Master Junkrat’s aerial mine trick to dominate Pharah in Overwatch
The Junkrat-Pharah Rivalry Explained
In Overwatch‘s diverse roster, few matchups showcase playstyle contrasts as starkly as Junkrat versus Pharah. Where Pharah dominates vertical spaces with her jetpack and rocket launcher, Junkrat traditionally excels in chaotic ground-level combat with his grenade launcher and traps.
The game’s tooltips reinforce this dynamic – Junkrat’s kit struggles against airborne targets, while Pharah’s mobility makes her nearly untouchable to his arcing projectiles from below. This has made Pharah a traditional counterpick against Junkrat players.
The Aerial Mine Technique
The breakthrough technique transforms Junkrat’s Concussion Mine from an escape tool to an aerial combat weapon. Here’s the step-by-step execution:
- Position yourself near vertical geometry (walls, payloads)
- Launch your first mine at an upward angle to propel yourself airborne
- At peak height, quickly throw your second mine toward Pharah
- Detonate when the mine is within 3-5 meters of the target
This technique shines on maps like Ilios Ruins and Eichenwalde first point, where environmental kills are possible. The key is predicting Pharah’s movement patterns – most tend to hover at consistent altitudes when firing rockets.
Advanced Tactics and Common Mistakes
When facing a Pharah-Mercy duo, the strategy requires adjustment. Focus on separating them first – the mine’s knockback can disrupt Mercy’s beam connection. After initial damage, quickly follow up with primary fire grenades while descending.
Common mistakes include:
- Using both mines offensively (always save one for escape)
- Attempting this in open areas without cover
- Ignoring enemy hitscan threats while airborne
For maximum effectiveness, place your Steel Trap at your landing position before launching. This protects you during the vulnerable cooldown period.
Alternative Pharah Counters
While this technique expands Junkrat’s capabilities, sometimes switching remains the optimal choice. Against particularly skilled Pharahs or double aerial compositions, consider these alternatives:
- Ashe: Scope shots combined with Dynamite pressure
- Soldier: 76: Consistent mid-range damage with sprint mobility
- D.Va: Defense Matrix can neutralize barrage ultimates
Team coordination remains crucial – even with this technique, communicating Pharah’s position helps your entire team apply pressure.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Overwatch trick gives Junkrat mains a perfect counter for Pharah Master Junkrat's aerial mine trick to dominate Pharah in Overwatch