is more efficient in converting damage done to kills than any other offensive hero in the game.
- Bottom Line: It seems clear that Doomfist's net impact on a match is very high - provided he can survive and secure enough kills. His high burst damage (stemming from his Rocket Punch) appears to be Doomfist's big asset. While he requires great skill to be able to play well, Doomfist is a hero worth playing. The biggest question right now is whether Doomfist is a hero that can be played on all maps and on both defense and offense.
- Zarya, McCree, Rein changes: Overall, the change has been a net (although minor) benefit to the three heroes, with all three seeing more than a 5% increase in eliminations per match on average. Reinhardt's bump is particularly good, as his eliminations per match have gone up more than 10% at the higher tiers.
The Close of Season 5 is coming!
- End of S5: Aug. 28th 5pm PDT (mon)
- Start of S6: Aug. 31st 5pm PDT (thurs)
OWL introduces 2 new teams officially
- London, England with Cloud9
- Los Angeles, California Team #2 with Stan & Josh Kroenke, owners of

PTR: Patchnotes

Developer Update VIDEO
Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch!
JUNKRAT
- Concussion Mine: 2 mines can be held
- RIP-Tire: 30% faster movement & No longer a time limit when climbing walls
ORISA
- Fusion Driver (Primary Fire): Projectile Speed up 20%
- Protective Barrier: Barrier size up 20%
- Shape changed to “allow for more coverage from enemies that are below the barrier.
ROADHOG
- Take a Breather (Heal):
- Can be used while moving at full-speed
- Reduced damage taken by 50% while healing
WIDOWMAKER
- Grappling Hook: Cooldown down to 8s (was 12s)
- Venom Mine: Targets are now visible through walls to Widow only
User Interface:
- Added “Outline Opacity” option for reticles to control “the opacity of the black outline around reticles.

Live Patch: Summer Games 2017

Promotional Video Tweet
Lucio Ball Competitive Tips:
- The Golden rule of Lucio Ball.
- Positioning on the field.
- Getting around the field.
- Properly hitting the ball. (Lobbs, straight shots, dribbling)
- Timing for the plays
- Communication.
- Ultimate Use.

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

Ben W, IceWeasel, HannibalSnowden, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, RcCrispy, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, RickyTicky, TragicZac, & Trinium.

New Patrons this week: NotMuaddib (Diamond), Steven M, C.K.M. (edited up)

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon

Discord: discord.me/omniclab

Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com

Website: http://www.omniclab.com

iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube

Twitch, RSS, MERCH

Full Extended Show Notes

Rob: Twitter, Twitch,Velen's Chosen Podcast, Content Craft Podcast

Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio

64 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: Roadhog with Gingerslayer Aug 06, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we are going down under with Roadhog on another Going Deep episode. Joining us to discuss all things bacon is Gingerslayer, a top 500 Roadhog main. We’ll be sure to also touch on Summer Games news as well.

News & Blue Posts:

Omnic Meta: (Homepage) PC Meta Aug 2, 2017
Team CC in China formed! LINK

Going Deep Discussion

What roles does Roadhog fill or what is Roadhog’s Job in a game
What are some Roadhog basics for our fresh Roadhog players maybe in Silver or Bronze or just never played the hero before?
The big question, how to Hook the right way.
Can we chat about positioning, primary, and secondary fires?
Now let’s work on weaving in the hook and flanking vs front-line engagement.
Let’s talk about using the heal ability effectively.
Now let’s talk synergies and match-ups.
How does Roadhog’s presence strike fear into a team?

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(14/25) Awestruct, Ben W, IceWeasel, HannibalSnowden, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, RcCrispy, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, TragicZac, Trinium, & Zampano.
New Patrons this week (2 NEW): (116 Total)
- RickyTicky (Diamond)
- Jared W

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon

Discord: discord.me/omniclab

Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com

Website: http://www.omniclab.com

iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube

Twitch, RSS, MERCH

Full Extended Show Notes

Rob: Twitter, Twitch,Velen's Chosen Podcast, Content Craft Podcast

Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio

GINGERSLAYER: No links for our Guest!