Sombra's incredible EMP trick will save your life in Overwatch

Connor Bennett

One Overwatch fan has, unintentionally, discovered a tactic that can save Sombra players’ lives if they’re in danger of environmental damage. 

Sombra, who regularly frustrates enemy teams with her stealth, was the second new hero – behind Ana – to be added to Overwatch back in November of 2016. 

Since her addition, the character has become a fan favorite and a staple in competitive play thanks to her unique abilities like Hack and the Translocator. However, fans have discovered a new way for her to get around the map – and one that may save a life if timed right. 

Sombra regularly gets into a teams backline with her Translocator.

In a post to the Overwatch subreddit, user ThattJuanGuyy showed off a strange clip from their recent Mystery Heroes games. The Redditor was handed Sombra but a lack of experience with the hero meant they didn’t have much knowledge about when or how to use the abilities for maximum effect.

However, that paid off as they managed to utilize the EMP to save themselves from falling off the map. After Roadhog’s hook nearly sent them to their death, ThattJuanGuyy discovered that the ability has a small jump and knockback to it, allowing them to jump up just high enough to get back to a safe footing.

While ThattJuanGuyy may have thought the jump on the EMP ability may have been old news to some more experienced players, some complimented them for uncovering the little trick. “1000 hours+ of this game and I didn’t know that Sombra jumps when she EMPs,” commented exedeeee

Another, Skilotonn, added: “I know that there is some sort of bounce when you do midair, but I certainly never would have used it in such a situation to find out that it could save me off a ledge though.”

Even if you’re an experienced Overwatch player, it’s always nice to pick up on obscure tips and tricks that could baffle high-level players because of how outside the box they are.

That’s not to say that Sombra’s EMP jump is going to be a meta-shifting tactic but at least there’s another use for it outside of devastating the enemy team.