Animation cancelling Genji is the art of interrupting the long animations of his abilities with other actions, significantly increasing his damage output and mobility in Overwatch 2. By mastering these techniques, Genji players can drastically shorten the time between attacks, making them a far more formidable and unpredictable force on the battlefield. This article, drawing on extensive gameplay analysis and expert interviews, breaks down the core principles and specific methods for effectively animation cancelling with Genji, along with answers to common questions.
Understanding Genji’s Animation Cancels
Genji’s kit offers several opportunities for animation cancelling, each with its own unique application and benefits. The most common methods involve interrupting the end lag of his Shuriken throw, Swift Strike, and Dragonblade animations. Successfully executing these cancels allows Genji to chain abilities together more fluidly, resulting in a significant increase in his burst damage and overall effectiveness.
Shuriken Animation Cancels
The most fundamental animation cancel for Genji involves his Shurikens. The recovery animation after throwing Shurikens, particularly the burst fire, leaves Genji vulnerable. This can be drastically shortened through various methods:
- Shuriken -> Melee: After throwing a burst of Shurikens, quickly pressing the melee button will cancel the remaining animation of the Shuriken throw. This allows for a quick burst of additional damage, particularly useful in close-quarters combat.
- Shuriken -> Swift Strike: Immediately following the Shuriken throw, activating Swift Strike will cancel the animation. This is a crucial technique for diving onto enemies, closing gaps, and escaping dangerous situations. The Shuriken provides initial damage, while Swift Strike finishes off low-health targets or repositions Genji.
- Shuriken -> Deflect: While less common, using Deflect after throwing Shurikens can provide immediate protection from incoming fire, cancelling the remaining animation. This is highly situational but valuable when facing predictable attacks.
Swift Strike Animation Cancels
Swift Strike offers several opportunities for animation cancelling, primarily focused on resetting the cooldown and chaining it with other abilities:
- Swift Strike -> Melee: This is a key technique for maximizing damage during a dive. After Swift Striking through an enemy, a quick melee attack will cancel the animation and deal additional damage. This combo, often referred to as the “Swift Strike Melee” combo, is essential for finishing off low-health targets.
- Swift Strike -> Wall Climb: Using Wall Climb immediately after Swift Strike can cancel the animation and provide immediate vertical mobility. This can be used to escape after engaging or to reposition for a flank.
- Swift Strike -> Dash Reset/Kill: While not technically an animation cancel, understanding that Swift Strike resets upon a kill is crucial. Prioritize finishing off low-health enemies to maintain your mobility and continue your assault.
Dragonblade Animation Cancels
Mastering Dragonblade animation cancels is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. The animation between swings is lengthy, leaving Genji vulnerable.
- Dragonblade -> Swift Strike: This is the most crucial Dragonblade animation cancel. After each swing of the Dragonblade, immediately using Swift Strike will cancel the animation, allowing for faster and more frequent swings. This significantly increases the damage output during Dragonblade and allows Genji to eliminate targets much faster. Mastering the timing is key to consistently executing this cancel.
- Dragonblade -> Shuriken: While less common, throwing Shurikens between Dragonblade swings can provide additional damage. However, this is generally less effective than the Swift Strike cancel.
Advanced Animation Cancelling Techniques
Beyond the basic cancels, advanced Genji players utilize more intricate techniques to further optimize their gameplay:
- Wall Climb Jump Cancels: Using Wall Climb followed by a jump at the peak of the climb allows for increased mobility and unpredictable movement. This can be used to quickly reach high ground or evade enemy fire.
- Double Jump Shuriken Cancels: Timing Shuriken throws with double jumps can create unpredictable attack patterns and make Genji a more difficult target to hit.
Practicing and Mastering Animation Cancelling
Consistency in executing animation cancels requires dedicated practice.
- Practice Range: Spend time in the practice range mastering the timing of the different animation cancels. Focus on smooth transitions between abilities.
- Custom Games: Create custom games with specific scenarios to practice animation cancels in a more realistic environment.
- Replays: Review your gameplay to identify areas where you can improve your animation cancelling techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to animation cancelling Genji, providing deeper insights into these crucial techniques.
FAQ 1: Why is animation cancelling so important for Genji?
Animation cancelling is crucial because it dramatically increases Genji’s DPS (Damage Per Second). Without it, he’s slow and predictable. With animation cancels, he becomes a whirlwind of blades, difficult to hit and capable of quickly eliminating targets. It essentially unlocks the full potential of his kit.
FAQ 2: What is the most important animation cancel for beginners to learn?
The Shuriken -> Melee and Shuriken -> Swift Strike cancels are the most important for beginners. These are relatively easy to execute and provide immediate benefits in terms of damage output and mobility. Mastering these fundamentals is the foundation for learning more advanced techniques.
FAQ 3: How do I consistently execute the Dragonblade -> Swift Strike cancel?
Consistency comes from precise timing and practice. Focus on activating Swift Strike immediately after the Dragonblade swing connects. Pay attention to the visual and audio cues to develop a rhythm. Practice in the practice range until you can consistently execute the cancel without thinking.
FAQ 4: Does ping affect the effectiveness of animation cancels?
Yes, ping definitely affects the effectiveness of animation cancels. Higher ping can introduce delays, making it more difficult to execute the cancels with the necessary precision. Players with higher ping may need to adjust their timing to compensate for the delay.
FAQ 5: Are there specific keybinds that make animation cancelling easier?
While personal preference plays a role, many players find it beneficial to bind melee to a readily accessible key, such as a mouse side button. This allows for quicker and more responsive melee cancels. Experiment with different keybinds to find what works best for you.
FAQ 6: What is the difference between animation cancelling and animation skipping?
While often used interchangeably, the nuance lies in whether the skipped animation is crucial. Animation cancelling interrupts an unnecessary portion of an animation that doesn’t actively contribute. Animation skipping might inadvertently cut off a vital part of an ability rendering it ineffective or causing issues. Genji mainly benefits from cancels rather than skips.
FAQ 7: Can I use animation cancels on console?
Yes, animation cancels are possible on console, though the execution may require a bit more practice due to the limitations of the controller. The principles remain the same, but the timing and precision needed might be slightly different.
FAQ 8: How can I practice animation cancels while playing in real matches?
Start by focusing on one or two specific animation cancels during your matches. For example, concentrate on incorporating the Shuriken -> Melee cancel into your engagements. As you become more comfortable, gradually introduce other cancels into your gameplay.
FAQ 9: Are there any situations where I shouldn’t use animation cancels?
While animation cancelling is generally beneficial, there are situations where it may not be ideal. For example, if you need to hold a position or conserve Swift Strike for a later engagement, using the Shuriken -> Swift Strike cancel might not be the best option. Assess the situation and prioritize your actions accordingly.
FAQ 10: Are animation cancels considered exploits or are they intended gameplay mechanics?
Animation cancels are widely considered intended gameplay mechanics by the Overwatch community and are not seen as exploits. They are a core part of Genji’s skill expression and are essential for maximizing his potential.
FAQ 11: What resources are available for learning more about Genji animation cancelling?
Numerous resources are available online, including YouTube tutorials, guides on Overwatch forums, and coaching sessions from experienced Genji players. Experiment with different resources to find what works best for your learning style.
FAQ 12: How does the state of the game (meta, patches) affect the importance of animation cancelling?
The meta and game patches can significantly affect the importance of animation cancelling. When Genji is a highly contested pick, mastering animation cancelling becomes even more crucial to stand out from other Genji players. Patches that introduce balance changes may also impact the effectiveness of certain animation cancels, requiring players to adapt their gameplay.
By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you can unlock the true potential of Genji and become a force to be reckoned with on the Overwatch battlefield.