Leading 7 In-Game Roles That Require the Most Teamwork in Esports

In esports, it’s not just about who has the sharpest aim or fastest reflexes. If you want to compete at the top, your team has to run like a well-oiled machine. Communication, timing, and role distribution are everything. And some roles demand way more coordination and teamwork than others. That’s what we’re diving into today.

Everyone’s been there: you’re mid-match, things are going okay, but one teammate decides to go rogue. Boom—team wipe. Game over. That’s why teams need players who coordinate, make calls, support others—in short, real team players. Knowing your role isn’t just for shooters—it matters in MOBAs, battle royales, even card-based strategy games.

And teamwork isn’t limited to FPS or arena games. Even some iGames demand quick coordination and group decision-making. One such example is the Lightning Storm casino game, where dynamics and fast reactions often mean the difference between winning and losing.

1. Support (MOBA and Tactical Shooters)

Supports are the backbone of any team. Without them, things fall apart fast. In games like League of Legends or Overwatch, supports are in charge of keeping teammates alive. A well-timed heal or game-saving ultimate can completely shift the tide. They have to know where everyone is, who needs help, and when the next fight is about to go down. It’s a high-stress role that doesn’t always get the spotlight—but makes or breaks the game behind the scenes.

In shooters like CS:GO or Valorant, supports throw smokes, flash for entry players, and control zones with utility. Without this prep, teams can’t execute cleanly. It’s a role for people who think big picture and play for the team.

2. In-Game Leader (IGL)

The IGL is the brain of the squad. In tactical games like CS:GO, Valorant, or Rainbow Six Siege, they call the shots—literally. Who’s holding which angle, when to push or fall back—that’s all on them.

A good IGL needs deep game knowledge and the trust of their team. Players have to follow calls without hesitation, even if they seem risky. And when things go south, it’s the IGL who takes the heat.

Typical IGL responsibilities:

• Calling strats round by round
• Adapting to enemy tactics on the fly
• Keeping the team focused and organized

Not a role for ego players. But when done right, it takes the entire team to another level.

3. Tank / Frontliner

In games like Overwatch, Apex Legends, or LoL, tanks are the frontline. They start fights, soak up damage, and create space. Sounds easy? Not at all. When you’re the first in, your timing has to be perfect.

Push too early—team dies. Wait too long—you miss your chance. Tanks set the tempo. They have to communicate with healers and damage dealers constantly and react to the flow of the fight.

What tanks handle:

• Soaking up enemy ultimates
• Blocking key areas and sightlines
• Protecting teammates with positioning

Good tanks often go unnoticed—until they’re missing. Then you feel their absence hard.

4. Shotcaller in Battle Royales

Battle royale games like Fortnite, Warzone, or PUBG are chaotic and fast-paced. Clear calls are everything. That’s where the shotcaller comes in. They make snap decisions that keep the squad alive.

A good shotcaller keeps track of the safe zone, enemy rotations, and loot. They make split-second decisions—and the team has to follow without questioning.

What they decide on the fly:

1. Push or hold position?
2. Share loot or move on?
3. What’s the next safe rotation?

When a squad is in sync, it looks like magic. Chaos turns into control. That’s real teamwork.

5. Strategic Support in RTS and MOBAs

In RTS games like StarCraft (co-op) or MOBAs like Dota 2, fast hands aren’t everything. Some players take on the support role strategically: watching the map, sharing intel, and building vision control. Not as flashy as a clutch play, but just as important.

In Dota 2, the hard support handles warding. Sounds basic—but one smart ward can prevent a gank or secure a kill. Timing here is everything too. If a team wants to smoke or set up an ult, they need full coordination.

This role requires foresight, smart positioning, and constant chatter. Farming alone? Not gonna cut it.

6. Off-Angler / Lurker (Shooters)

In CS:GO or Valorant, the lurker operates alone—but for the team. They take flanking routes, catching enemies off guard. Sounds like a solo gig, right? It’s not. A good lurker reads the game like a script.

Push too early? Waste. Too late? Team’s dead. Lurkers provide key info: rotate, fake, switch sites? Plus, they have to stay quiet and perfectly timed with the team’s moves.

Lurker perks:

• Force enemy rotations
• Split defender focus
• Secure map control

This is a cerebral role—made for players with killer instincts and icy nerves.

7. Flex Player

Last up: the flex. These players fill whatever the team needs. In Overwatch, they might switch between tank, DPS, and support. In Valorant, between entry and sentinel.

A good flex knows every role, every map, and every meta. They fill gaps and adapt on the fly—no questions asked. That takes more than skill—it takes a real team mindset.

Why flex players matter:

• Patch up team weaknesses
• Shake up stale matches
• See the game from multiple perspectives

They’re the wild card. Not always visible—but absolutely vital when the pressure’s on.

Final Thoughts

In esports, teamwork trumps solo highlights. Roles like support, IGL, or tank might not grab the kills—but they make everyone else shine. If you play one of these roles well, you lift your entire team. And in competitive gaming, that’s the real win: not looking good—winning together.