Characters of the Overwatch franchise

{{Short description|none}} {{DISPLAYTITLE:Characters of the ''Overwatch'' franchise}} {{Use American English|date=June 2016}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}} [[File:Overwatch characters.png|thumb|400px|A promotional image of the 51 playable characters that were playable by ''Overwatch''{{'s}} 10th anniversary. ]]

The ''Overwatch'' franchise, a series of first-person shooter games developed by Blizzard Entertainment, consists of 50 playable characters across both games. The original 2016 game, ''Overwatch'', featured 21 playable characters known as heroes and several supporting characters as part of the game's narrative, which is told through animated media and digital comics outside of the game. Its sequel, ''Overwatch 2'', was released in October 2022 and replaced ''Overwatch''. The sequel builds upon the same hero roster and adds more characters, currently consisting of 45 heroes. However, as ''Overwatch 2'' had been developed to be a faster game with five-versus-five teams rather than six-versus-six, several of the characters had tweaks or major rebuilds within ''Overwatch 2'', as well as different character designs.

The story of ''Overwatch'' takes place on Earth in the "near future" in the years after the "Omnic Crisis", a period in which robots (called "omnics") rose up in rebellion worldwide, and the United Nations formed an elite group called Overwatch to combat them. Overwatch continued to protect the peace until it was disbanded years later under a cloud of suspicion, but its former members have returned to the force in light of new threats to humanity. Blizzard wanted to create a diverse set of characters to reflect a positive outlook on this near future, incorporating non-human characters and non-standard character traits. The game launched with 21 characters, with 21 more added post-release across both games. Nine characters reprised their role as playable heroes in the crossover multiplayer online battle arena game, ''Heroes of the Storm''.

==Background== ''Overwatch'', now completely replaced by ''Overwatch 2'' and later rebranded to ''Overwatch'', was an online team-oriented first-person shooter, and an example of a "hero shooter" where players select from one of several pre-designed hero characters with their own unique abilities. ''Overwatch'' included casual play modes, competitive ranked play modes, and various arcade modes with special rules applied to the base play modes. Most game modes featured two six-player teams competing in one of several objective-based game types: Control, assault, payload, and hybrid.

''Overwatch 2'' retains most of its predecessor's gameplay and content with some changes. People play on two teams of five rather than six players{{efn|The change was largely due to the much slower-paced (described as boring) play style that was promoted by having two tanks. This change was also made partly to alleviate the long time to get into a game for people who chose the role of ‘’damage’’ — the ‘’damage’’ role will be further explained below.}} and the game type "assault" was removed after much criticism from the player base. Heroes were given new designs, with some of them receiving entirely new abilities.

A match starts with each player selecting from one of the available hero characters. The game's characters are divided into three role classifications: damage, tank, and support.{{efn|Patch 1.25 issued in June 2018 merged former "offense" (Doomfist, Genji, Cassidy, Pharah, Reaper, Soldier: 76, Sombra, and Tracer) and "defense" (Bastion, Hanzo, Junkrat, Mei, Torbjörn, and Widowmaker) into a single "damage" role.<ref name="gamespot patch1.25"> {{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-update-makes-for-friendlier-post-matches/1100-6460040/ | title = Overwatch Update Makes For Friendlier Post-Matches | first = Steve | last = Watts | date = June 26, 2018 | access-date = June 26, 2018 | work = GameSpot | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062239/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-update-makes-for-friendlier-post-matches/1100-6460040/ | archive-date = June 27, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref>}} Damage characters are often doing the most damage and help the team with the majority of kills. Tank characters can absorb large amounts of damage for the team, and support characters can heal their teammates and provide status effects for the team or against enemies.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.shacknews.com/article/94529/overwatch-best-heroes-for-new-players |title= Overwatch: Best Heroes for New Players |date= May 6, 2016 |access-date= June 4, 2016 |archive-date= July 10, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180710015852/http://www.shacknews.com/article/94529/overwatch-best-heroes-for-new-players |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/01/overwatch-guide/ |title= Overwatch guide: best heroes, abilities and strategies for Blizzard's shooter |date= June 6, 2016 |access-date= June 4, 2016 |archive-date= June 4, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160604030211/http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/01/overwatch-guide/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The game will warn teams if they have an imbalance in their general role selection, and many game modes require players to select a certain amount of heroes from each role. Players are able to switch between heroes mid-match after they are killed or if they return to their team's base.

Each hero character has fundamentally different attributes such as health and movement speed, at least one basic attack, and at least one unique skill, collectively referred to as a skill kit. These skills can be used repeatedly after waiting out the skill's cooldown period. Each character also has at least one powerful ultimate ability that becomes available once its meter is charged, either slowly over time or through other actions such as killing opponents or healing teammates. Once the ultimate ability is used, the player has to wait for the meter to fill again. All characters have a close-combat, low damage melee attack that can be used at any time.

In the original ''Overwatch'', winning matches earned the player experience towards levels in the meta-game. The player earned a loot box on reaching a new experience level, which contained a random assortment of character skins, emotes, voice lines, and other cosmetic items for each character without altering gameplay. Players could also purchase loot boxes with real-world money. Blizzard provided free post-release content for the game, such as new maps and characters.<ref name="Shacknews: post-launch"/> Blizzard also introduced limited-time seasonal events, offering new cosmetic items in loot boxes, themed maps, and gameplay modes.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-s-winter-update-is-now-live-404634.phtml |title= Overwatch's winter update is now live |first= Kevin |last= McClusky |date= December 13, 2016 |access-date= December 13, 2016 |work= Destructoid |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161213204748/https://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-s-winter-update-is-now-live-404634.phtml |archive-date= December 13, 2016 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }}</ref> In ''Overwatch 2'', the loot box system was entirely scrapped in favor of a battle pass system. After playing a game, the player would earn points that contributed to their progression in the battle pass, unlocking new cosmetics along the way. At the launch of ''Overwatch 2'', new hero characters could either be acquired through purchase and completion of the battle pass in some seasons, or later by completing specific challenges; since early 2024, Blizzard has scraped this approach, making all new heroes available to all during specific seasons. Blizzard also brought back loot boxes as means for earning cosmetic items in February 2025, though such loot boxes are only learnable within game or through promotions, and have fixed odds at rare or more exclusive rewards to mitigate gambling concerns. The February 2025 update also saw the introduction of perks, two sets of two skill modifications for each character they can gain during a match. At a new tier level during a match, a player can select one of these predefined perks from the pair.

==Overview== ''Overwatch'' originally featured 12 characters at its November 2014 BlizzCon convention announcement,<ref name="Polygon: first 12"/> but expanded to 21 by the next year's convention.<ref name="Polygon: BlizzCon 2015"/> The game is character-driven, and reviewers noted ''Overwatch''{{'s}} emphasis on the individual differences between characters in the same role (e.g., between two snipers) as a departure from dominant class-based shooter paradigms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-review/|title=Overwatch review|website=PC Gamer|date=May 28, 2016|access-date=June 4, 2016|archive-date=February 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211052530/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://kotaku.com/overwatch-the-kotaku-review-1779831636 |title= Overwatch: The Kotaku Review |first= Patricia |last= Hernandez |date= June 2016 |access-date= June 4, 2016 |archive-date= May 5, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190505031048/https://kotaku.com/overwatch-the-kotaku-review-1779831636 |url-status= live }}</ref> Critics widely praised the game's accessible and detailed character design and its role in the game's overall success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/27/11797672/overwatch-review |title=Overwatch review |first=Russ |last=Frushtick |website=Polygon |date=May 27, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527181439/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/27/11797672/overwatch-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/05/overwatch-early-impressions-a-shooter-with-character/ |title= Overwatch early impressions: A shooter with character |date= May 23, 2016 |access-date= June 14, 2017 |archive-date= January 4, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190104094759/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/05/overwatch-early-impressions-a-shooter-with-character/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/05/27/overwatch-review/ |title= Wot I Think: Overwatch |website= Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date= May 27, 2016 |last1= Messner |first1= Steven |access-date= June 4, 2016 |archive-date= May 27, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190527230300/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/05/27/overwatch-review/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/05/overwatch-first-impressions/ |title=Overwatch: A Laid-Back Shooter Without the Crappy Attitudes |magazine=Wired |last1=Starkey |first1=Daniel |access-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-date=October 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020183734/https://www.wired.com/2016/05/overwatch-first-impressions/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url= http://www.pcgamer.com/im-more-excited-for-overwatchs-world-than-its-gameplay |title= I'm more excited for Overwatch's world than its gameplay |website= pcgamer |date= July 11, 2015 |access-date= June 5, 2016 |last1= Marks |first1= Tom |archive-date= August 5, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160805034039/http://www.pcgamer.com/im-more-excited-for-overwatchs-world-than-its-gameplay/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Similar to Valve's initial launch of ''Team Fortress 2'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/keep-these-overwatch-animated-shorts-coming-350045.phtml |title=Keep these Overwatch animated shorts coming |work=Destructoid |date=March 21, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-date=January 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104220556/https://www.destructoid.com/keep-these-overwatch-animated-shorts-coming-350045.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> in the absence of a dedicated story mode, Blizzard tells the backstory of ''Overwatch''{{'s}} plot and characters through media outside the game, including animated shorts, character press events, tweets, and webcomics.<ref name="Polygon: lore">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline |title=The definitive Overwatch timeline |first=Jeff |last=Ramos |website=Polygon |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-date=June 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621114349/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/07/blizzcon-2015-overwatch-animated-shorts-announced |title= BlizzCon 2015: Overwatch Animated Shorts Announced |first= Seth G. |last= Macy |date= November 7, 2015 |access-date= June 4, 2016 |archive-date= November 6, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181106190230/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/07/blizzcon-2015-overwatch-animated-shorts-announced |url-status= live }}</ref> The game's story centers around a technological singularity in which humanity assembles a team of its best heroes, Overwatch, to fight off a rogue artificial intelligence and its robotic army of Omnics in an incident called the "Omnic Crisis". After winning its battle, the Overwatch kept the peace for about three decades before infighting led to its disbandment. The game takes place approximately sixty years in the future, during a time period in which the world is slipping into disarray, and former Overwatch members, along with new allies and enemies, are being called on to help protect the peace in their respective favor. Among Overwatch's enemies are Talon, a global criminal network seeking wealth and power.<ref name="Polygon: lore"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-story-primer/1100-6440032/|title=Overwatch Story Primer|access-date=June 4, 2016|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827205924/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-story-primer/1100-6440032/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early 2016, Blizzard released media kits with granular character detail for fan artists and cosplayers.<ref name="IGN: ref kits"/> Preceding the game's launch, PornHub reported a surge in searches for pornography including ''Overwatch'' characters. An intellectual property security firm issued multiple takedown requests to sites featuring such videos and other erotica created in Source Filmmaker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/28/11804998/overwatch-porn-takedowns-pornhub-searches|title=Overwatch porn makers get served with takedowns|first=Owen S.|last=Good|website=Polygon|date=May 28, 2016|access-date=June 4, 2016|archive-date=June 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614124522/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/28/11804998/overwatch-porn-takedowns-pornhub-searches|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Development== {{See also|Overwatch (video game)#Development|l1=Development of Overwatch|Overwatch 2#Development|l2=Development of Overwatch 2}} ''Overwatch'' was developed by Blizzard following the cancellation of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game ''Titan'', a project that had been in works for several years. A smaller team from those on ''Titan'' were given the role to come up with a new project, and they came onto the idea of a first-person shooter that emphasized teamwork, inspired by ''Team Fortress 2'' and the rising popularity of multiplayer online battle arenas, as well as their own development team unity they found to keep their morale high following ''Titan''{{'}}s cancellation.<ref name="gamespot kaplan">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-story-of-overwatch-the-complete-jeff-kaplan-in/1100-6439202/ | title = The Story of Overwatch: The Complete Jeff Kaplan Interview | first1 = Danny | last1 = O'Dwyer | first2 = Justin | last2 = Haywald | date = April 26, 2016 | access-date = June 1, 2016 | work = GameSpot | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160530205229/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-story-of-overwatch-the-complete-jeff-kaplan-in/1100-6439202/ | archive-date = May 30, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref>

The development team settled on a narrative of a near-future Earth setting following a global-scale catastrophic event - the Omnic Crisis, in which robots, known as Omnics, rose up in rebellion against humanity until stopped by a peacekeeping group known as Overwatch. With selection of this global theme, the developers wanted to create a cast of playable characters to portray diverse representations of genders, ages, ethnicities, and nationalities. The heroes include human, transhuman, and non-human characters such as cyborgs, robots, and a talking gorilla.<ref name="polygon-owunveil"> {{cite web|title=Overwatch is Blizzard's new team-based multiplayer shooter|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7174991/blizzard-announces-overwatch|website=Polygon|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108003314/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7174991/blizzard-announces-overwatch|archive-date=November 8, 2014|url-status=live}} </ref><ref name="polygon-equalrepresnetation"/> The need for a diverse cast was important to the developers, as some of Blizzard's previous games had been criticized before for missing this mark; Metzen explained that even his daughter had asked him why all the female characters from ''Warcraft'' seemed to be only wearing swimsuits.<ref name="polygon-equalrepresnetation"/> Metzen stated: "Specifically for ''Overwatch'' over the past year we've been really cognizant of that, trying not to oversexualize the female characters."<ref name="Kotaku female chars">{{cite web|title=With Overwatch, Blizzard Is Trying To Do Women Characters Better|url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-admits-to-over-sexualizing-women-trying-to-do-1656383872|website=Kotaku|date=November 8, 2014 |access-date=November 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111011321/http://kotaku.com/blizzard-admits-to-over-sexualizing-women-trying-to-do-1656383872|archive-date=November 11, 2014|url-status=live}} </ref> Kaplan explained that the industry was "clearly in an age where gaming is for everybody", going on to say that "increasingly, people want to feel represented, from all walks of life, boys and girls, everybody. We feel indebted to do our best to honor that."<ref name="polygon-equalrepresnetation"> {{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/8/7176861/blizzard-overwatch-diversity | title = Blizzard wants its diverse fans to feel 'equally represented' by Overwatch's heroes | website = Polygon | date = November 8, 2014 | access-date = November 8, 2014 | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141108202035/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/8/7176861/blizzard-overwatch-diversity | archive-date = November 8, 2014 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> In addition, Blizzard stated at the 2016 Blizzcon that some of the characters are LGBT, though did not specify which ones at that time.<ref> {{cite web | url = https://mic.com/articles/159132/overwatch-update-which-overwatch-characters-are-lgbtq-blizzard-fans-share-theories | title = Overwatch' update: Blizzard says multiple heroes are LGBTQ – and fans are in a frenzy | first = Tim | last = Mulkerin | date = November 10, 2016 | access-date = December 20, 2016 | work = Mic | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161221162211/https://mic.com/articles/159132/overwatch-update-which-overwatch-characters-are-lgbtq-blizzard-fans-share-theories | archive-date = December 21, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> Blizzard has stated that "As with any aspect of our characters' backgrounds, their sexuality is just one part of what makes our heroes who they are."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/our-thoughts-on-overwatchs-tracer-being-gay-1790338620 | title = Our Thoughts On Overwatch's Tracer Being Gay | first = Heather | last = Alexander | date = December 20, 2016 | access-date = December 20, 2016 | work = Kotaku | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161221004943/http://kotaku.com/our-thoughts-on-overwatchs-tracer-being-gay-1790338620 | archive-date = December 21, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> Since then, Tracer has been shown to be in a romantic relationship with another woman through one of the tie-in comics published online by Blizzard.<ref name=":1">{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2016/12/20/14028604/overwatch-gay-tracer | title = Overwatch's new comic confirms game's first queer character | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = December 20, 2016 | access-date = December 20, 2016 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161221091432/http://www.polygon.com/2016/12/20/14028604/overwatch-gay-tracer | archive-date = December 21, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> In a subset lore story, Soldier: 76 was also identified as gay, having had a romantic relationship with a man prior to joining Overwatch.<ref name="vg247 s76 gay">{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/01/07/overwatchs-soldier-76-confirmed-as-gay/ | title = Overwatch short story confirms that Soldier: 76 is gay | first = Shabana | last = Arif | date = January 7, 2019 | access-date = January 7, 2019 | work = VG247 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190108032925/https://www.vg247.com/2019/01/07/overwatchs-soldier-76-confirmed-as-gay/ | archive-date = January 8, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> A research paper analyzed this announcement and found that players avoided Soldier: 76 afterwards. However, the pick rate returned to previous levels after around three months.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Parshakov|first1=Petr|last2=Naidenova|first2=Iuliia|last3=Carlos|first3=Gomez-Gonzalez|last4=Nesseler|first4=Cornel|date=2019|title=Do LGBTQ-Supportive Corporate Policies Affect Consumer Behavior? Evidence from the Video Game Industry|journal=Journal of Business Ethics|volume=187 |issue=3 |pages=421–432 |doi=10.1007/s10551-022-05137-7|s2cid=248803068 }}</ref>

The team envisioned the characters akin to superheroes in this narrative, each with their own abilities, background and personality that could stand on their own, but could also fit into the larger story; this notion translated into the characters being agents for the game, which Metzen said still captures the "heroism and vibe" that superhero stories carry.<ref name="pcgamer characters">{{Cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-story-chris-metzen-interview/ | title = How Blizzard is making up Overwatch's story as it goes | first = Tom | last = Marks | date = December 10, 2015 | access-date = June 2, 2016 | work = PC Gamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160526131840/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-story-chris-metzen-interview/ | archive-date = May 26, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> The team did not want to have any characters that served solely as villains in the game, but did develop some of the characters, like Soldier: 76, to have an uncertain purpose within the narrative.<ref name="pcgamer characters"/>

Several characters were envisioned for the game during its pre-planning stages, but did not make the cut, or were later incorporated into other heroes. Examples of such characters included a jetpack-wearing cat, a hockey player who used rocket-powered skates, and a Russian woman who would ride a bear and, for her ultimate ability, would have the bear rear up and wield his own set of AK-47 rifles. Initially, Reinhardt was an Omnic, but later was settled to be a human character, with the Omnic nature later revisited when the development team crafted Orisa.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/jetpack-cat-and-a-hockey-player-with-rocket-powered-skates-the-overwatch-heroes-that-could-have-been/ | title = Jetpack Cat and a hockey player with rocket skates: the Overwatch heroes that could've been | first = Samuel | last = Horti | date = November 5, 2017 | access-date = November 5, 2017 | work = PC Gamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171106190358/http://www.pcgamer.com/jetpack-cat-and-a-hockey-player-with-rocket-powered-skates-the-overwatch-heroes-that-could-have-been/ | archive-date = November 6, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref>

Characters introduced since the game's release are generally teased a few weeks in advance or given a cold surprise announcement. The only exception to this had been Sombra, who had been teased by a months-long alternate reality game (ARG) before her formal announcement. Blizzard found that players reacted negatively to this deployment and have opted to avoid this type of prolonged teasing for future characters.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-upcoming-heroes | title = Blizzard don't tease upcoming Overwatch heroes as much due to Sombra ARG feedback | first = Kirk | last = McLeand | date = February 16, 2017 | access-date = February 16, 2017 | work = PCGamesN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170217022549/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-upcoming-heroes | archive-date = February 17, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> Blizzard will still seed upcoming hero characters into the game's announcement media but without making comments towards that, anticipating players would find these before the character is officially announced; for example, the 26th hero Moira had appeared in at least two works before her announcement.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-hero-27 | title = The next Overwatch hero has been hinted at already | first = Ben | last = Barrett | date = December 12, 2017 | access-date = December 12, 2017 | work = PCGamesN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171212185204/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-hero-27 | archive-date = December 12, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> Once a character is announced, they are typically made available on the "Public Test Region" (PTR) for Windows players to try out and help provide feedback to Blizzard. Once Blizzard is satisfied with the PTR character, typically a period lasting two to three weeks, the character is then released to all players on all regions and platforms, outside of competitive play, giving players a chance to learn the character. Roughly a week following this, the new character then becomes available for competitive play mode.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/moira-is-now-available-to-play-in-competitive-mode-in-overwatch-474433.phtml | title = Moira is now available to play in competitive mode in Overwatch | first = Chris | last = Carter | date = November 24, 2017 | access-date = November 24, 2017 | work = Destructoid | archive-date = March 1, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190301171931/https://www.destructoid.com/moira-is-now-available-to-play-in-competitive-mode-in-overwatch-474433.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref>

Character powers are frequently tweaked and adjusted with patches, mostly incremental changes. A few characters have had major overhauls, notably Symmetra (with two separate overhauls of her skill), Mercy, and Torbjörn. Like new characters, these overhauls are tested in the PTR before being released to all public regions. One notable change in June 2018 reduced the number of roles from four to three (combining "offense" and "defense" heroes into the "damage" category) in the PTR before being released for all players.<ref name="gamespot patch1.25"/>

''Overwatch 2'' was announced in November 2019, with plans for both a normal PvP element, as with the original game, and a Player versus Environment (PVE) mode.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-announced-blizzcon-2019/ | title = Overwatch 2 announced: New heroes, co-op story missions, and more | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = November 1, 2019 | access-date = November 1, 2019 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = November 1, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191101200510/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-announced-blizzcon-2019/ | url-status = live }}</ref> With the introduction of Echo, the 32nd hero to ''Overwatch'', in March 2020, Kaplan stated that the team's focus was now on ''Overwatch 2'' and it was unlikely they would release any additional heroes before the game's release.<ref name="poly echo"/>

After some delays, including the departure of Kaplan and lead character designer Geoff Goodman,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-loses-its-lead-hero-designer// | title = Overwatch 2 loses its lead hero designer | first = Tyler | last = Colp | date = September 20, 2022 | accessdate = September 20, 2022 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = September 20, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220920202317/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-loses-its-lead-hero-designer/ | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Overwatch 2'' was released in open early access with its PvP mode in October 2022, with the PvE mode to come later in 2023. While there was some intent to have a shared multiplayer experience between ''Overwatch'' and ''Overwatch 2'' at announcement, ''Overwatch 2'' instead replaced ''Overwatch'' entirely; It released as a free to play title, with the player's cosmetics brought over into ''Overwatch 2''. ''Overwatch 2'' was designed to play faster and avoid the slow pace that some ''Overwatch'' games had become, in part due to the use of "crowd control" (CC) abilities to hamper progress. To correct this, ''Overwatch 2'' is nominally played with five players on each team, with role-fixed games using two damage, two support, and one tank. This necessitated changes to several characters' skill kits to match; notably, Orisa's kit has a significant rework to remove her shield and her CC abilities, while Doomfist was reworked from damage into a tank class.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-pvp-will-be-5v5-with-only-one-tank-per-team/ | title = Overwatch 2 PvP will be 5v5 with only one Tank per team | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = May 20, 2021 | accessdate = May 20, 2021 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = May 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210520201855/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-pvp-will-be-5v5-with-only-one-tank-per-team/ | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Overwatch 2'' also launched with three new heroes, bringing the total roster to 35 by October 2022. Initially, new heroes for ''Overwatch 2'' were introduced as a free unlock on a seasonal battle pass with a means to acquire them later through other challenges by players that did not purchase the battle pass, but since March 2024, Blizzard has made new heroes available to all players without any purchase.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/19/24106082/overwatch-2-unlocks-all-of-its-heroes | title = Overwatch 2 Unlocks All of its Heroes | first = Amrita | last = Khalid | date = March 19, 2024 | accessdate = November 22, 2024 | work = The Verge | archive-date = November 15, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241115142100/https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/19/24106082/overwatch-2-unlocks-all-of-its-heroes | url-status = live }}</ref>

New characters introduced to the game around 2025, including Hazard and Wuyang, were designed to be more aspirational through personal struggles and challenges, allowing players to connect with characters, according to lead concept artist Daryl Tan. This direction meant that the character design team was moving away from "oddball" characters, like Wrecking Ball and Ramattra, in favor of more conventional designs, according to Tan, but they still plan to introduce more of these unusual characters in the future.<ref name="polygon wuyang"/>

Blizzard rebranded ''Overwatch 2'' as simply ''Overwatch'' in February 2026, as well as resetting the season numbering as they shifted to more narrative-driven seasons. Five new heroes were introduced with this rebranding, with an additional hero planned for release in each of the subsequent five seasons.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-name-change-blizzard-explains/ | title = Blizzard explains why it's dropping the 2 from Overwatch 2 | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = February 4, 2026 | accessdate = February 8, 2026 | work = Polygon }}</ref>

==Characters== ===Tank heroes<span class="anchor" id="Tank"></span>=== Tank characters broadly have a high number of hit points and are often at the front line of a team. In the original Overwatch, some tanks had high defensive capability at the cost of lower mobility and offensive capabilities (like Reinhardt), while others exchanged this defensive capability for greater mobility and offensive capabilities (like Wrecking Ball). In Overwatch 2, all tank characters were given upgrades to compensate for going from two teams of six players to two teams of five players, with one tank per team. These upgrades gave all tanks more offensive or defensive capabilities.

====D.Va==== {{main|D.Va}} D.Va, real name Hana Song, is a South Korean mecha pilot and former pro gamer from Busan. During the Omnic war, when Omnic forces threatened Korea, D.Va and other pro gamers were brought into the Mobile Exo-Force of the Korean Army (MEKA), using mecha suits to defend the country. D.Va pilots a large mech that is capable of short bursts of movement and limited flight. She can constantly fire fusion cannons along with a short burst of micro-missiles, or can use the mech's defense matrix to briefly destroy all enemy fire it is directed at. If the mech takes too much damage, D.Va ejects and can flee while armed with a pistol until she can call the mech again. She can also eject and cause her mech to self-destruct like a bomb, dealing lethal damage any enemy within line of sight of the explosion.<ref name="vg247 sept2017"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=D.VA |url=https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes/dva/ |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Blizzard |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114104701/https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes/dva/ |url-status=live }}</ref> D.Va is voiced by Charlet Chung.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Domina==== Domina, real name Vaira Singhania, is the British Indian heiress of Vishkar Industries and its vice president of operations and development.<ref name=Spotlight2026>{{Cite web |title=Overwatch 2 Is Just 'Overwatch' Again And Five New Heroes Arrive Next Week |url=https://gameinformer.com/preview/2026/02/04/overwatch-2-is-just-overwatch-again-and-five-new-heroes-arrive-next-week |first=Alex |last=Van Aken |date=February 4, 2026 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |website=Game Informer |archive-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204231542/https://gameinformer.com/preview/2026/02/04/overwatch-2-is-just-overwatch-again-and-five-new-heroes-arrive-next-week |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=UpperHand>{{Cite web |title=New Overwatch 2 story features Maximilien and hints at Vishkar hero |url=https://esports.gg/news/overwatch/new-overwatch-2-story-features-maximilien-and-hints-at-vishkar-hero/ |first=Amy |last=Chen |date=February 1, 2026 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |website=Esports.gg |archive-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204232003/https://esports.gg/news/overwatch/new-overwatch-2-story-features-maximilien-and-hints-at-vishkar-hero/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ComicBook2026/> Her main weapon is a Photon Magnum with high-impact rounds. Using hard light, she can create a temporary, multi-faceted shield, use sonic repulsors to push enemies away and into obstacles to take damage, and create a charged crystal that she can later activate to cause a small explosion. Her ultimate is the Panopticon, a shield that flies forward and encases all nearby foes, within a radius, blocking their damage and healing and preventing external healing sources, exploding when it expires.<ref name="polygon feb2026 new"/> Domina is voiced by Taj Atwal.<ref name=UpperHand/>

====Doomfist==== {{Main|Doomfist}} Doomfist is both the name of the titular cybernetic gauntlet and the title passed down to its wielder, currently the Nigerian-born Akande Ogundimu, a businessman and mixed martial artist-turned mercenary.<ref name="pcgamer interview">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-story-chris-metzen-interview/|title=How Blizzard is making up Overwatch's story as it goes|last=Marks|first=Tom|date=December 10, 2015|work=PC Gamer|access-date=January 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526131840/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-story-chris-metzen-interview/|archive-date=May 26, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> As originally released in ''Overwatch'', Doomfist was classified as a Damage hero, but was reworked to become a Tank hero in ''Overwatch 2'', giving him more health and damage resistance. As a tank in his current kit, Doomfist can use the gauntlet that fires shotgun-like bursts, can be charged up to deliver a powerful punch at foes, or can be used to block damage. He also can jump and lunge a great distance, striking the ground to do a short-range damage strike, and his ultimate allows him to jump out of reach and target a small area for dealing high damage to all enemies within it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/doomfist-abilities-overwatch/|title=Doomfist abilities list: here's everything Overwatch's new melee hero can do|last=Moore|first=Bo|date=July 6, 2017|work=PC Gamer|access-date=July 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708084139/http://www.pcgamer.com/doomfist-abilities-overwatch/|archive-date=July 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ow2 orisa doom">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23033900/overwatch-2-reworks-doomfist-orisa-tank-abilities-ultimate | title = Overwatch 2 massively reworks Orisa and Doomfist (who's a tank now) | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = April 20, 2022 | accessdate = April 20, 2022 | work = Polygon | archive-date = April 20, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220420180302/https://www.polygon.com/23033900/overwatch-2-reworks-doomfist-orisa-tank-abilities-ultimate | url-status = live }}</ref> Doomfist is voiced by Sahr Ngaujah.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Hazard==== {{main|Hazard (Overwatch)}} Hazard, real name Findlay Docherty,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/media/stories/tear-it-down/ |title=Overwatch 2 - Media |access-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-date=November 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120205326/https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/media/stories/tear-it-down/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is a Scottish member of the Phreaks, a punk-like revolutionary group, and outfitted with several illicit cybernetic attachments. His primary attack is ''Bonespur'', his arm augment that fires a shotgun-like spread of crystal spikes. He can perform a ''Violent Leap'' towards an enemy and slash them with a blade from his other arm. His ''Spike Guard'' grants him temporary damage reduction while launching homing spikes at enemies; this ability also reloads ammunition for Bonespur. He can further create a ''Jagged Wall'' in front of him that knocks back foes near it and continues to hurt them if they get close, while also providing temporary cover for Hazard and his teammates. Hazard possesses a passive ''Vault'' ability that lets him climb over small walls and obstacles, including his Jagged Wall. His ultimate is ''Downpour'', launching spikes from his back that fall onto enemies, damaging and immobilizing them for a brief period.<ref name="polygon hazard abilities">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch/483154/overwatch-2-hazard-kit-abilities-season-14-start-date | title = Overwatch 2's new hero Hazard is the punk rock, good guy answer to Doomfist | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = November 22, 2024 | accessdate = November 22, 2024 | work = Polygon | archive-date = November 22, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241122144906/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch/483154/overwatch-2-hazard-kit-abilities-season-14-start-date | url-status = live }}</ref>

After leaving his broken home, he enlisted in the armed forces to earn money for a university education, but was caught in the crashing of a downed Overwatch jet, costing him both legs and an arm. Though fitted with standard prosthetics and paid for his service, Hazard sought out the Phreaks, who dealt with illegal body modifications. The Phreaks helped to outfit him with new powerful augmentations, and he joined their goal to break down the "system" of the elites in the world. During a raid on Moira's laboratory at Oasis University, Hazard absorbed an unstable form of vanadium ferrofluid under study there (the map having reflected this change in Season 13). The element gave Hazard superhuman powers including the ability to form and launch spikes at enemies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.polygon.com/news/481443/overwatch-2-new-hero-hazard-tank-release-date | title=Overwatch 2's new hero Hazard revealed, playable this weekend | website=Polygon | date=November 19, 2024 | access-date=November 19, 2024 | archive-date=November 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119191416/https://www.polygon.com/news/481443/overwatch-2-new-hero-hazard-tank-release-date | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/overwatch-2s-new-tank-hero-will-be-playable-for-a-short-time-only-this-friday-and-so-far-hazard-looks-like-hell-be-a-treat-for-brawlers | title=Overwatch 2's new tank hero will be playable for a short time only this Friday, and so far, Hazard looks like he'll be a treat for brawlers | website=PC Gamer | date=November 19, 2024 | last1=Gould | first1=Elie }}</ref>

According to Blizzard's lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson, their goal with Hazard was to create a versatile tank hero that could play well both offensively and defensively, with high mobility using the Vault and Violent Leap abilities. Hazard was originally named "Spiker" in early development, intended to be a major villain character, but over time, they refined his personality to have more "rebellious charm" while still retaining his powerful form.<ref name="polygon hazard abilities"/> Hazard, first teased at the 2023 Blizzcon event, is the 42nd hero to be added to the game, and was made available to test publicly for all players in November 2024. He was fully added to the roster with the start of Season 14 in December 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-hazard-test-dates-new-tank-hero-playable-1851703013 | title=Here's Your First Look at Overwatch 2's New Tank Hero, Hazard (And You Can Play Him Soon) | date=November 19, 2024 | access-date=November 19, 2024 | archive-date=November 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119182636/https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-hazard-test-dates-new-tank-hero-playable-1851703013 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Hazard is voiced by Conor McLeod.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/who-is-the-voice-actor-for-hazard-in-overwatch-2 | title=Who is the voice actor for Hazard in Overwatch 2? | date=November 20, 2024 | access-date=November 20, 2024 | archive-date=November 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120184355/https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/who-is-the-voice-actor-for-hazard-in-overwatch-2 | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Junker Queen==== {{main|Junker Queen}} Junker Queen, real name Odessa "Dez" Stone, is the new ruler of Junkertown, a ramshackle city in the Australian Outback. While a child, her family was banished from Junkertown, but she came back and competed in "The Reckoning", besting the Junkertown leader and seizing the position for herself. She also oversees the city's combat arena, the Scrapyard, where Wrecking Ball became her champion.<ref name="pcgamesn hammond">{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-wrecking-ball-abilities-release-date | title = Overwatch's newest hero is Wrecking Ball - here are his abilities | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = June 28, 2018 | access-date = June 28, 2018 | work = PCGamesN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180628222949/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-wrecking-ball-abilities-release-date | archive-date = June 28, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Junker Queen's primary weapon is a hit scan shotgun called ''Scattergun''. Through her passive ability ''Adrenaline Rush'', all of her melee attacks deal wound damage that drains enemy health over a short time while healing her. Her ''Commanding Shout'' buffs nearby allies with speed and temporary bonus health. Her ''Jagged Blade'' ability lashes a throwing knife at a foe that can be recalled by her magnetic fist, causing wound damage to opponents. She can use her ''Carnage'' ability to strike with her ax in a heavy melee attack. Her ultimate ability is ''Rampage'', which wounds and debuffs all enemy players it reaches.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-junker-queen-hero-abilities/ | title = Overwatch 2's new tank hero Junker Queen is a bowling ball of carnage | first = Tyler | last = Colp | date = June 16, 2022 | accessdate = June 16, 2022 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = June 16, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220616180619/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-junker-queen-hero-abilities/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="JQReveal">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/23170100/overwatch-2-junker-queen-abilities-story-design|title=Overwatch 2's new hero, Junker Queen, is the embodiment of Blizzard's sequel|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|work=Polygon|date=June 16, 2022|access-date=June 16, 2022|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616180612/https://www.polygon.com/23170100/overwatch-2-junker-queen-abilities-story-design|url-status=live}}</ref>

Junker Queen is voiced by Leah de Niese,<ref name="JQReveal"/> except for her lines heard on the Junkertown map, where her voice is provided by Siho Ellsmore.

====Mauga==== {{main|Mauga (Overwatch)}} Mauga, full name Maugaloa Malosi, is a Samoan mercenary and a close companion of Baptiste, introduced in Baptiste's origin story "What You Left Behind".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/17/18682375/overwatch-baptiste-short-story-what-you-left-behind | title = New Overwatch short story stars Baptiste, teases new skin | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = June 17, 2019 | access-date = July 29, 2019 | work = Polygon | archive-date = July 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190730051727/https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/17/18682375/overwatch-baptiste-short-story-what-you-left-behind | url-status = live }}</ref> He wields two chain guns that be fired individually or simultaneously, with the effect of igniting foes and then doing critical damage on them. He can also charge forward and end with a ground stomp, damaging and stunning nearby enemies. His ultimate chains enemies within a temporarily field that prevents from escaping and blocks external damage and healing.<ref name="polygon mauga">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23944115/overwatch-2-new-hero-mauga-tank-blizzcon-2023 | title = Overwatch 2's new tank hero leaks ahead of BlizzCon 2023 reveal | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = November 3, 2023 | accessdate = November 3, 2023 | work = Polygon | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103143837/https://www.polygon.com/23944115/overwatch-2-new-hero-mauga-tank-blizzcon-2023 | url-status = live }}</ref> Mauga is voiced by John Tui.<ref name="btva2"/>

====Orisa==== {{main|Orisa (Overwatch)}} Orisa is a four-legged centaur-like female Omnic built by 11-year-old robotics prodigy Efi Oladele, to be a "mechanical peacekeeper" of Numbani. While a Tank since ''Overwatch'', her kit underwent significant changes with ''Overwatch 2''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2017/03/03/overwatch-can-new-tank-hero-orisa-unseat-reinhardt-from-his-throne/ | title = Overwatch: Can new tank hero Orisa unseat Reinhardt from his throne? | first = Lewis | last = Burnell | date = March 3, 2017 | access-date = March 3, 2017 | work = VG247 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170303162928/http://www.vg247.com/2017/03/03/overwatch-can-new-tank-hero-orisa-unseat-reinhardt-from-his-throne/ | archive-date = March 3, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="verge orisa">{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/2/14788812/overwatch-blizzard-orisa-new-hero-announcement | title = Overwatch has a new hero: Orisa, a huge spider robot | first = Chaim | last = Garterberg | date = March 2, 2017 | access-date = March 2, 2017 | work = The Verge | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170303044456/http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/2/14788812/overwatch-blizzard-orisa-new-hero-announcement | archive-date = March 3, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> With her current kit, she has a machine gun that briefly stops firing if it overheats, and a javelin that she can either throw at an enemy, or briefly spin quickly to block damage while charging forward. She can also fortify herself to increase damage resistance and neutralize crowd control debuffs, though slows her movement while active. Her ultimate is charged attack that can draw in enemies from around her before she slams the ground and dealing damage to all within range.<ref name="ow2 orisa doom"/> Orisa is voiced by Cherrelle Skeete.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Ramattra==== {{main|Ramattra}} Ramattra is an Omnic warrior-monk and the leader of Null Sector, an extremist group that resorts to violent means to achieve Omnic rights. Ramattra has two forms. In his normal Omnic form, he can fire a stream of projectiles from his staff, create a temporarily sheet in front of him, and launch a debuffing vortex that makes enemies vulnerable if they pass through it. Ramattra can switch to his more powerful Nemesis form, using melee punches or blocking damages with his firsts. His ultimate ability is a charged version of his Nemesis form, drawing life energy from all nearby foes that can heal and extended his ultimate timing.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/ramattra-gameplay | title = Overwatch 2 Ramattra gameplay trailer shows his furious fists at work | first = Ken | last = Allsop | date = November 26, 2022 | accessdate = November 26, 2022 | work = PCGamesN | archive-date = November 26, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221126181320/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/ramattra-gameplay | url-status = live }}</ref> Ramattra is voiced by Ramon Tikaram.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/who-is-ramattras-voice-actor-in-overwatch-2 | title = Who is Ramattra's voice actor in Overwatch 2? | first = Emily | last = Morrow | date = November 4, 2022 | accessdate = November 5, 2022 | work = Dot Esports | archive-date = November 5, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221105071432/https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/who-is-ramattras-voice-actor-in-overwatch-2 | url-status = live }}</ref>

====Reinhardt==== {{main|Reinhardt (Overwatch)}} Reinhardt Wilhelm is a German soldier and adventurer. He was a decorated Bundeswehr veteran from Stuttgart under Colonel Balderich von Alder during the Omnic wars. When Balderich was mortally wounded in defending Eichenwalde, he gave Reinhardt his invitation to join Overwatch. Reinhardt remained with Overwatch until he retired, but answered Winston's call when Overwatch was reactivated.<ref name="HonorAndGlory">{{cite web | url = https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/11/3/16604522/overwatch-reinhardt-crusaders-cinematic-honor-glory | title = The newest Overwatch cinematic, Honor and Glory, is all about Reinhardt | first = Cas | last = Marshall | date = November 3, 2017 | access-date = November 6, 2017 | work = Heroes Never Die | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055832/https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/11/3/16604522/overwatch-reinhardt-crusaders-cinematic-honor-glory | archive-date = November 7, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Reinhardt wields a rocket hammer that can be used for melee strikes or send out a fire projectile, and can deploy a barrier field to block damage for himself and allies. He can use his armor to charge across maps, including catching a foe in his path and crushing them against an obstacle. His ultimate is a powerful earthshatter strike with his hammer that damages and stuns enemies in front of him.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-video-showcases-reinhardt-and-his-big-hammer/| title = Overwatch video showcases Reinhardt and his big hammer | first = Phil | last = Savage | date = June 11, 2015 | accessdate = February 22, 2025 | work = PC Gamer }}</ref> Reinhardt is voiced by Darin De Paul.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Roadhog==== {{main|Roadhog (Overwatch)}} Roadhog, real name Mako Rutledge, is Junkrat's Australian<ref>{{cite tweet|user=PlayOverwatch|number=745404444318195714|date=21 June 2016|title=Roadhog's nationality is Australian.}}</ref> enforcer and bodyguard. He wields a ''Scrap Gun'' that fires shrapnel in a mid-range automatic firing mode, or a short-range shotgun-like single shot. He also carries a NOS canister filled with "Hogdrogen" to self-heal (''Take a Breather''), and employs a ''Chain Hook'' to pull distant opponents towards him. His ultimate ability, ''Whole Hog'', allows him to put a top loader into his scrap gun, firing it in full auto mode with increased knockback, wider spread, and no need to reload. Within a November 2023 patch to ''Overwatch 2'', Roadhog's kit was modified slightly to address some of the incohesiveness of the original kit. The Scrap Gun was made into a single firing mode that has both a short-range shotgun burst in addition to mid-range projectiles. Take a Breather was changed to be a resource-based healing mode, allowing the player to use as much stored Hogdrogen to heal Roadhog, along with a shorter cooldown period. Finally, a new second ability, ''Pig Pen'', was added, allowing Roadhog to lay down a trap that can slow and damage enemies that cross it, including those pulled in by Roadhog's Chain Hook. This was reverted in a future patch, removing Roadhog's Pig pen ability.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23960525/overwatch-2-roadhog-rework-patch-notes | title = Overwatch's Roadhog gets a rework that's bigger than it looks | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = November 13, 2023 | accessdate = November 14, 2023 | work = Polygon | archive-date = November 14, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231114193628/https://www.polygon.com/23960525/overwatch-2-roadhog-rework-patch-notes | url-status = live }}</ref>

Roadhog is voiced by Josh Petersdorf.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Sigma==== {{main|Sigma (Overwatch)}} Sigma, real name Siebren de Kuiper, is a Dutch astrophysicist associated with Talon. After sustaining psychological damage from an experiment creating a black hole and gaining gravitational powers, he was kept in a secret government facility for years as "Subject Sigma". Talon discovered his existence and freed him for their own ends, though he is unaware of this manipulation.<ref name="SigmaInfo">{{cite web | url = https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/sigma | title = Sigma | date = July 23, 2019 | access-date = July 23, 2019 | work = Blizzard Entertainment | archive-date = July 23, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190723181156/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/sigma | url-status = live }}</ref> His main weapons are ''Hyperspheres'', gravitic projectiles that can bounce off walls and damage a small area that draw foes into the explosion, and ''Accretion'', which gathers debris into a large projectile to kinetically throw at opponents, causing knockback. He also has two defensive abilities: ''Experimental Barrier'', a barrier that he can deployed outward in front of him to a variable distance and then recall it, upon which it starts regenerating any damage taken; and ''Kinetic Grasp'', which creates a field that absorbs projectiles and converts them into temporary health for the character. His ultimate, ''Gravitic Flux'', allows him to fly up briefly to place a black hole on the ground. Any opponents trapped within the range of the hole are thrown up into the air for several seconds before being slammed to the ground, taking half of their maximum health on impact.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/22/20704154/sigma-overwatch-hero-31-trailer-animated-origin | title = Meet Sigma, Overwatch's new gravity-warping hero | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = July 22, 2019 | access-date = July 22, 2019 | work = Polygon | archive-date = July 22, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190722182239/https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/22/20704154/sigma-overwatch-hero-31-trailer-animated-origin | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="gspot sigma">{{Cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-new-hero-sigma-abilities-and-ultimate-d/1100-6468619/ | title = Overwatch's New Hero, Sigma, Abilities And Ultimate Detailed; Live Today On PTR | first = Steve | last = Watts | date = July 23, 2019 | access-date = July 23, 2019 | work = GameSpot | archive-date = July 23, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190723172324/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-new-hero-sigma-abilities-and-ultimate-d/1100-6468619/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

Sigma is voiced by Boris Hiestand.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/CrankyJ/status/1153370459200602112 | title = Found Him | first = Josh | last = Petersdorf | date = July 22, 2019 | access-date = July 22, 2019 | via = Twitter | archive-date = August 5, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190805034046/https://twitter.com/CrankyJ/status/1153370459200602112 | url-status = live }}</ref>

====Winston==== {{main|Winston (Overwatch)}} Winston is an intelligent, genetically engineered gorilla, one of several created at the Horizon Lunar Colony on the Moon by Dr. Harold Winston (from which Winston took his name) and his team. The other gorillas revolted against the human scientists, killing them, while Winston took an escape pod to return to Earth. There, he joined up with Overwatch, using his scientific knowledge to help the team. Winston remained at the Gibraltar base when Overwatch was first disbanded, but was the one to reactive the team upon seeing the Null Sector threat. He wields a tesla cannon that can shoot short bursts of electricity in front of him or a charged ranged shot. He can leap a great distance, damaging foes near where he lands, and he can place a spherical dome shield. In his ultimate, he becomes enraged, gaining powerful melee strikes and longer leaping distances to tear through enemy lines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/winston/|title=Winston - Overwatch|access-date=May 31, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404163517/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/winston/|url-status=live}}</ref> Winston is voiced by Crispin Freeman.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Paget|first1=Mat|title=Overwatch Actor Weighs in on the Strike and Why Voice Actors Matter|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-actor-weighs-in-on-the-strike-and-why-vo/1100-6445362/|website=GameSpot|access-date=2017-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412061958/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-actor-weighs-in-on-the-strike-and-why-vo/1100-6445362/|archive-date=April 12, 2017|url-status=live}} </ref>

====Wrecking Ball {{anchor|Hammond}}==== {{main|Wrecking Ball (Overwatch)}} Hammond, ring name Wrecking Ball, is a super-intelligent hamster mechanic, also created by the Horizon Moon Colony scientists. As Winston planned his escape during the gorilla revolution, Hammond also planned his own escape in a spherical pod, piggy-backing off Winston's escape pod, breaking free and landing near Junkertown. There, he converted his pod into a mech and participated in the Junkertown Arena under the name Wrecking Ball. In its spherical form, Wrecking Ball can roll about the map, using a grappling hook to gain speed and do more damage to those foes he hits. While near foes, he can activate an adaptive shield powered by the number of nearby enemies, which he then can transfer to allies at a different location. While in the air, he can initiate a powerful ground strike that briefly launches enemies. The mech can transform into a quadrupedal form, and he can fire four gatling guns at enemies. His ultimate lets him launch a small field of floating mines that damage enemies that contact them.<ref name="gamespot hammond">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-new-hero-wrecking-ballhammond-is-live-o/1100-6460085/ | title = Overwatch's New Hero, Wrecking Ball/Hammond, Is Live On PTR; Abilities Revealed | first = Chris | last = Pereira | date = June 28, 2018 | access-date = June 28, 2018 | work = GameSpot | archive-date = April 5, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405130228/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hammond-overwatchs-new-hero-is-live-on-ptr-abiliti/1100-6460085/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-guide/24128435/season-10-start-time-release-date-battle-pass | title = When does Overwatch 2 season 10 start? | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = April 15, 2024 | accessdate = April 15, 2024 | work = Polygon | archive-date = April 15, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240415160502/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-guide/24128435/season-10-start-time-release-date-battle-pass | url-status = live }}</ref> Hammond's animal noises are voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, while his mech's computer, which translates these to known vocabulary, is voiced by Jonathan Lipow.<ref>{{cite tweet | user=westofhouse | number=1012459928152260608 | title = We were extremely lucky to work with a couple amazing actors on Wrecking Ball: @deebradleybaker as Hammond and Jonathan Lipow as the ball. | first= Michael | last =Chu | date = June 28, 2018 | access-date = June 28, 2018 }}</ref>

====Zarya==== {{main|Zarya (Overwatch)}} Zarya, full name Aleksandra Zaryanova, is a Russian powerlifter and soldier. She uses a particle cannon that damages foes by a continuous beam or a projectile. The strength of these attacks comes from the amount of damage absorbed by the barriers that she can project around herself or allies, which decays over time and with each attack. Her ultimate creates a gravity well that draws all nearby foes to it and unable to escape until the well dissapates. Zarya is voiced by Dolya Gavanski.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

===Damage heroes=== Damage heroes, also known as "DPS" (short for damage per second),<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Nat|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/tier-list|title=Overwatch 2 tier list - the best characters to play in 2025|work=PCGamesN|date=February 26, 2025|accessdate=March 6, 2025|archive-date=March 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312165337/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/tier-list|url-status=live}}</ref> are those that have the largest capacity to deal damage to enemy players, and tend to be able to move quickly around the map. However, they can be more vulnerable to attacks from the other team with lower hit points than other roles.

====Anran==== {{main|Anran (Overwatch)}} Anran Ye is a Chinese martial artist with abilities based around fire. She is the older sister of Wuyang and a fourth-year student at Wuxing University's Fire College in Chengdu, China. She first appeared in the game's official comic "Against the Tide", where she fought against the Omnic attack at Chengdu together with Wuyang.<ref name= "Wuyang Comic"/> She is then invited to join Overwatch alongside him.<ref name="Wuyang Hero Trailer"/> She uses a pair of flaming folding fans.<ref name=Spotlight2026/>

Anran was announced to be one of the first new playable heroes of ''Overwatch'' in 2026. Her trial period, open to all players, opened on February 5.

Anran is voiced by Fareeha Anderson.<ref name=ComicBook2026>{{cite web | url = https://comicbook.com/gaming/list/i-played-overwatchs-5-new-heroes-everything-you-need-to-know-and-which-five-are-next-in-2026/ | title = I Played Overwatch’s 5 New Heroes: Everything You Need to Know (And Which Five Are Next in 2026) | first = Spencer | last = Perry | date = February 4, 2026 | accessdate = February 5, 2026 | website = ComicBook.com | archive-date = February 5, 2026 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20260205052606/https://comicbook.com/gaming/list/i-played-overwatchs-5-new-heroes-everything-you-need-to-know-and-which-five-are-next-in-2026/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

====Ashe==== {{main|Ashe (Overwatch)}} Ashe, full name Elizabeth Caledonia "Calamity" Ashe, is an American gunslinger and leader of the Deadlock Gang, a band of arms-trafficking outlaws based in Arizona. Her main weapon is ''The Viper'', a lever action repeating rifle that can be used for short-ranged quick fire or sighted long shots. She also carries a ''Coach gun'' which can knock enemies back and propel her up or away from obstacles as well as enable limited rocket jumping, and can throw ''Dynamite'' bundles that detonate after a short delay or immediately when shot with her rifle, setting opponents on fire. Her ultimate ability summons ''B.O.B.'', her Omnic butler/bodyguard, who charges forward to knock enemies into the air before laying down suppressive fire with his built-in arm cannons. Unlike deployable assets from other heroes, such as Torbjörn's turrets, B.O.B. serves as a temporary sixth player on the team until his health is exhausted, and thus is able to capture or challenge objectives, and can be healed by allies.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2018/11/02/overwatchs-new-hero-is-ashe | title = Overwatch's new hero is Ashe | first = Mike | last = Minotti | date = November 2, 2018 | access-date = November 2, 2018 | work = Venture Beat | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092117/https://venturebeat.com/2018/11/02/overwatchs-new-hero-is-ashe/ | archive-date = November 3, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/blizzcon/2018/11/2/18053898/new-overwatch-hero-29-ashe-blizzcon-2018 | title = Overwatch's 29th hero is Ashe of the Deadlock Gang | first = Ashley | last = Oh | date = November 2, 2018 | access-date = November 2, 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181102215249/https://www.polygon.com/blizzcon/2018/11/2/18053898/new-overwatch-hero-29-ashe-blizzcon-2018 | archive-date = November 2, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="AsheInfo"> {{cite web | url = https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/ashe | title = Ashe | date = November 2, 2018 | access-date = November 2, 2018 | work = Blizzard Entertainment | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181103045903/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/ashe/ | archive-date = November 3, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref> {{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-bob-capture-points | title = Ashe's friend Bob can capture a point in Overwatch by himself | first = Chris | last = Capel | date = November 7, 2018 | access-date = November 7, 2018 | work = PCGamesN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181107224846/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-bob-capture-points | archive-date = November 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Ashe is voiced by Jennifer Hale.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Bastion==== {{main|Bastion (Overwatch)}} Bastion is a combat robot-turned-explorer. Due to conflicts with fearful humans, Bastion largely avoids populated areas in favor of exploring the wild.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/bastion/|title=Bastion - Overwatch|access-date=May 31, 2016|archive-date=April 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401112652/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/bastion/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is usually accompanied by a small bird named Ganymede, who was building a nest on it when it reactivated, and both humanizes Bastion and makes it relatable. Bastion is eventually found by Overwatch's former chief engineer, Torbjörn Lindholm, who decides to take the omnic in after seeing Bastion resisting its combat protocol. Locating to Torbjörn's workshop, Bastion continues to help the inventor there.

In ''Overwatch'', it can ''Reconfigure'' between a mobile form outfitted with a submachine gun (''Configuration: Recon'') and a tank form equipped with a Gatling gun (''Configuration: Assault''). It also has the ability to launch a grenade (''A-36 Tactical Grenade''), and its ''Ironclad'' passive reduces damage taken while in Assault form. Its ultimate ability is ''Configuration: Artillery'', in which bastion becomes stationary and is able to launch 3 artillery shells anywhere on the map.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/in-overwatch-2-bastion-loses-self-repair-and-tank-mode-gains-a-hat/ | title = In Overwatch 2 Bastion loses self-repair and tank mode, gains a hat | first = Jody | last = MacGregor | date = September 25, 2021 | accessdate = September 26, 2021 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = September 26, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210926030822/https://www.pcgamer.com/in-overwatch-2-bastion-loses-self-repair-and-tank-mode-gains-a-hat/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

====Cassidy==== {{main|Cassidy (Overwatch)}} Cole Cassidy is an American bounty hunter and vigilante with a cybernetic arm and a Wild West motif. He carries his ''Peacekeeper'' six-shooter, with its primary fire that can shoot single shots with high accuracy at moderate range, and its alternate fire allowing him to ''Fan the Hammer'' to quickly unload any remaining ammo at close range in rapid fire with some loss of accuracy. He can quickly dodge attacks using his ''Combat Roll'' ability which also instantly reloads his revolver. In ''Overwatch'' he could throw a ''Flashbang'' grenade a short distance which stunned enemies and interrupted their abilities. In ''Overwatch 2'', the Flashbang ability was replaced with a short-range Magnetic Grenade that had a certain degree of homing and delt high damage on a direct hit, and hindered the enemy causing them to move slower and be unable to use abilities while the grenade is attached. This was replaced with his old ''Flashbang'' ability in season 10 which works the same as in overwatch one. Cassidy's ultimate ability is ''Deadeye'', which allows him to line up shots on every enemy in his sight, with resulting damage proportional to the time spent aiming.<ref name="vg247 mccree">{{Cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/04/overwatch-mccree-guide-how-to-play/ | title = Overwatch McCree guide: every gunslinging move explained | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = June 4, 2016 | access-date = March 23, 2017 | work = VG247 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170324090404/https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/04/overwatch-mccree-guide-how-to-play/ | archive-date = March 24, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In ''Overwatch'', Cassidy was considered one of the easiest characters to learn, enabled by the Flashbang/Fan the Hammer combo, which could kill most low- to mid-health opponents in one shot.<ref name="redbull mccree">{{cite web | url = https://www.redbull.com/us-en/what-makes-overwatch-mccree-so-hard-to-balance | title = What Makes Overwatch's McCree So Hard to Balance? | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = August 12, 2016 | access-date = March 23, 2017 | work = Red Bull | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170324084040/https://www.redbull.com/us-en/what-makes-overwatch-mccree-so-hard-to-balance | archive-date = March 24, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref>

When ''Overwatch'' first launched, the character was named after former Blizzard staff member Jesse McCree. In the wake of the July 2021 lawsuit filed by California's Department of Fair Employment against Activision Blizzard related to workplace misconduct and discrimination against female employees, McCree, who had been connected to some of the alleged behavior, was confirmed to be no longer working for the company.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/overwatch-league-casters-stop-saying-mccree-s-name-1847474058 | title = Overwatch League Casters Stop Saying McCree's Name | first = Ethan | last = Gach | date = August 12, 2021 | accessdate = August 12, 2021 | work = Kotaku | archive-date = August 12, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210812160930/https://kotaku.com/overwatch-league-casters-stop-saying-mccree-s-name-1847474058 | url-status = live }}</ref> Afterwards they changed the character's name "to something that better represents what ''Overwatch'' stands for",<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/22621751/overwatch-mccree-renamed-jesse-mcree-blizzard | title = Blizzard will rename Overwatch's Jesse McCree | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = August 26, 2021 | accessdate = August 26, 2021 | work = Polygon | archive-date = August 26, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210826194428/https://www.polygon.com/22621751/overwatch-mccree-renamed-jesse-mcree-blizzard | url-status = live }}</ref> resulting in the name Cole Cassidy.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-overwatch-comic-begins-the-story-of-cole-cassidys-new-name/ | title = A new Overwatch comic begins the story of Cole Cassidy's new name | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = November 10, 2021 | accessdate = November 10, 2021 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = November 10, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211110002525/https://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-overwatch-comic-begins-the-story-of-cole-cassidys-new-name/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

Cassidy is voiced by Matthew Mercer.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Echo==== {{main|Echo (Overwatch)}} Echo is a female Omnic created by Dr. Mina Liao after the Omnic Crisis. Her primary attack is a ''Tri-Shot'' that is a set of three projectiles at a time, and she can fire a ''Sticky Bomb'' that does initial damage on striking a target and then after a short time explodes that does damage in a small area. She also has a ''Focusing Beam'' that damages a target in the beam, with damage intensified for targets that are below half-health, including barriers. She also has a ''Flight'' ability that can launch her into the air, and her ''Glide'' passive ability allows her to hover and descend at a controlled rate with good horizontal control. Her ultimate ability is ''Duplicate'', which allows Echo to take the appearance and ability of any Hero on the opposing team (save for Echo) for 15 seconds, with an accelerated ultimate gain rate.<ref name="poly echo">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/19/21186567/overwatch-echo-release-ptr-new-hero-abilities-ult-blizzard | title = Meet Echo, Overwatch's new hero with 'the most game-changing' powers yet | first = Sarah | last = LeBeouf | date = March 19, 2020 | access-date = March 19, 2020 | work = Polygon | archive-date = March 19, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200319173151/https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/19/21186567/overwatch-echo-release-ptr-new-hero-abilities-ult-blizzard | url-status = live }}</ref>

Dr. Liao was one of the scientists that had created the Omnics while part of the Omnica Corporation, and who had joined the newly-found Overwatch to deal with the Omnic Crisis. She had created Echo as part of the Echo Project as a more benevolent artificial intelligence to try to overcome her guilt for creating the more harmful Omnics, hoping that AI could be used to save humanity. An attack on Overwatch headquarters killed Dr. Liao. Echo took on part of Dr. Liao's personality, and thus became "her promise, her legacy, her Echo". After being quarantined for many years, Echo is soon reawakened by Cole Cassidy to join the reformed Overwatch team.<ref name="poly echo"/><ref name="verge echo announce">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21185346/overwatch-echo-new-hero-blizzcon-artificial-intelligence-lore | title = Overwatch unveils new evolutionary robot hero, Echo | first = Julia | last = Alexander | date = March 18, 2020 | access-date = March 18, 2020 | work = The Verge | archive-date = March 19, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200319151908/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21185346/overwatch-echo-new-hero-blizzcon-artificial-intelligence-lore | url-status = live }}</ref>

Echo was the 32nd Hero to be introduced to ''Overwatch'' in March 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-announces-overwatchs-next-character-is-ec/1100-6474917/ | title = Blizzard Announces Overwatch's Next Character Is Echo | first = Phil | last = Hornshaw | date = March 18, 2020 | access-date = March 18, 2020 | work = GameSpot | archive-date = April 5, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405130236/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-new-character-is-echo-check-out-her-ori/1100-6474917/ | url-status = live }}</ref> She started as a planned character for ''Titan'', though initially was more functional and less human-like, with her more human appearance coming about by the fourth iteration of her design.<ref name="poly echo"/> Her design had always been very light and elegant, so she was envisioned to be a support character at the start. But once they established the character's name as Echo, implying what her abilities may be including her Duplicate ultimate, this made the choice of a support role a poor one, as during the use of Duplicate her teammates would not have her normal support abilities. By making her a damage hero, this did not interfere with the team's support roles, nor overlapped extensively with Pharah, an existing flying hero who does not have as significant control over her flying movements as Echo.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/echo-support-hero | title = Overwatch's new hero, Echo, was nearly a healer – but she would've been a "nightmare" | first = Imogen | last = Mellor | date = March 25, 2020 | access-date = March 25, 2020 | work = PCGamesN | archive-date = March 25, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200325144035/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/echo-support-hero | url-status = live }}</ref>

Prior to her announcement, Echo had also appeared in the animated short ''Reunion'', released alongside Ashe's reveal as the 29th hero. Ashe attempts to steal her while she is in a state of hibernation, but she is rescued by Cassidy. When reactivated, Cassidy informs her of Winston's recall of Overwatch agents. She was also shown in the teaser cinematic for ''Overwatch 2'', joining Winston's recall of other Overwatch members to fight new threats. At the time of the ''Overwatch 2'' reveal, Kaplan stated Blizzard planned to introduce Echo as a playable hero at some point in the future.<ref name="poly echo"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/11/3/18059224/overwatch-echo-hero-blizzcon | title = Here's what we know about Echo, one of Overwatch's future heroes | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = November 3, 2018 | access-date = November 3, 2018 | work = Heroes Never Die | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181104010235/https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/11/3/18059224/overwatch-echo-hero-blizzcon | archive-date = November 4, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Echo was announced on March 18, 2020, available to players on the PTR the following day, and unlocked for all players on April 14, 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/9/21215178/echo-new-overwatch-hero-release-date-blizzard-entertainment | title = Echo joins Overwatch on April 14 | first = Nicole | last = Carpenter | date = April 9, 2020 | access-date = April 9, 2020 | work = Polygon | archive-date = April 10, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200410065454/https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/9/21215178/echo-new-overwatch-hero-release-date-blizzard-entertainment | url-status = live }}</ref> Kaplan anticipated that Echo would be the last character to be added to ''Overwatch''{{'s}} roster until the release of ''Overwatch 2''.<ref name="poly echo"/>

Echo is voiced by Jeannie Bolet.<ref>{{cite twitter | number = 1240763604191731712 | user = jeanniebolet | url = https://twitter.com/jeanniebolet/status/1240763604191731712 | first = Jeannie | last = Bolet | date = March 19, 2020 | accessdate = March 22, 2020 | title = The 'bot's out of the bag!! }}</ref>

====Emre==== {{main|Emre (Overwatch)}} Emre Sarioglu is a Turkish soldier and a former member of Overwatch's strike team.<ref name=EmreVA>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/overwatch-nearly-had-an-f-bomb-problem | title = Overwatch nearly had an f-bomb problem | first = Robert | last = Purchese | date = February 4, 2026 | accessdate = February 5, 2026 | website = Eurogamer | archive-date = February 4, 2026 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20260204212253/https://www.eurogamer.net/overwatch-nearly-had-an-f-bomb-problem | url-status = live }}</ref> He aided several of its operations, including helping to recover Genji after Hanzo nearly killed him. After Overwatch's collapse, he joined Talon as a mercenary but would repeatedly go dark during missions, making him a target for a bounty that Maximilien contracts to Freja.<ref name="gamerank freja">{{cite web | url = https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-freja-hero-trailer-maximilien-emre/ | title = Overwatch 2 Reveals Freja's Backstory, Teases New Hero | first = Eric | last = Law | date = March 19, 2025 | accessdate = March 22, 2025 | website = Game Rant | archive-date = March 24, 2025 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250324003558/https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-freja-hero-trailer-maximilien-emre/ | url-status = live }}</ref> After Freja finds Emre in Riyadh, he is revealed to have undergone numerous cybernetic enhancements; however, these augmentations appear to manipulate his body and mind into becoming a ruthless killer.<ref name="polygon feb2026 new"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-tease-emre-sarioglu-freja-comic/ | title = Overwatch 2 Just Teased Another New Hero For 2026 | first = Eric | last = Law | date = January 21, 2026 | accessdate = February 5, 2026 | website = Game Rant | archive-date = January 23, 2026 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20260123232626/https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-tease-emre-sarioglu-freja-comic/ | url-status = live }}</ref> He used a three-round burst rifle that can be used both hip-firing and down its sights for better accuracy. He can briefly create a Siphon Blaster that fires life-stealing rounds, and throw Cyber Frag grenades. His ultimate, Override Protocol, transforms Emre into a living weapon that fires rapid, explosive shots for a brief period.<ref name="polygon feb2026 new"/>

Emre is voiced by Kerem Erdinc.<ref name=EmreVA/>

====Freja==== Freja Skov is a Danish bounty hunter. She was a former member of Overwatch, acting as a search and rescue operative, but turned to bounty hunting when Overwatch disbanded. In the game's present, she is a free agent, taking jobs from Maximilien.<ref name="gamerank freja"/>

Freja's primary weapon is her ''Revdraw Crossbow'', which rapidly fires projectiles''.'' Her ability ''Take Aim'' slows her descent and lets her fire a precise explosive bolt from her crossbow. Her movement abilities are a ''Quick Dash'' to lunge forward while refreshing Take Aim, and ''Updraft'' that propels her upward. Her passive ability, ''Bounty Hunting'', grants her bonus ultimate charge after finishing off 3 opponents. Freja's ultimate ''Bola Shot'' ensnares a target enemy, draws in nearby foes, and then explodes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.polygon.com/news/522493/overwatch-2-new-heroes-freja-aqua | title=Meet Overwatch 2's next hero, Freja — and the one after her, Aqua | website=Polygon | date=February 12, 2025 | access-date=February 12, 2025 | archive-date=February 12, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212201852/https://www.polygon.com/news/522493/overwatch-2-new-heroes-freja-aqua | url-status=live }}</ref>

She was introduced during a trial period in Season 15 and was fully added to the roster with the start of Season 16 in April 2025.

Freja is voiced by Olivia Le Andersen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Amy |date=2025-03-20 |title=Overwatch 2 Freja voice actor revealed: Meet Olivia Le Andersen! |url=https://esports.gg/news/overwatch/overwatch-2-freja-voice-actor-revealed-meet-olivia-le-andersen/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=esports.gg |language=en-US |archive-date=December 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251219050311/https://esports.gg/news/overwatch/overwatch-2-freja-voice-actor-revealed-meet-olivia-le-andersen/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Genji==== {{main|Genji (Overwatch)}} Genji Shimada is a Japanese cyborg ninja. His main attack method is to throw three ''Shurikens'', either in quick succession or simultaneously in a horizontal spread. His abilities are ''Swift Strike'', a quick dashing lunge with good range, and ''Deflect'', a defensive stance that briefly ricochets projectiles back at enemies with his wakizashi. His ''Cyber-Agility'' allows him to double-jump and run up walls. Genji's ultimate ability is ''Dragonblade'', during which Genji unsheathes the odachi on his back and delivers powerful, sweeping melee attacks to any targets within reach for a limited amount of time.<ref name="official">{{Cite web|url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/genji/|title=Genji – ''Overwatch''|website=Overwatch|language=en-US|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=January 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106001037/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/genji/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his origin story, Genji transforms from a slacker to a superhero.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://killscreen.com/articles/genji-is-with-you/|title=Genji is with you - Kill Screen|work=Kill Screen |date=August 12, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012134703/https://killscreen.com/articles/genji-is-with-you/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/94804/overwatch-how-to-use-genji-effectively|title=Overwatch: How to Use Genji Effectively|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818045314/http://www.shacknews.com/article/94804/overwatch-how-to-use-genji-effectively|archive-date=August 18, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> His family—the Japanese Shimada crime family—ordered his eldest brother Hanzo to kill Genji for his selfish and hedonistic behavior (as shown in the short ''Dragons''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-new-animated-short-explores-hanzo-and-genjis-1776890949|title=Overwatch's New Animated Short Explores Hanzo And Genji's Tragic Rivalry|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=May 16, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818085959/http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-new-animated-short-explores-hanzo-and-genjis-1776890949|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-hanzo-and-genji-square-off-in-blizzards/1100-6439845/|title=Overwatch's Hanzo and Genji Square Off in Blizzard's Latest Short Film|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106193151/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-hanzo-and-genji-square-off-in-blizzards/1100-6439845/|url-status=live}}</ref> and referenced in-game on the Hanamura map by a shrine devoted to Genji<ref name="PC Gamer: hidden lore" />). Before he could die, Overwatch found him, and their chief doctor Mercy restored Genji as a cyborg. After quelling the rogue artificial intelligence in the first Omnic Crisis, Genji left the Overwatch team to find peace with his new body, mentored by the Omnic Shambali monk Zenyatta.<ref name="Polygon: Timeline" /> When Winston reactivates Overwatch years after the first Omnic Crisis, Genji is one of the first to return.<ref name="ign story 2019">{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/07/overwatch-story-synopsis-ow-2-timeline-2 | title = Overwatch: The Story So Far | first = Matthew | last = Adler | date = November 7, 2019 | access-date = November 7, 2019 | work = IGN | archive-date = November 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191107060532/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/07/overwatch-story-synopsis-ow-2-timeline-2 | url-status = live }}</ref> He later appeared in ''Hanamura Showdown,'' a non-canon cinematic trailer for ''Heroes of the Storm'' 2.0.<ref>{{Citation|title=Heroes of the Storm 2.0 – Hanamura Showdown| date=April 25, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgJLvtx5PzI|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205140107/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgJLvtx5PzI|url-status=live}}</ref> Genji also appeared in the animated short ''Zero Hour,'' which functioned as announcement cinematic for ''Overwatch 2.''<ref>{{Citation|title=Overwatch 2 Announce Cinematic {{!}} "Zero Hour"| date=November 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKXS_YA9s7E|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621052549/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKXS_YA9s7E|url-status=live}}</ref>

Originally, Genji and his brother Hanzo were designed as one character. However, Blizzard Entertainment thought this arrow-firing, shuriken-tossing, and katana-wielding character was too complex, therefore splitting it into two different characters. Hanzo kept the name of the original character, as well as the general aesthetic of that character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatchs-new-heroes-and-the-design-behind-them|title=''Overwatch''{{'}}s new heroes and the design behind them|website=PCGamesN|date=November 7, 2015 |language=en-GB|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223225815/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatchs-new-heroes-and-the-design-behind-them|url-status=live}}</ref> The story and relationship between the two brothers were inspired by a documentary film titled ''Jiro Dreams of Sushi'', in which the older brother had to inherit the restaurant and carry on his father's legacy, while the younger brother had more free will.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moser|first1=Cassidee|title=Heroes Never Die: How Blizzard Created the Characters of Overwatch|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/97067/heroes-never-die-how-blizzard-created-the-characters-of-overwatch|website=Shacknews|date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=7 January 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628151250/https://www.shacknews.com/article/97067/heroes-never-die-how-blizzard-created-the-characters-of-overwatch|url-status=live}}</ref> Gameplay-wise, Genji is a flanker and an infiltrator optimized for one-on-one fights. Genji's ''Deflect'' ability can counter many enemy ultimate abilities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/5/4/17318108/may-3-patch-tracer-junkrat-genji-lucio|title=The latest ''Overwatch'' live patch buffs Lucio, nerfs Tracer, Junkrat, and Genji|work=Heroes Never Die|access-date=October 26, 2018|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729042836/https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/5/4/17318108/may-3-patch-tracer-junkrat-genji-lucio|url-status=live}}</ref> While some characters function best when paired with specific teammates, Genji works best in isolation.<ref name="Polygon: Guide" /> Genji is strong against turrets like Bastion and those of Torbjörn, and is effective at flanking snipers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-how-to-play-genji|title=Overwatch - How to Play Genji|first=Mike|last=Williams|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508033253/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-how-to-play-genji|url-status=live}}</ref> Genji is vulnerable against characters with energy weapons that bypass his deflection, such as Symmetra, Winston, and Zarya. Genji's agile, melee-oriented playstyle is said to be difficult to learn, yet is popular among new players who like his ninja design.<ref name="Polygon: Guide" />

A vocal minority of players began to complain about Genji's balance with other characters in August 2016, as team strategies came to be centered around his rediscovered abilities when the abilities of other offensive characters were reduced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/why-overwatch-players-hate-genji-now-1785412775|title=Why Overwatch Players Hate Genji Now|first=Nathan|last=Grayson|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=May 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510050650/https://kotaku.com/why-overwatch-players-hate-genji-now-1785412775|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, Blizzard rebalanced Genji by reducing the power of his abilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/overwatch-test-patch-nerfs-genji-buffs-mei-and-mercy-1785424009|title=Overwatch Test Patch Nerfs Genji, Buffs Mei And Mercy|first=Nathan|last=Grayson|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330221220/https://kotaku.com/overwatch-test-patch-nerfs-genji-buffs-mei-and-mercy-1785424009|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of 2016, Blizzard offered a special "oni" character skin as a promotion for players who also played the company's multiplayer online battle arena game ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/4/13524624/overwatch-oni-genji-skin-heroes-of-the-storm|title=Playing Heroes of the Storm gets Overwatch fans a special skin|website=Polygon|date=November 4, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054103/http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/4/13524624/overwatch-oni-genji-skin-heroes-of-the-storm|url-status=live}}</ref> Genji was added as one of the heroes in ''Heroes of the Storm'' on April 25, 2017.<ref> {{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-s-genji-and-hanamura-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm-430678.phtml | title = Overwatch's Genji and Hanamura are coming to Heroes of the Storm | first = Chris | last = Carter | date = April 17, 2017 | access-date = April 17, 2017 | work = Destructoid | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170417235847/https://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-s-genji-and-hanamura-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm-430678.phtml | archive-date = April 17, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref>

Genji is voiced by Gaku Space.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Hanzo==== {{main|Hanzo (Overwatch)}} Hanzo Shimada is a Japanese archer, assassin and mercenary and the elder brother of Genji. He wields the ''Storm Bow'' and is equipped with specialized arrows, including ''Sonic Arrows'' to detect enemies and ''Storm Arrows'' to fire five weaker shots in rapid succession. He is also able to ''Wall Climb'', enabling him to reach vantage points, and ''Lunge'' forward while in mid-air. His ultimate ability is ''Dragonstrike'', in which he unleashes a spiraling spirit dragon that can travel through obstacles to deal damage in a straight line.

Hanzo is voiced by Paul Nakauchi.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Junkrat==== {{main|Junkrat}} Junkrat, real name Jamison Fawkes, is an Australian scavenger, mercenary and anarchist. Evicted from Junkertown by Junker Queen, Junkrat is still the target of several bounty hunters over a valuable secret he claims to know, and hired Roadhog to be his bodyguard. Junkrat carries a ''Frag Launcher'' that fires grenades and employs ''Steel Traps'' and remote-detonated ''Concussion Mines''; when he is killed, several primed grenades are released from his body in a final attempt to get back at the attacker (''Total Mayhem''). Junkrat's ultimate ability is ''RIP-Tire'', a self-propelled truck wheel loaded with explosives that he is able to manually steer and detonate. Junkrat was developed by Blizzard to balance out against Torbjörn's turrets.<ref name="polygon sxsw">{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2017/3/20/14982532/sombras-voice-loves-the-character | title = Sombra's voice actor doesn't mind the haters, loves her character | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = March 20, 2017 | access-date = March 20, 2017 | work = Polygon | archive-date = March 20, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170320211638/http://www.polygon.com/2017/3/20/14982532/sombras-voice-loves-the-character | url-status = live }}</ref>

Junkrat appears as a playable hero in ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes/junkrat/|title=Junkrat - Heroes of the Storm|website=us.battle.net|language=en-us|access-date=2019-10-17|archive-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229055559/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes/junkrat/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pereira|first=Chris|date=October 17, 2017|title=Overwatch's Junkrat Joins Heroes Of The Storm Today, Has A Hilarious Heroic Ability|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-junkrat-joins-heroes-of-the-storm-today/1100-6454139/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018071748/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-junkrat-joins-heroes-of-the-storm-today/1100-6454139/|archive-date=October 18, 2017|access-date=October 17, 2017|work=GameSpot|df=mdy-all}} </ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web|last=Marks|first=Tom|date=September 15, 2017|title=Junkrat and Ana are Coming to Heroes of the Storm|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/15/junkrat-and-ana-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915231255/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/15/junkrat-and-ana-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm|archive-date=September 15, 2017|access-date=September 15, 2017|work=IGN|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In all appearances, he is voiced by Chris Parson.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Mei==== {{Main|Mei (Overwatch)}} Mei, full name Mei-Ling Zhou, is a Chinese climatologist and adventurer from Xi'an. Prior to the Omni War she was stationed in Antarctica, but her team took to cryogenic slumber at the war's onset. All but Mei's chambers failed, and when she woke, with no way of contacting for help, she followed Winston's signal to reunite Overwatch to find her way towards civilization. She wields an ''Endothermic Blaster'' that can either freeze enemies in place with a short-range spray or shoot a long-range icicle projectile, and she can also use it to ''Cryo-Freeze'' herself in a solid ice block to shield herself from damage and heal injuries, as well as erect ''Ice Walls'' with many versatile uses, primarily for blocking the enemies. Her ultimate ability is ''Blizzard'', which calls down Snowball, her personal weather modification drone, to freeze all enemies in a wide radius.

Mei is voiced by Yu "Elise" Zhang.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Pharah==== {{Main|Pharah}} Pharah, real name Fareeha Amari, is an Egyptian security officer and the daughter of Ana Amari. She wears the Raptora Mark VI, a jetpack-equipped combat suit, and wields a ''Rocket Launcher'' as her primary weapon. She has a Wedjat (Eye of Horus) tattoo around her right eye. Her abilities are ''Concussive Blast'', a rocket with powerful knockback and damages enemies. And ''Jump Jets'', a quick jetpack-assisted vertical ascension comparable to a rocket jump, this also restores half of her fuel. She also has ''Jet Dash'' which is a horizontal boost. Her passive ability allows her to ''Hover'' in the air, which is paired well with her Jump Jets ability. Pharah's ultimate ability is ''Barrage'', where she fires a continuous stream of small air-to-ground rockets at targets, while she is frozen still in place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pharah |url=https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes/pharah/ |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Blizzard |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505093407/https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes/pharah/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Pharah is voiced by Jen Cohn.<ref name="behindtheva">{{cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Overwatch/|title=Overwatch (2016 video game)|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2026-02-11}}</ref> In June 2023, as part of Pride Month, Blizzard affirmed that Pharah was written as a lesbian, made more explicit with updates to the game.<ref name="eurogamer june2023">{{cite news | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-confirms-sexuality-of-two-overwatch-characters-for-pride-month | title=Blizzard confirms sexuality of two Overwatch characters for Pride Month | newspaper=Eurogamer.net | date=May 31, 2023 | access-date=May 31, 2023 | archive-date=May 31, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531123330/https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-confirms-sexuality-of-two-overwatch-characters-for-pride-month | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Reaper==== {{main|Reaper (Overwatch)}} Reaper, real name Gabriel Reyes, is an American mercenary and terrorist, originally a founding member of Overwatch, now a leading member of Talon. He is attired in a black hooded trenchcoat with a white skull mask and wields twin ''Hellfire Shotguns''. His abilities are ''Shadow Step'', a medium-range line of sight teleport, and ''Wraith Form'', a brief period of invincibility and speed increase. He was able to heal himself by consuming the souls of fallen enemies, visible as red burning "Soul Globes" on the ground but later was changed to a passive ability called ''The Reaping'' which allows him to heal 30% of the damage he deals. Reaper's ultimate ability is ''Death Blossom'', a twin shotgun gun kata which deals massive damage in a short radius around him.

Reaper is voiced by Keith Ferguson.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Sierra==== Sierra Turner Woods is an American mercenary. She was raised by her mother and moved frequently until one day her mother disappeared. She eventually found her father, and learned of a possible connection to Helix Security that supported the Overwatch watchpoint at Grand Mesa. There, she learned her mother had been Soldier: 00, the first candidate in the experimental enhancement program. When Talon attacked Grand Mesa, she helped Overwatch forces to find off the attack, and learning that Reaper and Soldier: 76 were also products of the enhancement program, opted to join Overwatch to continue to search for her mother. She is armed with a rifle, including a mode that can launch a tracer dart at an opponent drawing all of Sierra's fire to that target for a short time. She is accompanied by a drone naned DoR.O.T.H.y that she can use as a grapple point for high mobility and fling a shrapnel grenade below her. Her ultimate uses Dorothy to set a number of explosive charges over an area, denotating simultaneously. She will be introduced to the game at the start of the revamped Season 2 in April 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Colp |first=Tyler |date=2026-04-08 |title=Overwatch's new hero Sierra has an ability that could mean she's destined to dethrone Jetpack Cat as the most banned hero in ranked |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/overwatchs-new-hero-sierra-has-an-ability-that-could-mean-shes-destined-to-dethrone-jetpack-cat-as-the-most-banned-hero-in-ranked/ |access-date=2026-04-09 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref><ref>https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/sierra</ref> She is voiced by Khaya Fraites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Amy |date=2026-04-08 |title=Overwatch Sierra voice actor revealed: Meet the talent behind the new DPS hero |url=https://esports.gg/news/overwatch/overwatch-sierra-voice-actor-revealed-meet-the-talent-behind-the-new-dps-hero/ |access-date=2026-04-09 |website=Esports.gg |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Soldier: 76==== {{Main|Soldier: 76}} Soldier: 76, real name Jack Francis Morrison, is an American soldier-turned-vigilante and a founding member of Overwatch. He wears a facemask with a visor and carries an experimental ''Heavy Pulse Rifle'' equipped with an underbarrel launcher that fires three ''Helix Rockets''. His abilities are ''Sprint'', a forward run with no duration limit or cooldown, and ''Biotic Field'', a deployable device which regenerates the health of allies in the immediate vicinity. His ultimate ability, ''Tactical Visor'', puts up a head-up display that allows his rifle to automatically track enemies in his line of sight for a brief period.

Soldier: 76 is voiced by Fred Tatasciore.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Sombra==== {{Main|Sombra (Overwatch)}} Sombra, real name Olivia Colomar, is a Mexican hacker and infiltrator. She is equipped with a low-damage, high-capacity ''Machine Pistol'' for short range combat. Her trademark ability allows her to ''Hack'' enemies, turrets or neutral health kits. Hacked enemies have short ability lockout, hacked turrets are disabled, and hacked health kits respawn faster and become unusable to the enemy team. Sombra also has ''Translocator,'' a beacon she throws out and teleports to, which activates stealth, which makes her invisible for a short time, or until she gets too close to an enemy, takes damage, or hacks an enemy. Her ''Virus'' ability is a projectile which when hits an enemy does damage over time, if the target is hacked it does more damage. Her passive ability allows her to see all enemies below half health through walls.. Sombra's ultimate ability is ''EMP'', an electromagnetic shockwave that hacks all enemies around her, as well as disabling their barriers and damaging them for a percent of their current health, it also displays if they have fully charged ultimate.<ref name="gamespot sombra announced">{{cite web |title=Sombra |url=https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes/sombra/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107181540/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-next-character-sombra-officially-reveal/1100-6445128/ |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |work=Blizzard Entertainment |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Sombra is voiced by Carolina Ravassa.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Sojourn==== {{main|Sojourn (Overwatch)}} Sojourn, real name Vivian Chase, is a Canadian soldier who serves as a captain within the Overwatch team. According to lore, Sojourn had worked with Overwatch commander Soldier: 76 during the Omnic War, which led to her joining with the organization, where she either commanded agents or provided long-range cover for field teams.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23023801/overwatch-2-sojourn-origin-short-lore-explained-character | title = Overwatch 2 puts the spotlight on railgun cyborg Sojourn | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = April 13, 2022 | accessdate = April 13, 2022 | work = Polygon | archive-date = April 13, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220413170007/https://www.polygon.com/23023801/overwatch-2-sojourn-origin-short-lore-explained-character | url-status = live }}</ref> She has cybernetic implants in her head, as well as a cybernetic arm that transforms into a disruptor cannon. Her carried weapon is a prototype railgun, which she is able to handle the increased recoil of due to her cybernetics.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2s-first-new-hero-is-a-canadian-named-sojourn/ | title = Overwatch 2's first new hero is a Canadian named Sojourn | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = November 1, 2019 | access-date = November 1, 2019 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = November 2, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191102003736/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2s-first-new-hero-is-a-canadian-named-sojourn/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Her primary weapon is a machine gun that build up energy over time, which then can be unleashed as a railgun shot through its secondary fire. She can launch an area-of-effect ''Disruptor Shot'' that traps and drains enemies while building her railgun energy. She can perform a ''Power Slide'' that can be used to finish into a high jump. Her Ultimate is ''Overclock'' which continually recharges her railgun and makes its shots piercing.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/sojourn-gameplay | title = Overwatch Sojourn gameplay trailer and details have arrived | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = April 14, 2022 | access-date = April 14, 2022 | work = PCGamesN | archive-date = April 14, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213040/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/sojourn-gameplay | url-status = live }}</ref>

Sojourn is voiced by Cherise Boothe.<ref name="btva2">{{cite web |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Overwatch-2/ |website=Behind the Voice Actors |title=Overwatch 2 (2022 video game) |accessdate=2026-02-11 }}</ref>

====Symmetra==== {{main|Symmetra}} Symmetra, real name Satya Vaswani, is an Indian "architech" (equal parts architect and engineer) working for the Vishkar Corporation. She wields a ''Photon Projector'' that emits a short-ranged beam that does more damage the longer it remains on an opponent. Her primary fire will charge her ammo instead of using it, making her a good counter to barriers. It can also be used to charge up and launch a slow-moving ball of energy in a straight line. She can fire up to three ''Sentry Turrets'' that attach to any surface they touch, and which damage opponents in close range. She has a ''Teleporter'' skill that allows her to place the entrance and exits points of a warp tunnel that has an infinite duration, through which teammates and certain projectiles and weapons can travel through, until the teleporter is recalled by Symmetra or destroyed by an enemy. Her ultimate ability is a ''Photon Barrier'', a powerful energy barrier that blocks opponents' fire, and large enough to cut through the entire map.<ref name="polygon sym rework 2">{{cite web | url = https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/4/30/17302952/symmetra-second-rework-kit-teleporter-photon-barrier-ultimate | title = We now know the details of Symmetra's second Overwatch rework | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = April 30, 2018 | access-date = May 1, 2018 | work = Heroes Never Die | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501000458/https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/4/30/17302952/symmetra-second-rework-kit-teleporter-photon-barrier-ultimate | archive-date = May 1, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Symmetra is voiced by Anjali Bhimani.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Torbjörn==== {{main|Torbjörn (Overwatch)}} Torbjörn Lindholm is a dwarfish Swedish engineer and weapons designer, and a founding member of Overwatch, as well as Brigitte's father. His primary weapon is a rivet gun, but can also throw down a turret that automatically attacks the nearest enemy in sight. Torbjörn can use his forging hammer to repair damaged turrets as well as for melee attacks. He can enter an overload ability, briefly buffing his armor, attacks, and attack speed for a short period, while with his ultimate, he can cover a wide area of ground with molten metal, damaging enemies moving through it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/torbjorn/|title=Torbjörn - Overwatch|access-date=May 31, 2016|archive-date=July 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715185350/http://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/torbjorn/|url-status=live}}</ref> Torbjörn was one of the first characters designed for ''Overwatch'', intended to help bridge Blizzard's art styles between ''Warcraft'' and ''Overwatch'', and served as a template for most of the other launch heroes.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/without-torbjorn-overwatch-wouldnt-be-overwatch-1792919785 | title = Overwatch's Unique Art Style Began With Torbjorn | first = Nathan | last = Grayson | date = March 2, 2017 | access-date = March 2, 2017 | work = Kotaku | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170303040136/http://kotaku.com/without-torbjorn-overwatch-wouldnt-be-overwatch-1792919785 | archive-date = March 3, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> Torbjörn is voiced by Keith Silverstein.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Tracer==== {{main|Tracer (Overwatch)}} Tracer, real name Lena Oxton, is a British pilot, adventurer, and member of Overwatch. She wields dual rapid-fire ''Pulse Pistols'', and is equipped with a "chronal accelerator" which grants her the ability to either jump forward in time, crossing many meters in a split second (''Blink'') or rewind three seconds into the past to heal and restore ammunition (''Recall''). Her ultimate ability is ''Pulse Bomb'', an explosive charge that sticks to enemies, exploding after a brief delay for massive damage. Tracer is voiced by Cara Theobold.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Vendetta==== {{main|Vendetta (Overwatch)}} Vendetta, real name Marzia Bartalotti,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Overwatch 2 Reveals Season 20 Skins, Events, and More|url=https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-season-20-vendetta-skins-winter-wonderland-stadium-competitive/|first=Eric|last=Law|website=Game Rant|date=2025-12-02|access-date=2025-12-06|archive-date=January 12, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112075436/https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-season-20-vendetta-skins-winter-wonderland-stadium-competitive/|url-status=live}}</ref> is an Italian swordswoman and the daughter of high-ranking Talon member Antonio Bartalotti; though designed to become heir to Talon, she was cast aside, and instead she spent her time in gladiatorial games as a fighter known as La Lupa while plotting her revenge. She reappears at Talon's headquarters, dethroning Doomfist and taking charge of Talon to lead the fight against Overwatch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Overwatch 2's new damage hero is melee-focused hard (light) hitter Vendetta|url=https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-45-vendetta-la-lupa-trailer/|website=Polygon|date=2025-11-17|access-date=2025-12-02|language=en|first=Josh|last=Broadwell|archive-date=January 7, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107160346/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-45-vendetta-la-lupa-trailer/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kotaku vendetta">{{Cite web|title=Overwatch 2's New Hero Is Your New Italian Mommy|url=https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-vendetta-reveal-trailer-cinematic-video-2000644926|website=Kotaku|date=2025-11-17|access-date=2025-12-02|language=en-US|first=Kenneth|last=Shepard|archive-date=January 11, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260111013807/https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-vendetta-reveal-trailer-cinematic-video-2000644926|url-status=live}}</ref> She wields ''Palatine Fang'', a hard light great sword that she uses for slashing and whirlwind attacks. She can also throw the sword and fly to its location, while her ultimate charges her blade to perform a damaging attack to all in front of her.<ref>{{Cite web|title=See what Overwatch 2's new 'high-octane' melee-DPS hero Vendetta can do in first gameplay|url=https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-45-vendetta-abilities-kit-dps-damage/|website=Polygon|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2025-12-02|language=en|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|archive-date=February 3, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260203232404/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-45-vendetta-abilities-kit-dps-damage/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vendetta was introduced in Season 20 in December 2025, with a trial period during Season 19. She is voiced by Chiara Preziosi.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Overwatch 2 Vendetta voice actor revealed: It's Chiara Preziosi!|url=https://esports.gg/news/overwatch/overwatch-2-vendetta-voice-actor/|website=esports.gg|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2025-12-02|language=en-US|last=Chen|first=Amy|archive-date=February 1, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201153733/https://esports.gg/news/overwatch/overwatch-2-vendetta-voice-actor/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Venture==== {{main|Venture (Overwatch)}} Venture, real name Sloan Cameron, is a Canadian archaeologist, belonging to an archaeological research group known as the Wayfinder Society, and the hero that Blizzard added to ''Overwatch 2'' during Season 10 in April 2024, being playable during an open test period in the prior month.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2s-next-hero-is-mauga-the-games-first-samoan-hero-blizzcon-2023 | title = Overwatch 2's Next Hero Is Mauga, the Game's First Samoan Hero - BlizzCon 2023 | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = November 3, 2023 | accessdate = November 3, 2023 | work = IGN | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103192200/https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2s-next-hero-is-mauga-the-games-first-samoan-hero-blizzcon-2023 | url-status = live }}</ref> Venture is the first non-binary character in ''Overwatch''. They are equipped with a futuristic drill which they use as a weapon, a ''Smart Excavator'', which fires a seismic projectile that bursts after a short distance. With the excavator, they can ''Drill Dash'' to spring towards the direction they are facing, damaging opponents. They can also ''Burrow'' underground for short distances, remaining invulnerable while underground, and jumping out to do damage to foes above them. They can use their ''Drill Dash'' ability while ''Burrow'' is active, damaging enemies and knocking them into the air. Passively, using their abilities gains temporary shields through their ''Explorer's Resolve'', and does more melee damage with quick attacks though their ''Clobber'' skill. Their ultimate ability is a ''Tectonic Shock'' that sends out shock waves through the ground to heavily damage enemies.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.thegamer.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-2024-venture-non-binary/ | title = Overwatch Is Getting Its First Non-Binary Hero, Venture | first = Rhiannon | last = Bevan | date = November 4, 2023 | accessdate = November 4, 2023 | work = TheGamer | archive-date = November 7, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231107182906/https://www.thegamer.com/overwatch-2-new-hero-2024-venture-non-binary/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2023-11-06 |title=Overwatch 2's first nonbinary hero brings some Splatoon to Blizzard's shooter |url=https://www.polygon.com/23948665/overwatch-2-venture-season-10-hero-blizzcon |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107145642/https://www.polygon.com/23948665/overwatch-2-venture-season-10-hero-blizzcon |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.polygon.com/24113610/overwatch-2-venture-release-date-free-trial | title=Overwatch 2's new hero Venture is playable for free this weekend | website=Polygon | date=March 27, 2024 | access-date=March 27, 2024 | archive-date=April 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416183940/https://www.polygon.com/24113610/overwatch-2-venture-release-date-free-trial | url-status=live }}</ref>

Venture is voiced by Valeria Rodriguez.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQO9n6DwoE0|date=August 6, 2024|access-date=November 18, 2025|website=YouTube|title=Venture Story Time with Valeria Rodriguez}}</ref>

====Widowmaker==== {{main|Widowmaker (Overwatch)}} Widowmaker, real name Amélie Lacroix, is a French sniper and assassin. She wields the ''Widow's Kiss'', a versatile rifle that fires in full automatic at close-range, and can convert into a sniper rifle for long-range kills. She also uses a ''Grappling Hook'' to reach high ledges and ''Venom Mines'' to disable enemies. Her ultimate ability is ''Infra-Sight'', which activates her recon visor to highlight all enemies through walls for her and her team, similar to a wallhack.

Widowmaker is voiced by Chloé Hollings.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

===Support heroes=== Support heroes typically have less offensive ability and instead provide support for their teammates by healing them, and in some cases providing other buffs and helpful effects. They may also be able to apply debuffs to the opposing team, making them more susceptible to attack. Support heroes automatically regenerate their own health more readily than other heroes.

====Ana==== {{main|Ana (Overwatch)}} Ana Amari is an Egyptian sniper and bounty hunter, one of the founding members of Overwatch, and Pharah's mother. Her rifle fires biotic rounds that can heal allies or make foes vunerable. She also can throw biotic grenades that do the same with splash damage. She can fire a traquilizer shot that briefly puts an enemy to sleep. Her ultimate heals an ally to full health and briefly increases their attack and defense bonus. She also appears as a playable hero in ''Heroes of the Storm.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes/ana/|title=Ana - Heroes of the Storm|website=us.battle.net|language=en-us|access-date=2019-10-17|archive-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202140616/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes/ana/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> Ana is voiced by Aysha Selim.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Baptiste==== {{main|Baptiste (Overwatch)}} Baptiste, full name Jean-Baptiste Augustin, is a Haitian combat medic and former operative of Talon. He had been recruited into Talon as an orphan from the Omnic Crisis, but became disenfranchised with Talon's violent goals, quitting the organization and became hunted. Tipped off by his friend Mauga about a planned strike against Overwatch, Baptiste was eventually found by Cole and brought into Overwatch's ranks. Baptiste welds a burst fire submachine gun that also can fire healing grenades at allies. He has boost that he can charge to give him a high jumping ability. He also can throw out a brief burst of healing to himself and nearby allies, and throw up a device that creates an immortality field for a brief period or until the device is destroyed. His ultimate creates a rectangular gateway that increases the damage of ally projectiles that pass through it while also reducing the damage from enemy projectiles.<ref name="pcgamer baptiste intro"> {{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/baptiste-abilities-overwatch/ | title = Baptiste abilities: Here's everything Overwatch's new combat medic can do | author = Bo Moore | date = February 26, 2019 | access-date = February 26, 2019 | work = PC Gamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190227120753/https://www.pcgamer.com/baptiste-abilities-overwatch/ | archive-date = February 27, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="poly baptiste announce">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/25/18238602/overwatch-baptiste-hero-origins-animation-reveal | title = Overwatch reveals its newest hero, the support soldier Baptiste | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = February 25, 2019 | access-date = February 25, 2019 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190226012602/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/25/18238602/overwatch-baptiste-hero-origins-animation-reveal | archive-date = February 26, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref><ref name="BaptisteInfo">{{cite web | url = https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/baptiste | title = Baptiste | date = February 26, 2019 | access-date = February 26, 2019 | work = Blizzard Entertainment | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190227060726/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/baptiste | archive-date = February 27, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> During Pride Month of June 2023, Blizzard affirmed that they had written Baptiste as bisexual, with content updates during that month to explicitly reflect this.<ref name="eurogamer june2023"/>

Baptiste is voiced by Benz Antoine.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-02-26-confirmed-the-next-overwatch-hero-will-be-baptiste | title = Confirmed: the next Overwatch hero will be Baptiste | first = Robert | last = Purchase | date = February 25, 2019 | access-date = February 26, 2019 | work = PC Gamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190227064613/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-02-26-confirmed-the-next-overwatch-hero-will-be-baptiste | archive-date = February 27, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

====Brigitte==== {{main|Brigitte (Overwatch)}} Brigitte Lindholm, the youngest daughter of Torbjörn, is a Swedish engineer and adventurer. She wields a flail that can whip enemies in close range as well as strike at a distance. She also carries a shield she can use to protect herself or use to ram enemies to knock them back. She can also throw out healing packs to her allies. In her ultimate, she rallies herself and allies to move and attack faster with additional health and armor for a brief time.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-hero-27-brigitte-description-abilities-skins | title = Overwatch's next hero is Brigitte Lindholm, here's her abilities, weapons, and description | first = Hannah | last = Dawn | date = February 28, 2018 | access-date = February 28, 2018 | work = PCGamesN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180228203518/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-hero-27-brigitte-description-abilities-skins | archive-date = February 28, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Brigitte is voiced by Matilda Smedius.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Illari==== Illari Quispe Ruiz is a Peruvian warrior who channels solar energy to attack and heal. She was destined to become a Inti Warrior, imbued with powers of the sun, but during her augmentation ceremony, an unintentional burst of solar energy killed many including the other Inti Warriors, a guilt that she carries with her. She carries a solar rifle that can either fire a single shot to damage enemies or in its secondary mode, heal allies. She can place a healing pylon to any nearby surface that pulses healing enemies to nearby allies. She can emit a burst of energy to knockback enemies around her. Her ultimate ability fires a large solar burst that slows enemies in its blast for a brief period, and can explode if they take enough damage while affected.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/illari | title=Overwatch 2's new hero Illari already has me terrified | date=August 10, 2023 | access-date=August 10, 2023 | archive-date=August 10, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810181727/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/illari | url-status=live }}</ref> Illari is the game's 38th hero and was introduced alongside the player-versus-environment missions in Season 6 of ''Overwatch 2'' on August 10, 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23824468/overwatch-2-new-hero-illari-support-season-6-invasion | title = Overwatch 2's next hero, Illari, revealed | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = August 8, 2023 | accessdate = August 8, 2023 | work = Polygon | archive-date = August 8, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230808171058/https://www.polygon.com/23824468/overwatch-2-new-hero-illari-support-season-6-invasion | url-status = live }}</ref> Illari is voiced by Andre Cisneros.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/who-is-illaris-voice-actor-in-overwatch-2 | title = Who is Illari's voice actor in Overwatch 2? | first = Max | last = Miceli | date = August 10, 2023 | accessdate = August 15, 2023 | work = Dotesports | archive-date = August 14, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230814205518/https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/who-is-illaris-voice-actor-in-overwatch-2 | url-status = live }}</ref>

====Jetpack Cat==== {{main|Jetpack Cat}} Jetpack Cat, real name Fika, is a sentient stray cat who wandered around the Overwatch Gibraltar base, adopted by Brigitte who fitted her with a jetpack to provide support for the Overwatch team. She constantly flies, and can fire bionic projectiles that heal allies and damage foes. She can offer a tether to her allies to carry them across the battlefield or give them strategic positioning for attacks. Her ultimate ability allows her to slam into the ground, latch onto the nearest enemy, and carry them elsewhere.<ref name=JetpackCat>{{Cite web |title=Overwatch's Jetpack Cat was once 'too ridiculous for Overwatch' — but now she's in the game |url=https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-jetpack-cat-new-hero/ |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=February 4, 2026 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |website=Polygon |archive-date=February 5, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260205001518/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-jetpack-cat-new-hero/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jetpack Cat had been a concept within Blizzard since 2017 when it was suggested by Kaplan as a new hero, but at the time, was considered too far outside what fit into the game. After introducing Wrecking Ball, the development team found possibility for her character to work and help expand the hero rooster.<ref name=JetpackCat/> Jetpack Cat's meows and other animal sounds are provided by Jennifer Hale.<ref name=JetpackCat/> Jetpack Cat was one of the five new heroes introduced with the refreshed Season 1 in February 2026.

====Juno==== {{main|Juno (Overwatch)}} Juno Teo Minh is a medic from a Mars colony that was secretly founded by Lucheng Interstellar as "Project Red Promise" to terraform the planet for future inhabitants. Juno is the first and only child born on Mars, nicknamed as a Martian despite being human, and has Singaporean Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry, and was sent back to Earth to locate help for the colony.<ref name="comicbook juno">{{cite web | url = https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/overwatch-2-devs-break-down-junos-development-backstory/ | title = Overwatch 2 Devs Break Down Juno's Development, Backstory | first = Spencer | last = Perry | date = August 19, 2024 | accessdate = August 19, 2024 | work = Comicbook.com | archive-date = August 19, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240819184805/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/overwatch-2-devs-break-down-junos-development-backstory/ | url-status = live }}</ref> She can move quickly with her boots, allowing her to double-jump and hover in the air, and she can also provide an accelerating ring to speed up her allies. Her blaster pistol heals allies and damages enemies, and she can launch pulsar torpedoes that lock on to both allies and foes to heal and damage them, respectively. Her ultimate fires a large beam that heals and provides offensive buffs to all allies it touchs.<ref name="gamespot.com">{{Cite web |title=Surprise! Overwatch 2 Is Getting An Adorable New Hero And She's Playable This Weekend |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-adorable-new-hero-playable-this-weekend/1100-6525073/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=GameSpot |language= |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718163640/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-adorable-new-hero-playable-this-weekend/1100-6525073/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f |url-status=live }}</ref> Juno is voiced by Xanthe Huynh.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colbert |first=Isaiah |date=2024-07-18 |title=Overwatch 2 Reveals Newest Support Hero, and She'll Be Playable This Weekend |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2-reveals-newest-support-hero-and-shell-be-playable-this-weekend |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=IGN |language= |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718193422/https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2-reveals-newest-support-hero-and-shell-be-playable-this-weekend |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Kiriko==== {{Main|Kiriko (Overwatch)}} Kiriko Kamori is a Japanese ninja who was trained by her mother alongside the Shimada brothers, Genji and Hanzo. She can throw paper ''ofuda'' that heal allies, ''kunai'' knives that damage enemies, and a protective ''suzu'' bells that clears allies in range of any debuffs. She can climb walls, and can also teleport to a nearby ally. Her ultimate summons a ghostly kitsune spirit that runs through a line of ''torii'' gates, granting allies in its path increased speed and offensive buffs.<ref name="polygon kiriko">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23353098/overwatch-2-new-hero-kiriko-support | title = Overwatch 2's new hero, Kiriko, is the support character for Genji fans | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = September 15, 2022 | accessdate = September 15, 2022 | work = Polygon | archive-date = December 8, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221208174147/https://www.polygon.com/23353098/overwatch-2-new-hero-kiriko-support | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="ign Kiriko">{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=2022-09-15 |title=Overwatch 2's Next Support Hero Is Kiriko, a Healing Ninja |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2-next-hero-kiriko-support-healing-ninja |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206174223/https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2-next-hero-kiriko-support-healing-ninja |url-status=live }}</ref> Kiriko was the first hero to be introduced following ''Overwatch 2''{{'s}} launch in October 2022, and the first to be made available as a free reward on a seasonal battle pass. Her design was based on the new 5 vs. 5 approach used in ''Overwatch 2''.<ref name="polygon kiriko"/> Kiriko is voiced by Sally Amaki.<ref name="btva2"/>

====Lifeweaver==== {{main|Lifeweaver}} Lifeweaver, real name Niran "Bua" Pruksamanee, is a Thai scientist and adventurer who has harnessed the use of hard-light constructs for healing purposes, which he calls Biolight. He is a friend of Symmetra, who he met during his time at the Vishkar Architech Academy. He send out bursts of healing to allies, or use needle-like thorns to damage foes. He can create platforms made of petals that lift up whenever any player steps on them, and he can use a life grip ability to grab a wounded ally out of battle while healing them. For his ultimate, he can create a biolight tree that can block line of sight while healing allies nearby.<ref name="inverse lifeweaver">{{Cite web |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/overwatch-2-lifeweaver-abilities-gameplay-trailer-story-voice-actor-release-date |title=OVERWATCH 2'S NEW HERO LIFEWEAVER IS ABOUT TO REVITALIZE THE SUPPORT META|date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405033148/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/overwatch-2-lifeweaver-abilities-gameplay-trailer-story-voice-actor-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="pcgamesn lightweaver">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/lifeweaver |title=New Overwatch 2 support hero Lifeweaver revealed ahead of season 4|access-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403181316/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/lifeweaver |url-status=live }}</ref> Lifeweaver is voiced by Phuwin Tangsakyuen.<ref name="btva2"/>

====Lúcio==== {{main|Lúcio (Overwatch)}} Lúcio Correia dos Santos is a Brazilian DJ and freedom fighter. He is equipped with futuristic roller blades that allow him to skate on walls and gain speed boosts when jumping off them. His sonic amplifier gun fires directed sound waves that damage and knockback enemies, and continuously emits either a healing field or an accelerating field for allies, both which can be briefly boosted. With his ultimate, he slams his amplifier to the ground, healing all nearby allies a large amount of defensive shield.<ref name="vb moira">{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2017/11/03/overwatch-lead-jeff-kaplan-on-moira-mercys-troubles-and-fixing-toxicity/ | title = Overwatch lead Jeff Kaplan on Moira, Mercy's troubles, and fixing toxicity | first = Mike | last = Minotti | date = November 3, 2017 | access-date = November 3, 2017 | work = Venture Beat | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171104034503/https://venturebeat.com/2017/11/03/overwatch-lead-jeff-kaplan-on-moira-mercys-troubles-and-fixing-toxicity/ | archive-date = November 4, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Lúcio is voiced by Jonny Cruz.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Mercy==== {{main|Mercy (Overwatch)}} Mercy, real name Angela Ziegler, is a Swiss field medic and first responder for Overwatch. She wears a winged Valkyrie suit, which allows her to rush towards targeted teammates through the air and follow it up with a long jump into the air with controlled descent. Her Caduceus staff can target an ally at some distance and provide healing or an offsensive boost while active. She also carries a sidearm she can use to hit enemies. She is also able to resurrect a fallen ally, though this ability has a long cooldown. Her ultimate allows her to fly high above the battlefield for an extended duration and lets her staff beam connect to all nearby allies, applying the healing or offense boost across all.<ref name="vg247 sept2017">{{Cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/19/overwatch-junkertown-map-is-live-update-includes-changes-to-mystery-heroes-d-va-and-mercy-abilities-patch-notes/ | title = Overwatch: Junkertown map is live, update includes changes to Mystery Heroes, D.Va and Mercy abilities – patch notes | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = September 19, 2017 | access-date = September 19, 2017 | work = VG247 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170920030708/https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/19/overwatch-junkertown-map-is-live-update-includes-changes-to-mystery-heroes-d-va-and-mercy-abilities-patch-notes/ | archive-date = September 20, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Mercy is voiced by Lucie Pohl.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Mizuki==== Mizuki Kawano is a Japanese assassin and member of the Talon-affiliated Hashimoto clan. His primary attack is a Spirit Glaive that spins to damage enemies. His ''kasa'' can be thrown at allies to heal them and heal Mizuki on return. He can launch Binding Chains that slows and hinders enemies it hits. For movement, Mizuki can leap forward, leaving a ''katashiro'' paper doll behind, later reactivating to return to that spot and gaining a temporary speed boost. His ultimate is the ''Kekkai'' Sanctuary, creating a field which heals all allies within while blocking attacks from foes outside it.<ref name="polygon feb2026 new">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2026-new-heroes/ | title = Overwatch is about to drop 5 new heroes at once, with 10 total coming in 2026 | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = February 4, 2026 | accessdate = February 4, 2026 | work = Polygon | archive-date = February 4, 2026 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20260204190943/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2026-new-heroes/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Mizuki is one of the five heroes introduced with the refreshed Season 1 in February 2026.

Mizuki is voiced by Julian Cihi.<ref name=ComicBook2026/>

====Moira==== {{main|Moira O'Deorain}} Moira O'Deorain is an Irish geneticist, a leading member of Talon, and Minister of Genetics for the city of Oasis. She can emit a spray of healing enemy for allies, or draw life energy from an enemy. She can similarly launch an orb that heals or damages, depending on type, that moves and bounces off walls and obstacles. She can fade, moving in an incorporeal form to a new location. Her ultimate fires a large beam that heals any allies and damages any foe within it, as well as ignoring all barriers.<ref name="gs moria">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-overwatch-hero-revealed-moira-the-dps-healer/1100-6454645/ | title = New Overwatch Hero Revealed, Moira The DPS Healer | first = Alessandro | last = Fillari | date = November 3, 2017 | access-date = November 3, 2017 | work = GameSpot | archive-date = April 5, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405130245/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzcon-2017-new-overwatch-hero-moira-announced/1100-6454645/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Moira is voiced by Genevieve O'Reilly.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

====Wuyang==== Wuyang Ye is a Chinese martial artist with abilities based around water. He is a first-year student at Wuxing University in Chengdu, which has five campuses named after the ''Wuxing'' concepts. While his parents and older sister Anran attended Wuxing's prestigious, combat-focused Fire College, Wuyang only scored high enough to be accepted into the Water College's medical program, and was thus viewed as a disappointment to his family's legacy. Eager to prove his worth, he began studying Fire College lectures in addition to his regular medical studies. He was able to use both his martial arts skills and healing technology during an Omnic attack to save his sister, regaining his family's respect. He is then recruited into the newly reformed Overwatch alongside Anran. Wuyang's story was influenced by senior narrative director Joshi Zhang, who had also struggled with gaining respect from his sister, as well as struggles accepting his Chinese background.<ref name="kotaku wuyang story">{{cite web |url =https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-wuyang-trial-trailer-story-gameplay-voice-2000616929 | title = Overwatch 2 Goes Full Avatar: The Last Airbender With Its New Waterbender-Style Hero | first = Kenneth | last= Shephard | date = August 11, 2025 | accessdate = August 11, 2025 | work = Kotaku }}</ref> Zhang also said the inclusion of Wuyang and the ''Wuxing'' concepts as to provide a means to bring a means to represent the traditions of China, in contrast to Mei who was more of a global explorer.<ref name="polygon wuyang">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-wuyang-story-background-wuxing-university/ | title = Overwatch 2's Wuyang tackles the biggest challenge of all: disappointing your parents | first = Josh | last = Bradwell | date = August 13, 2025 | accessdate = August 15, 2025 | work = Polygon | archive-date = August 14, 2025 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250814145226/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-wuyang-story-background-wuxing-university/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Zhang said some of the influence was traditional Chinese wuxia fiction, such as ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'', which mixes martial arts with magical elements.<ref name="polygon wuyong kit">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-wuyang-support-aqua-kit/ | title = Overwatch 2's newest support will actually be a support | first = Josh | last = Broadwell | date = August 13, 2025 | accessdate = August 16, 2025 | work = Polygon | archive-date = August 14, 2025 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250814175707/https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-wuyang-support-aqua-kit/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Several outlets compared Wuyang's story to that from ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'', though where in ''Avatar'', the characters' abilities with the elements are fueled by magic, Wuyang's control of water is by modern technology advancements.<ref name="kotaku wuyang story"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-new-support-hero-wuyang-would-fit-right-in-on-avatar-the-last-airbender/1100-6533909/ | title = Overwatch 2's New Support Hero Wuyang Would Fit Right In On Avatar: The Last Airbender | first = Darryn | last = Bonthuys | date = August 13, 2025 | accessdate = August 16, 2025 | work = GameSpot | archive-date = August 15, 2025 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250815190955/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-new-support-hero-wuyang-would-fit-right-in-on-avatar-the-last-airbender/1100-6533909/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

Wuyang wields a ''Xuanwu Staff'' which fires water orbs at opponents with some degree of control over their direction, along with a secondary ''Restorative Staff'' function that can passively heal a target player, with the ability to boost the rate of healing for a short period. His ''Guardian Wave'' ability briefly boosts the healing rate of all allies in front of it while pushing back enemy players, while his ''Rushing Torrent'' ability lets him use water to move about the field quickly. Wuyang's ultimate is ''Tidal Blast'', which surrounds the target player with a protective sphere of water that later explodes, greatly healing the player within it while harming nearby foes. While a support character, Blizzard developed the character to be an offensive support similar to Zenyatta, making his healing ability mostly passive so that the player can focus on dealing damage, and to address players' concerns about characters losing their identities due to the shift towards damage focus that came with ''Overwatch 2''.<ref name="polygon wuyong kit"/>

Wuyang is currently the game's 44th hero and was released with the 18th season in the latter half of 2025. A playable trial was held during the latter weeks of the 17th season during August 2025. He was originally developed under the working name "Aqua".<ref> {{cite web | title=Meet Overwatch 2's next hero, Freja — and the one after her, Aqua | website=Polygon | date=February 12, 2025 | url=https://www.polygon.com/news/522493/overwatch-2-new-heroes-freja-aqua | access-date=February 12, 2025 | archive-date=February 12, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212201852/https://www.polygon.com/news/522493/overwatch-2-new-heroes-freja-aqua | url-status=live }} </ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-season-17-gi-joe-crossover-confirmed/|title=Overwatch 2 Quietly Confirms G.I. Joe Crossover for Season 17|first=Eric|last=Law|date=June 17, 2025|website=Game Rant|access-date=June 18, 2025|archive-date=June 17, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250617221939/https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-season-17-gi-joe-crossover-confirmed/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="polygon wuyong kit"/>

Wuyang is voiced by Howard Wang.<ref name="Wuyang Comic">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY3sER2O0jM|date=August 11, 2025|access-date=August 11, 2025|website=YouTube|title=Wuyang Story Time with Howard Wang}}</ref><ref name="Wuyang Hero Trailer">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytZnOGwEq9s|date=August 21, 2025|access-date=August 22, 2025|website=YouTube|title=Elemental Kin: Wuyang Hero Trailer|archive-date=August 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822001449/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=eGaHNzu9W9_-08Ec&v=ytZnOGwEq9s&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Zenyatta==== {{main|Zenyatta (Overwatch)}} Tekhartha Zenyatta is an omnic monk and wanderer. Belonging to an order of omnic monks in Nepal, he travels the world to try and bridge the world between omnics and humans and help others find inner peace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/zenyatta/|title=Zenyatta - Overwatch|access-date=May 31, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404151155/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/zenyatta/|url-status=live}}</ref> He can launch metallic prayer beads to hit enemies one at a time, or multiple in a charged shot. He can mark an enemy with an Orb of Discord that makes them vulnerable to damage, and similarly mark an ally with an Orb of Harmony to provide healing. He also has an empowered kick melee. His ultimate greatly increases the rate of healing to all allies within its reach, making them near invulnerable while it is active. Zenyatta is voiced by Feodor Chin.<ref name="behindtheva"/>

===Non-playable characters=== The following are characters who appear in other ''Overwatch'' media.

====Antonio Bartalotti==== Antonio Bartalotti was an Italian businessman and member of Talon who orchestrated a terrorist attack on Overwatch's headquarters in Oslo, Norway, in the comic "Retribution". He was killed by Gabriel Reyes, part of the Blackwatch covert arm of Overwatch, during the events of the story-based game mode of the same name. Antonio was later revealed to be the father of Vendetta, who saw his death and vowed revenge on Blackwatch.<ref name="Kotaku vendetta" />

====Athena==== Athena is Winston's personal artificial intelligence, who supervises his vitals and keeps track of all former Overwatch agents. Together, she and Winston were able to activate the Recall that contacted all the agents at the beginning of the Second Omnic Crisis, which initiates the events of the game. She also serves as the in-game announcer.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/new-overwatch-heroes | title = Overwatch new heroes: Blizzard's hints point towards Efi, Doomfist, Liao and Spider Tank | first = Ben | last = Barrett | date = February 24, 2017 | access-date = February 27, 2017 | work = PCGamesN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170228081531/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/new-overwatch-heroes | archive-date = February 28, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref>

Athena is voiced by Evelyn Duah.<ref name="Eurogamer: voice actors"/>

====Balderich von Adler==== Colonel Balderich von Adler was the commander of the Crusaders, a German paramilitary unit composed of armored warriors with rocket hammers and hard-light shields that served as support to the Bundeswehr, the regular German military. Balderich was approached by Overwatch to become one of its founding members during the Omnic Crisis, but was forced to lead a defense against an army of Bastions in his home village of Eichenwalde, in the Black Forest near Stuttgart. It was during this battle that the omnics unleashed the OR14 (a progenitor to the OR15 on which Orisa is based), which overwhelmed the Crusaders and their army comrades. Retreating into Eichenwalde Castle with his friend and lieutenant Reinhardt Wilhelm, Balderich intended to stand his ground there, sending Reinhardt to protect the other troops, and giving him his Overwatch initiation medal. Armed with both his and Reinhardt's rocket hammers, Balderich held the line inside Eichenwalde Castle, destroying at least a large number of omnics to prevent them from overwhelming Reinhardt and the remaining troops, who at that point were at full retreat, that he was protecting, after which then he collapsed into the throne in the castle's great hall and died from his injuries. Many years later, Reinhardt - living in the ruins of Eichenwalde - left his tarnished Overwatch medallion on the arm of the throne next to his friend's body, before leaving to answer Winston's call to arms.

These events are briefly shown in the animated short ''The Last Bastion'', and in more detail in ''Honor and Glory'', while the "Eichenwalde" map sees one team trying to protect Balderich's remains in the castle from the other advancing team.<ref name="HonorAndGlory" />

Balderich von Adler is voiced by Michael Piatt.

====Dae-hyun==== Dae-hyun is a MEKA mechanic assigned to D.Va<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1032360277398835200|user=westofhouse|title=He's a mechanic, specifically assigned to D.Va. |accessdate=August 24, 2018|date=August 22, 2018}}</ref> and a childhood friend of hers.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/overwatch/t/what-is-dae-hyuns-role/195936/17 | title = What is Dae-Hyun's role? - Overwatch Forums | date = August 24, 2018 | access-date = August 27, 2018 | website = us.blizard.com | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035652/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/overwatch/t/what-is-dae-hyuns-role/195936/17 | archive-date = August 28, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> He and D.Va have been working together in the MEKA unit. He was introduced in August 2018 in the animated short ''Shooting Star'', in which he helps D.Va defend Busan from the recurring omnic threat known locally as gwishin.<ref name="Shooting Star">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7j2d6YCQbg|title=Overwatch Animated Short {{pipe}} "Shooting Star"|date=2018-08-22|publisher=YouTube|access-date=2018-08-25|work=PlayOverwatch|archive-date=August 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824194453/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7j2d6YCQbg|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dae-hyun is voiced by Johnny Young.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1032877118311424000|user=westofhouse|title=Johnny Young |accessdate=August 24, 2018|date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>

====Emily==== Emily is Tracer's girlfriend. She is an English woman living in London, with whom Tracer and Winston spent the holidays. She first appears in the comic "Reflections", where Tracer shops for her Christmas present. It is unknown how long she and Tracer have been dating, but Winston does consider her family.<ref name="comic.playoverwatch.com">{{cite web|url=https://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/tracer-reflections|title=Blizzard - Comic Book Experience|access-date=December 21, 2016|archive-date=January 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122164309/http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/tracer-reflections|url-status=live}}</ref>

The introduction of Emily was lauded by critics and the LGBT community for confirming Tracer as the game's first LGBT character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2016/12/20/overwatch-lgbtq-character/|title='Overwatch' reveals its first LGBTQ hero|first=Kellen|last=Beck|website=Mashable|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 21, 2016|archive-date=December 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208125144/https://mashable.com/2016/12/20/overwatch-lgbtq-character/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/12/20/overwatch-officially-reveals-first-lgbt-character-after-saying-there-are-multiple-in-the-game/|title=Overwatch officially reveals first LGBT character after saying there are 'multiple' in the game|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 21, 2016|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502155245/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/12/20/overwatch-officially-reveals-first-lgbt-character-after-saying-there-are-multiple-in-the-game/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Hal-Fred Glitchbot==== Hal-Fred Glitchbot is a famous omnic film director, known for his works such as ''They Came From Beyond the Moon''. As an omnic, he receives much prejudice from society, including being the recipient of assassination attempts. On the map Hollywood, the offensive team must escort his limousine to his trailer, while the defense must stop them. He is known for hurling insults at the players, which vary depending on which characters are being played.

His name is a play on famous real-world director Alfred Hitchcock, and the computer HAL 9000 from the 1968 film ''2001: A Space Odyssey''.

Hal-Fred Glitchbot is voiced by Travis Willingham.

====Dr. Harold Winston==== Dr. Harold Winston was the chief scientist of the Horizon Lunar Colony, a research base on the Moon where a group of genetically engineered gorillas and primates resided to test the long-term effects of living in space. Harold took a special interest in one young gorilla who showed a great curiosity for the world around him, beginning with stealing Harold's glasses because he thought there would be more to see. Showing the young gorilla a view of Earth, Harold gave him a piece of advice he remembered years later: "Never accept the world as it appears to be. Dare to see it for what it ''could'' be."

When the other gorillas on the moon base rebelled, Harold and the other human scientists were killed; his prodigy took his name "Winston" to honor his fallen mentor, and escaped to Earth in a scratch-built rocket. Winston also kept Harold's glasses, as well as a photograph of the two of them at the Horizon colony.

Dr. Harold Winston is voiced by Greg Chun.

====Maximilien==== Maximilien is a wealthy omnic and a member of Talon's inner council, who handles the organization's finances. He first appears in the comic "Masquerade", where he is seen operating a casino in Monaco. In the story-based game mode "Storm Rising" he is captured by Tracer, Genji, Winston, and Mercy after a pursuit in Havana, Cuba.

Maximilien was created specifically for the comic by Michael Chu, who envisioned the character as a "Bond villain". Arnold Tsang designed him around this aspect and made him "classy, swanky" to differentiate him from the other omnic villains<ref name="world">{{cite web |url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/9/28/17856600/overwatch-lore-meka-squad-zenyatta-villains-content |title=The world of Overwatch is bigger than we think |date=2018-09-28 |first=Cass |last=Marshall |accessdate=2023-11-07 |website=Heroes Never Die |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107133355/https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/9/28/17856600/overwatch-lore-meka-squad-zenyatta-villains-content |url-status=live }}</ref>

Maximilien is voiced by Stéphane Cornicard.

====MEKA==== MEKA, the Mobile Exo-Force of the Korean Army, is a Busan-based squad of mecha pilots, including D.Va, that protect Korea and nearby states from regular attacks by an omnic colossus known locally as the gwishin. MEKA's pilots were drawn from pro-esports and other similarly skilled areas, such as auto racing, after the gwishin disrupted the ability to use drone mechs. The MEKA squad is overseen by Captain Myung (voiced by Cathy Shim in-game, on Busan), and besides D.Va, includes pilots Kyung-soo "King" Han, Yuna "D.mon" Lee, Seung-hwa "Overlord" Si, and Jae-Eun "Casino" Gwon. D.Va herself is supported by Dae-hyun, a childhood friend and mechanic. While MEKA was discussed in prior ''Overwatch'' media, more details of the squad were revealed as part of the August 2018 release of ''Shooting Star'', an animation short focused on D.Va, and the release of the Busan map that incorporates more of the MEKA lore.<ref name="psblog chu">{{cite web | url = https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/08/28/d-va-deconstructed-how-blizzard-created-one-of-overwatchs-most-iconic-heroes/ | title = D.Va Deconstructed: How Blizzard Created One of Overwatch's Most Iconic Heroes | first = Michael | last = Chu | date = August 28, 2018 | access-date = August 28, 2018 | work = PlayStation Blog | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180829000437/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/08/28/d-va-deconstructed-how-blizzard-created-one-of-overwatchs-most-iconic-heroes/ | archive-date = August 29, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

====Mina Liao==== Dr. Mina Liao is one of the scientists at the Omnica Corporation that created the Omnics, and upon Omnic Crisis, was invited to join Overwatch to fight them as a founding member, along with Jack Morrison, Gabriel Reyes, Ana Amari, Torbjörn Lindholm, and Reinhardt Wilhelm. During her time at Overwatch, she created the Omnic Echo as a benevolent artificial intelligence hoping that it would help save humanity. She was killed during an attack on Overwatch headquarters, and Echo took her personality as part of her legacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/20130523|title=Overwatch is Back: Uncertainty and Hope After UN Confirms Vigilante Activity - News - Overwatch|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-date=July 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718003509/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/20130523|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1239597502887673867|user=PlayOverwatch|title=> Accessing > Fragment Recovered: Personal Log of Dr. Mina Liao > File status: Complete |date=March 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="verge echo announce"/><ref name="poly echo"/>

====Tekhartha Mondatta==== Tekhartha Mondatta was an omnic monk and leader of the Shambali. In the years following the Omnic Crisis, Mondatta and a group of other omnics abandoned their pre-programmed lives and settled in a communal monastery in Nepal, where they meditated on the nature of existence and came to believe that they were more than just "artificial"—they possessed their own souls, just as humans did. Mondatta was a leader in advocating peace between humans and omnics and healing the wounds following the Omnic Crisis, and traveled the world spreading his message. Mondatta was assassinated by Widowmaker during a rally in London, despite heavy security and the efforts of Tracer. In the King's Row map, a statue of him holding the hand of a human child stands near the spot where he was killed.

Mondatta and Zenyatta take their names from ''Zenyatta Mondatta'', a 1980 album by English rock band The Police.

Tekharha Mondatta is voiced by Sendhil Ramamurthy.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=834792964392116226|user=westofhouse|title=@CaptainZer023 I do! He was voiced by the wonderful Sendhil Ramamurthy. @Sendhil_Rama |date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References==

{{reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="Eurogamer: voice actors">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-09-overwatch-voice-actors-goofing-around-at-blizzcon-2016-should-make-you-smile |access-date=November 22, 2016 |work=Eurogamer |title=Overwatch voice actors goofing around at Blizzard should make you smile |last1=Purchese |first1=Robert |date=November 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123201211/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-09-overwatch-voice-actors-goofing-around-at-blizzcon-2016-should-make-you-smile |archive-date=November 23, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: ref kits">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/06/blizzard-releases-reference-kits-for-all-21-overwatch-characters|title=Blizzard Releases Reference Kits for All 21 Overwatch Characters|first=Matt|last=Porter|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=June 4, 2016|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502092636/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/06/blizzard-releases-reference-kits-for-all-21-overwatch-characters|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PC Gamer: hidden lore">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/the-hidden-lore-of-overwatchs-maps/ |access-date=November 22, 2016 |title=The hidden lore of Overwatch's maps |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=June 1, 2016 |work=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054205/http://www.pcgamer.com/the-hidden-lore-of-overwatchs-maps/ |archive-date=November 23, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: BlizzCon 2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/6/9684360/heres-the-launch-trailer-for-overwatchs-last-three-playable-characters|title=Here's the launch trailer for Overwatch's last three playable characters|first=Charlie|last=Hall|date=November 6, 2015|via=www.polygon.com|access-date=June 4, 2016|archive-date=June 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608102951/http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/6/9684360/heres-the-launch-trailer-for-overwatchs-last-three-playable-characters|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: first 12">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7175427/overwatch-characters|title=A guide to the first 12 characters in Blizzard's Overwatch|first=Charlie|last=Hall|website=Polygon|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=June 4, 2016|archive-date=September 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912230158/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7175427/overwatch-characters|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: Guide">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/23/11744852/overwatch-character-guide |access-date= November 22, 2016 |title=Overwatch Character Guide |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=May 23, 2016 |work=Polygon |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053349/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/23/11744852/overwatch-character-guide |archive-date= November 23, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: Timeline">{{cite web |url= http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline |access-date=November 22, 2016 |title= The Definitive Overwatch Timeline |last=Ramos |first=Jeff |date= May 24, 2016 |work= Polygon.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161120075453/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline |archive-date= November 20, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Shacknews: post-launch">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/92436/overwatch-characters-and-maps-released-post-launch-will-be-free|title=Overwatch characters and maps released post-launch will be free|date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=June 4, 2016|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106192257/https://www.shacknews.com/article/92436/overwatch-characters-and-maps-released-post-launch-will-be-free|url-status=live}}</ref>

}}

Overwatch Category:Overwatch characters