Shanghai Dragons regret 2-2-2 role lock, pine for meta reversion

After losing to the Hangzhou Spark at the Los Angeles Valiant’s Homestand Weekend, the Shanghai Dragons must reflect on their ongoing losing streak. 

The Shanghai Dragons ended Season 4 with a 13-15 record, putting them in 11th place. While they are still heading to the playoffs, the Dragons will have to up their game if they want to make their mark this time around.

Despite surprising the Overwatch League community by becoming the Stage 3 champions, the Dragons have been having difficulties in Stage 4 thanks to the 2-2-2 role lock. Without being able to run their dominant 3 DPS comp, Shanghai has started to struggle. Now they must find a way to succeed with the playoff’s new post-patch meta. 

In a press conference after their defeat, the Dragons discussed their playoff plans, and rivalries forming in 2020. 

How are you feeling about new hero Sigma and the upcoming meta change? 

Seong-“BlueHaS” hwan We, head coach: Orisa inhibits a lot of DPS performances in this meta. With the introduction of Sigma, Orisa won’t be utilized as often as before. DPS will be able to perform better, which will help us have a better performance. 

With little time to prepare between now and the playoffs, what will the team focus on in practice?

Young-jin “Gamsu” Noh: Teamwork and coordination. Because of our loss streak, we need the confidence of our players to return, too. 

How do you feel about Stage 4’s 2-2-2 role lock? 

Min-seong “diem” Bae: The role lock takes away from individual play. For example, 3 DPS comp shows our skill more. I wish we could revert back to the old meta for that reason. 

How do you feel about double eliminations being introduced to the playoffs structure? 

Gyeong “CoMa” Woo Son: Double elimination is a way for you to properly identify the teams that deserve to be in the finals. 

How is the team feeling about next year’s league structure? 

CoMa: I’m worried about players being in their top condition because of the traveling. I hope we see some type of accommodations to stay in top form while coping with this new rigorous schedule. 

How will practice look, now that there’s more traveling? 

Gamsu: We are fortunate to have a lot of teams nearby. Ping won’t be an issue. We are more worried about scrimming with teams that are farther away, who may be effected by high ping. 

How important is the chance to play in China? 

CoMa: It’s meaningful that every team can compee in the city they are named after. It has a high significance to us. 

Do you see a more prominent rivalry forming between all of the Chinese teams next season? 

Gamsu: Because of the region being more emphasized, I think the rivalries betwen the Chinese teams will get more intense.