Yes, Genji's melee attacks become significantly more powerful under specific circumstances, particularly during his ultimate ability.
Understanding Genji's Melee Capability
Genji, known for his agility and shuriken prowess, also possesses a standard quick melee attack like most heroes in Overwatch. This quick melee deals a fixed amount of damage and can be used to finish off low-health targets or provide a burst of damage in close quarters.
The Enhanced Power of Dragonblade Melee
The true strength of Genji's melee is unleashed when he activates his Dragonblade ultimate. During this period, his katana becomes his primary weapon, replacing his shurikens and dealing devastating melee damage.
- Exceptional Damage Output: When Dragonblade is active, Genji gains extremely high melee damage. This enhanced damage output is so significant that it surpasses even the standard melee damage dealt by heroes known for their close-range power, specifically beating even Reinhardt's formidable hammer swings.
- Strategic Trade-off: While his melee becomes incredibly potent, Genji loses the ability to attack at range for the duration of Dragonblade. This forces him into close-quarters combat, requiring players to expertly manage his positioning.
- Retained Mobility: Despite the focus on melee, Genji's inherent mobility, known as Cyber-Agility, remains active. This allows him to maintain his impressive wall-climbing and double-jump capabilities, crucial for closing distances and evading enemies during his ultimate.
Melee Damage Comparison (Illustrative)
To illustrate the significant boost, consider the following comparison:
| Melee Type | Damage Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Quick Melee | 30 damage | Consistent across most heroes, including Genji normally. |
| Reinhardt's Hammer | 85 damage | A benchmark for high melee damage. |
| Dragonblade Melee | Extremely High | Surpasses 85 damage; forces close-range combat. |
Strategic Implications of Enhanced Melee
The heightened melee damage during Dragonblade makes Genji a formidable threat capable of swiftly eliminating multiple enemies.
- Target Prioritization: With such high damage, Genji can quickly dispatch squishy support or damage-dealer heroes.
- Dive Potential: Combined with his persistent Cyber-Agility, Genji can dive deep into enemy lines, secure eliminations, and then use his mobility to disengage or pursue the next target.
- Clutch Play Potential: A well-timed Dragonblade can turn the tide of a team fight by rapidly eliminating key enemy players.
In conclusion, while Genji's standard melee is typical, his melee during Dragonblade is indeed exceptionally strong, designed to be a devastating close-range weapon.
