Definition
A support player who focuses primarily on enabling one specific teammate with healing and buffs.
What Does "Pocket" Mean?
In 2026 gaming slang, “pocket” refers to a support player who focuses primarily on enabling one specific teammate — usually a damage dealer — with dedicated healing and buffs. The term is most commonly used in Overwatch (where Mercy “pocketing” a Pharah or Sojourn is a core strategy) but has spread to VALORANT, Apex Legends, and other team-based competitive games.
The term emerged from the Overwatch community around 2017-2018, when Mercy players began forming symbiotic relationships with specific damage heroes — most famously “PharMercy” (Mercy pocketing Pharah in the sky). The term captured the dynamic perfectly: the support stays close to their chosen teammate like something kept in a pocket, ready to provide instant assistance.
By 2020, the term had spread to other hero-based games. The Overwatch Wiki (March 2026 update) formally defines “pocket” as “a Support player that focuses primarily on enabling only one hero with healing and buffs.” In 2026, “pocket” has become standard competitive vocabulary across all team-based games with support roles.
Usage Examples
| Example | Tone |
|---|---|
| "Our Sojourn is cracked, I'm gonna pocket her." | Strategic |
| "Yo Mercy, can you pocket me this round?" | Casual |
| "Our Ana is supposed to be main support, but she's clearly pocketing the Genji." | Analytical |
Origin & Spread
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Appearance | Overwatch community, 2017-2018 (PharMercy meta) |
| Origin | Describing Mercy players staying close to a damage hero like something in a pocket |
| Primary Users | Team-based competitive game players (Overwatch, VALORANT, Apex) |
| Peak Period | 2020-present; standard competitive vocabulary across all team-based games |
Cultural Context
The concept of 'pocketing' reveals deep strategic and social dynamics in team-based games. At its core, pocketing is a resource allocation decision: the support bets that enabling one exceptional teammate will generate more value than distributing support evenly.
Similar Slang
- "Pocket Pick" — A player's secret signature hero — completely different meaning, same word
- "Hard Carry" — The player receiving pocket support, not the support action itself
- "Peel" — Protecting a teammate from enemies — different from enabling with buffs
FAQ
Q: Is pocketing the same as 'pocket pick' in esports drafts?
No — completely different meanings. 'Pocket' as a support strategy means dedicating healing to one teammate. 'Pocket pick' means a player's secret signature hero they pull out in specific situations.
Q: Can pocketing cause team conflict?
Absolutely. In solo queue, supports who only pocket their duo partner while ignoring the rest of the team are a common source of frustration. Good pocketing requires reading the game state.
Q: Is pocketing a legitimate competitive strategy?
It's absolutely legitimate at the highest levels. Professional Overwatch teams regularly run pocket strategies. The decision of who to pocket is a core strategic element.
Sources
- Overwatch Wiki — Common Termshttps://overwatch.fandom.com/wiki/Common_Terms