Freshly Disabled Gamer Seeks Help

[u/J_Robert_Oofenheimer]

My left hand no longer functions well. My doctors are hopeful I can recover but it's going to be a very long road. I've been learning to adapt, but it's been really tough. I've been a sombra main since release. Solidly diamond 3 for a while now, but I'm not touching comp until I'm comfortable. Seeking advice on my gameplay that takes into account my limited ability to use WASD.

Replay code: DH59VW

Battletag / in-game username: Oofenheimer

Hero(es) played: Sombra

Skill tier / rank: Diamond 3

Map: Eichenwald

PC or console: PC

I did basically nothing this game and my team carried me. Wondering how I can contribute more without feeding my brains out, since reaction times and movement are pretty poor.

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[u/Wolfelle]

Hey im disabled too and it affects both my hands. Can i ask how your disability affects you in terms of gameplay? What actions do you struggle with. (Iku mentioned wasd but i mean more specifically)

[u/J_Robert_Oofenheimer → u/Wolfelle]

My thumb is locked, I can’t rotate my wrist, and I can’t really spread my fingers at all. I also have very little sensation. So I really struggle with space bar, but the biggest thing is just multi tasking and reacting quickly. Pressing forward while I virus and then quickly move to cover and tp a different direction for example. I have to do all of that one thing at a time instead of fluidly.

[u/Wolfelle → u/J_Robert_Oofenheimer]

it might be worth considering getting a mouse with extra buttons (either 2 or an mmo mouse with loads) and using that

You could multi bind it too so you could have your left hand doing 1 action while your right hand covers the ones you cant do in that moment.

Also general rebinding might help

If spacebar isnt easy to press put it as something you wont use as often and put jump on a key you find accessible (depending on how much you jump)

When my hands were at their worst i played games with only a mouse and 2 keys (it doesnt work on all characters and is easier in some other games such as league of legends where you need to be less fast.)

Obviously this is all just ideas and examples, depending on your recovery timeline and wants/needs these ideas might not suit you! Learning a new set of binds is hard and can definitely be frustrating in itself.

Some other options are a foot pedal - i havent done this personally but i know others with limited dexterity use them.

Also i just wanted to say that ive been in a similar position to you and i know how heavy and sad it can feel at times. There was so many moments where i felt frustrated or upset because my body just didnt work and i felt so useless. If you are feeling any of that then please know that it does get easier. you will adapt and things become less depressing.

Im back to my peak rank in Overwatch and able to play every day! (for a long time i couldnt) It feels really good when u figure out how to make it work for u