Overwatch 2 has been steaming ahead with its seventh season, much to the anticipation of its fan base. Blizzard has been diligent in dropping new content and releasing patch notes to keep the game fresh. However, it appears not all is smooth sailing in the Overwatch 2 universe. Players have been vocal about their experiences, and a common thread seems to be the dissatisfaction with the tank role this season. The factors driving this dissatisfaction are multifaceted, but two main issues appear to be at the forefront of player discontent.

The first issue stems from the noticeable lack of players queuing for the tank role. This trend has been apparent since the launch of Overwatch 2 in October last year. Many players feel compelled to opt for meta heroes, such as Sigma and Orisa, to ensure survival in battles. However, there is a longing to be able to use more agile characters like Doomfist or Wrecking Ball. The Top 500 leaderboards reveal a telling picture, with a significant number of Grandmaster players listed for support and damage roles, but only Master players representing the tank role. This disparity suggests a dwindling interest in the tank role this season.

The shift from a 6v6 format to 5v5 in Overwatch 2 has further compounded the problems for tank players. This change has resulted in increased pressure on tanks, with many feeling a heightened dependence on their teammates. The previous 6v6 format allowed tanks to off-angle while a second tank protected their backline. The reduced team size in the 5v5 setup has made successful plays more challenging, often leading to accusations of 'feeding' the enemy team. Consequently, tanks seem to bear the brunt of defeat blame, possibly deterring players from queuing for the role.

Another significant concern for tank players is the increasing dominance of support characters in recent seasons. Support abilities such as Baptiste's Immortality Field and Kiriko's Protection Suzu, along with their passive self-regeneration, potent damage statistics, and CC capabilities, have made them formidable adversaries. Many tanks feel powerless against these characters. Attempts to bait out abilities like Ana's Biotic Grenade or Bastion's Assault form often seem futile, leaving tanks feeling ineffective in battles.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for tank players. Blizzard has just released a mid-season patch that could potentially address some of these issues. Support characters such as Ana, Baptiste, Zenyatta, and Kiriko have received nerfs to their abilities, which could potentially balance the gameplay. Renowned Overwatch 2 Twitch streamer, Flats, has expressed optimism about the changes with a tweet stating "We are so back." Whether these changes will indeed improve the tank experience is something only time will tell.

In conclusion, while the seventh season of Overwatch 2 has brought in new content and updates, it has also accentuated some of the existing issues for tank players. The decline in player interest in the tank role, increased pressure in the 5v5 setup, and the dominance of support characters have created a less than ideal gaming experience. However, Blizzard's recent patch might just be the sign that the tide is turning. As it is with all games, Overwatch 2's evolution will continue with feedback from its player base, with the hope that the gaming experience will become more balanced and enjoyable for all roles.