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Overwatch Wiki
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== Other concepts == === Channeled === {{main|Channeled}} '''Channeled''' abilities are generally longer lasting effects that prevent the hero from using their [[weapon]]s or other [[abilities]] while they are active. They can also be interrupted at any time by applying a [[stunned]], [[knocked down]] or [[hacked]] [[status effect]] to the hero that is using them. Pharah's {{al|Barrage}} and Roadhog's {{al|Take a Breather}}, for example, are channeled abilities. Some channeled abilities do, however, allow the hero to use certain abilities during them. For example, Moira can use {{al|Fade}} during {{al|Coalescence}} and Sigma can use his primary fire after the targets are lifted by {{al|Gravitic Flux}}. Additionally, some other mechanics may override the ability to interrupt channeled abilities, such as {{al|Terra Surge}} also making Orisa immune to stuns and knockdowns for its duration. === Transformation === '''Transformation''' abilities modify or change the user's [[HP]], weapon, abilities, and/or provide other benefits (e.g. seeing through walls via [[Infra-Sight]]). The difference between transformation abilities and channeled abilities is that transformation abilities do not restrict the use of weapons (potentially a different weapon) and/or abilities and that they generally cannot be interrupted other than by eliminating the hero. For example, Winston's {{al|Primal Rage}}, Genji's {{al|Dragonblade}} and Ramattra's {{al|Nemesis Form}} are transformation abilities. === Cast time === Most abilities have a '''cast time'''. Cast time has two parts: startup and recovery. Startup refers to the time it takes for the ability to activate after the button is pressed. In general, the abilities can be interrupted during this time, but once the startup has finished, they can no longer be interrupted, unless the ability is channeled. Recovery on the other had refers to the time before the player can use their [[weapon]], [[quick melee]] or other abilities after the ability has finished applying its effects. === Confirmation input === Abilities that deploy a stationary object usually first enter a targeting interface, previewing location, allow changing the orientation and require a confirmation (default:primary fire) before they are activated by the user. The targeting can be interrupted or manually cancelled, while the actual activation of the ability cannot. The ability is not activated and will not go on cooldown or consume ultimate charge until the cast is confirmed, meaning if the targeting is interrupted or cancelled, it can be used again immediately. Symmetra's {{al|Photon Barrier}} and Mei's {{al|Ice Wall}}, for example, employ this targeting scheme.
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