Overwatch 2 Characters: A Comprehensive Guide to New Heroes

Overwatch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular team-based shooter, brings with it an exciting roster of both new and returning characters. Each hero in the game possesses a unique set of abilities and powers, enhancing the intensity of 6v6 battles across diverse maps from around the globe. With a vibrant and dynamic gameplay experience, players can adapt to ever-changing situations on the field by switching between heroes on the fly.

One of the key aspects of Overwatch 2 is the introduction of new characters alongside the existing roster from the original game. These heroes not only add variety to the gameplay but also open up new opportunities for strategic maneuvers and tactics. Each character falls into a specific role, such as tank, damage, or support, and mastering their abilities is crucial to achieving victory on the battlefield.

In addition to the heroes themselves, Overwatch 2 also introduces new game modes, maps, and visual updates, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The combination of old and new characters, along with these fresh gameplay elements, promises to make Overwatch 2 an unforgettable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.

History of Overwatch 2 Characters

Overwatch 2 was officially released on October 4, 2022. At its launch, the game featured 35 playable heroes, including 32 characters inherited from the original 2016 Overwatch game. Since then, five new heroes have been added, bringing the current total to 40 characters in the game.

The original heroes in Overwatch 2 were brought over from the first game, with some receiving updates, balance changes, and significant reworks to freshen them up for the sequel. Each hero is uniquely designed and comes equipped with their own special abilities, creating diverse gameplay experiences for players.

New heroes introduced in Overwatch 2 include Mauga, the 12th tank hero, who is notable for his ability to wield two Gatling guns and withstand significant amounts of damage. Each new addition to the game offers different strategies and ways to engage in combat, enhancing the overall team-play experience.

In terms of the characters’ weapons, abilities, and roles, Overwatch 2 heroes follow the same three categories as the original game: Damage, Tank, and Support. Each category includes different types of heroes, playing their part in achieving a balanced gameplay experience:

Damage Heroes focus on dealing damage to the enemy team.
Tank Heroes specialize in absorbing damage and protecting their teammates.
Support Heroes heal, buff, and provide various other utilities to their teammates.

Overwatch 2’s character roster not only provides diverse gameplay options, but also reflects a variety of cultures and nationalities, showcasing a truly global cast of heroes. With each update and new hero release, Overwatch 2 continues to expand its character lineup, further broadening the game’s appeal and enriching the player experience.

Roster of Playable Characters

Overwatch 2 features a diverse roster of playable heroes, each boasting their own unique abilities and playstyles. All original heroes from Overwatch have returned, and some heroes have undergone significant reworks, balance changes, and updates to better suit the sequel¹.

The starting Overwatch 2 roster includes 35 heroes, comprising 32 characters from the original game and three newly introduced ones². Among these newcomers is Ramattra, the leader of Null Sector and a former Shambali monk who considers Zenyatta a brother³.

Another notable new character is Mauga, a Samoan hero armed with two gatling guns and a powerful ability kit. Mauga stands as a true Tank who can endure immense damage⁴.

To provide a clear overview of the roster, here is a list of all Overwatch 2 hero categories:

Offense Heroes: Genji, McCree, Tracer, Reaper, Doomfist, Sombra, and others.
Defense Heroes: Bastion, Hanzo, Junkrat, Mei, Torbjörn, and Widowmaker.
Tank Heroes: D.Va, Reinhardt, Roadhog, Sigma, Wrecking Ball, Orisa, Zarya, and more.
Support Heroes: Ana, Brigitte, Lúcio, Mercy, Moira, and Zenyatta.

Each hero offers distinct gameplay mechanics and synergies with other heroes, making it possible to adapt your team composition according to the situation on the battlefield⁵.

Overwatch 2’s roster of playable characters showcases the game’s commitment to diverse and dynamic combat experiences. With an ever-expanding roster, players can expect to see more engaging battles and creative team strategies in the sequel.

New Additions to the Hero Lineup

Sojourn

Sojourn, a newcomer in the world of Overwatch, is an impressive addition to the hero lineup. As a damage-based character, she showcases her abilities with an advanced railgun, which deals considerable damage to opponents. Her versatile skillset allows her to excel both in close-quarters combat and long-range engagements.

Apart from her railgun, Sojourn has a slide ability that enhances her mobility on the battlefield. This enables players to swiftly navigate through various terrains, making her a formidable force in Overwatch 2.

Junker Queen

Junker Queen, another anticipated addition to Overwatch 2, is a leader in the post-apocalyptic Australian Outback. With her majestic presence and unique abilities, she rules the Junker faction. As a tank hero, her primary goal is to absorb damage and protect her teammates while disrupting the enemy’s plans.

Junker Queen’s arsenal includes a powerful melee weapon, which allows her to engage enemies in close combat effectively. Moreover, she possesses exceptional crowd control abilities, making her a vital component of any team strategy.

In summary, Sojourn and Junker Queen are exciting new additions to the Overwatch 2 hero roster. Their unique abilities and playstyles offer players more options and strategic depth in the game. Both characters have garnered significant attention from fans, and their impact on the Overwatch 2 landscape is eagerly awaited.

Role Categories

Tank Heroes

Tank heroes in Overwatch 2 are the front line of the team, with the focus on soaking up damage, creating space, and breaking apart fortified positions, like closely-grouped enemies and narrow choke-points source. There are currently 12 Tank heroes in the game, each with a unique set of abilities and playstyles. Some popular examples are Reinhardt, D.Va, and Orisa.

Tanks can be further categorized into two types:

Main Tanks: They initiate team fights and create space for their team. Examples: Reinhardt, Orisa, and Winston.
Off-Tanks: They provide additional damage and protection, support the main tank and help peel for their backline. Examples: Zarya, D.Va, and Roadhog.

Damage Heroes

Damage heroes, often referred to as DPS (Damage Per Second), are the primary damage dealers in Overwatch 2, and are tasked with eliminating enemy players and applying pressure on the opposing team source. Their role is essential for securing kills and controlling objectives. There is a wide range of DPS heroes available, including hitscan, projectile, and melee specialists.

Some notable Damage heroes include:

Hitscan: Soldier: 76, Widowmaker, Ashe
Projectile: Pharah, Junkrat, Hanzo
Melee: Genji, Doomfist, Tracer

Support Heroes

Support heroes play a crucial role in keeping their teammates alive and providing various utility to their team in Overwatch 2 source. They heal, boost damage, or provide crowd control, making them essential members of the team. It is important for Support heroes to stay aware of their team’s positioning, ensuring that they can provide healing and assistance when needed.

Some popular Support heroes are:

Healers: Mercy, Moira, Ana
Utility: Zenyatta, Lucio, Brigitte

By understanding the various roles in the game, Overwatch 2 players can ensure effective teamwork and better adapt to different situations they encounter on the battlefield.

Character Abilities and Skills

Overwatch 2 introduces a variety of unique heroes, each with their own powerful abilities and skills. The game emphasizes teamwork and strategy, making it essential for players to understand the roles and capabilities of their chosen heroes.

One of the much-anticipated heroes is Mauga, a Samoan tank with dual gattling guns and an impressive ability kit designed to withstand incoming damage. Mauga is an excellent choice for players looking to absorb and control enemy fire.

Some familiar heroes, such as Mei, also return in Overwatch 2. Mei’s abilities focus on controlling the battlefield through ice-based powers, such as launching long-range icicles for high damage and creating an ice wall to block enemy paths.

The game also incorporates modifications to existing hero abilities. For example, Doomfist, a tank hero, is now equipped with revamped skills that enable him to lead his team to victory more effectively. This makes him an even more formidable force in Overwatch 2.

Moreover, in Overwatch 2, heroes are grouped into different categories, each with their unique attributes:

DPS Heroes: They focus on dealing high damage to enemies. Examples include Tracer and Genji.
Support Heroes: They provide healing and utility to their team, such as Mercy and Zenyatta.
Tank Heroes: They emphasize damage absorption, with heroes like Reinhardt and Mauga.

Knowing each hero’s abilities and skills is crucial for success in Overwatch 2. Players are encouraged to experiment and adapt their strategies depending on the ever-changing situation of each match.

In conclusion, Overwatch 2 offers a diverse roster of characters tailored for various playstyles, from tanks that can withstand massive damage to support heroes providing essential aid to their team. By mastering their heroes’ abilities and skills, players can create impressive strategies and lead their team to victory.

Hero Balancing and Updates

Overwatch 2 features numerous hero balance changes and updates to enhance gameplay experience and improve character roles. These adjustments aim to adapt heroes based on player feedback and in-game performance¹.

Several heroes have undergone reworks, affecting their abilities and gameplay². For example, Reinhardt now has two Fire Strike charges, making him a more versatile tank. Sombra’s Hack ability has been revamped, providing increased control over enemy targets. Additionally, Bastion has undergone a complete rework, introducing a new primary weapon and a mobile Configuration: Siege mode³.

Developers have considered various factors for these changes, including combined HP, projectile adjustments, and more⁴. The new updates are organized by hero and ordered by patch number, reflecting an ongoing effort to maintain game balance.

Here is a brief summary of some hero updates in Overwatch 2:

Tank Role Updates: Tanks have been reworked to better fit the new 5v5 format, focusing on increased survivability and utility.
Role Passives: Each role now has passive abilities; for instance, Damage heroes have a faster movement speed, while Support heroes regain health over time when not taking damage.
New Hero — Sojourn: A Damage hero with a railgun, offering long-range precision and mobility.
Existing Hero Reworks: Many heroes have been tweaked, such as Symmetra’s Photon Barrier now granting temporary shields to allies who pass through it.

Some hero balance changes can be found in the Overwatch 2 Season 7 patch notes which include updates such as buffs, nerfs, and other gameplay modifications. Developers at Blizzard continue to make adjustments and monitor the overall game experience to ensure it remains enjoyable, balanced, and engaging for players with different playstyles and preferences.

Character Design and Development

Visual Design

In Overwatch 2, hero visual designs have been revamped focusing on improved character models and subtle changes to their appearances. For example, D.Va’s redesign involves a slightly tweaked color palette, while Winston’s design updates showcase Blizzard’s improved character models, such as enhanced fur textures. The visual design process is collaborative and iterative, with ideas continually shared and tested by the Hero Balance and Design Team. Some concepts make it into internal playtests, while others send the team back to the drawing board, as seen in the Overwatch 2 Developer Blog.

Story and Background

A crucial aspect of Overwatch 2 character development is expanding the story and background of the heroes. The game includes a narrative-driven approach, offering players an immersive experience in an engaging storyline. Building on existing lore from the first game, Overwatch 2 delves deeper into each hero’s context, origins, and growth through the new scenarios and missions. With a dynamic roster of heroes, players can adapt their team strategy based on each character’s unique abilities and role on the battlefield.

To summarize character design and development in Overwatch 2:

Improved visual designs and character models
Collaborative and iterative design process
Enhanced story and background for heroes
Dynamic roster, allowing for strategic team composition

Gameplay Mechanics Involving Characters

In Overwatch 2, each character falls into one of the three main roles: Tank, Damage (DPS), and Support. Teams must have balanced compositions to succeed, and understanding how these roles function can greatly help you coordinate your strategy.

Tank heroes are responsible for taking damage and providing protection to their teammates. They often have higher health pools and protective abilities, such as barriers or shields. Examples include Reinhardt, Winston, and Sigma. A well-coordinated tank can create space for their dps and support to work efficiently.

Damage (DPS) heroes are the damage dealers in the team. These characters focus on eliminating the enemy team and securing vital positions on the map. A diverse roster of DPS heroes with various skill sets and abilities enables flexible strategies. Some popular DPS heroes include Genji, Hanzo, and Reaper.

Support heroes keep their teammates alive by healing, boosting, and providing utility. Support players should prioritize keeping the tanks and DPS alive while also offering crowd control or other helpful tools. Among the most played support heroes are Mercy, Lucio, and Illari (new hero from Season 6).

Character synergies also play an essential role in Overwatch 2’s gameplay mechanics. Combining certain heroes’ abilities can result in powerful combinations that can turn the tide of battle. For example, Zarya’s Graviton Surge can be used with Genji’s Dragonblade to eliminate a grouped-up enemy team.

Players should familiarize themselves with each character’s abilities and unique mechanics. Keep in mind that some heroes may have a steeper learning curve than others. Utilize the practice range to fine-tune your skills and learn about cooldown management, positioning, and ability usage.

Ultimate abilities are another crucial aspect of gameplay in Overwatch 2. They charge over time and are typically game-changing abilities that can be used to secure important objectives or to turn the tide of a battle. Proper usage and timing of ultimate abilities can make the difference between victory and defeat. According to Polygon’s beginner’s guide, focusing on the objective is vital, and ultimates should be used to further strengthen your team’s control over it.

In summary, Overwatch 2’s gameplay mechanics involving characters center around the Tank, Damage, and Support roles as well as synergies, ultimate abilities, and objective control. Players who understand how these elements work together will have a better grasp of the gameplay and improve their overall performance.

Overwatch 2 Esports and Meta Trends

Overwatch 2 has seen significant growth in the esports scene, with talented teams competing at the highest levels of play. This has led to the development and solidification of the game’s meta, showcasing which heroes perform exceptionally well in the current state of the game. This meta takes into consideration balance changes introduced in recent patches and adapts based on the evolving strategies employed by professional players.

Among the game modes, certain maps have become sources of intense competition, necessitating teams to study and devise specific strategies. Examples include hybrid and assault maps, where teams must attack and defend objectives against each other. Adapting to the meta is essential to success in the high stakes world of Overwatch 2 esports, with many of the best heroes dominating the ranks.

One trend that has risen in popularity is the Airborne Assault Meta. This strategy focuses on the use of heroes with strong mobility and vertical manipulation abilities, such as Pharah, Echo, and Mercy. This meta not only provides the teams with powerful firepower from the sky but also creates additional pressure on the enemy’s backline, forcing them to either adapt or be picked off one by one.

To provide a clear understanding of meta hero selections, the following tier list table showcases the heroes that are currently dominating in Overwatch 2 esports:

S Tier	A Tier	B Tier	C Tier
Hero 1	Hero 2	Hero 3	Hero 4
Hero 5	Hero 6	Hero 7	Hero 8

Additionally, team compositions and synergies are crucial components of this ever-evolving meta. Professional players’ decision-making, hero swaps, and effective communication have a significant impact on the outcome of each match.

In conclusion, Overwatch 2 esports and its meta trends reflect the game’s ongoing growth and evolution. The current meta highlights various aspects of competitive play, including the importance of hero choice, team synergy, and effective adaptation to the latest patch changes. Players and teams who stay informed and remain flexible in their hero choices are bound to have better chances of success in the captivating world of Overwatch 2 esports.

Community and Cultural Impact

Overwatch 2 has had a significant cultural impact on its community, drawing players from diverse backgrounds with the intricate lore and storytelling embedded in the game. The game features a hero roster that represents various cultures, resulting in a feeling of connection and inclusivity among players.

The game’s inclusive hero roster has also provided representation for the LGBTQ+ community. Many characters in the game represent different parts of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, fostering a sense of pride and empowerment among players. The game has championed diversity, from hero backstories to voice actors hailing from their respective cultural backgrounds.

With the introduction of the Community Crafted Mode in Overwatch 2, players have been given more power to customize their heroes. The hero changes have led to various reactions among the players, with some expressing delight, disagreement, humor, and nostalgia. However, this emotional investment demonstrates the strength of the Overwatch universe and its player community.

Player reactions to character redesigns in Overwatch 2 have been diverse, highlighting how invested fans are in the game’s storytelling and depth. The continued engagement of the game’s community with its lore, hero customization, and variety of modes available demonstrates its broad appeal and the influence it has on its players.

Overall, Overwatch 2’s focus on cultural diversity, inclusivity, and its communication with its player community has resulted in a strong cultural impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which new characters have been introduced in Overwatch 2?

In Overwatch 2, players can expect to see new heroes added to the roster. One such character is the Peruvian Support Hero named Illari. Additionally, the Junker Queen has been confirmed to be a part of the Overwatch 2 Beta.

How do the characters from Overwatch 1 transition to Overwatch 2?

The transition of characters from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2 includes redesigns, updated abilities, and a new engine, creating a fresh experience for players. Redesigned heroes and revamped PvP features offer a familiar but updated experience in Overwatch 2.

What are the primary roles of characters in Overwatch 2?

Similar to Overwatch 1, characters in Overwatch 2 are divided into three primary roles: Tank, Damage (DPS), and Support. Team-based gameplay remains a core aspect, with each role complementing the others on a 6v6 battlefield.

Which characters in Overwatch 2 are considered top-tier in competitive play?

It’s challenging to determine top-tier characters without specific data on competitive play. However, it is generally acknowledged that powerful and versatile heroes who can adapt to different situations on the battlefield have the potential to make a significant impact in competitive matches.

How has the DPS role evolved with the introduction of Overwatch 2 characters?

While specific details on new DPS heroes are limited, it is apparent that Overwatch 2 seeks to enhance the gameplay experience by introducing new damage-dealing characters. These new additions will likely provide diverse options for players looking to optimize their damage output and strategic team compositions.

What are the unique abilities of the new female characters in Overwatch 2?

Information about new female characters in Overwatch 2 is scarce. However, the Junker Queen, which is slated for inclusion in the Overwatch 2 Beta, has generated excitement among players. Players can expect to learn more about her abilities and gameplay style once the Beta goes live.