Overwatch 2 is set to shake up the hero shooter’s universe in a big way, bringing numerous maps and modes to the game alongside a full co-op campaign. However, many fans are perhaps most excited about potential hero additions that may come alongside the game’s release, with the Overwatch community breaking down even the smallest teasers and rumors about new heroes. With only Sojourn confirmed for Overwatch 2, there are plenty of playable characters that could appear in the unconventional sequel.
Though Blizzard has remained tight-lipped about Overwatch 2 details since the follow-up was revealed last year, the game will be shown to fans again at BlizzConline in February. During the showcase, fans are expecting to see at least one of the new heroes that have been rumored and teased over the last several months, and there are plenty of candidates for an Overwatch 2 hero reveal.
Yokai/Fox Hero — Leaked, Rumored, and Teased
Perhaps the most likely hero to launch with Overwatch 2 is the heavily teased fox hero. Originally leaked via an Overwatch 2 press conference, a character silhouette showed a female hero with a fox pet. Since this initial leak, rumors have been shared regarding the characters ties to the Shimada clan, indicating that she may share the powers wielded by Hanzo and Genji — only in the form of a fox and not a dragon. Blizzard officially teased the Fox hero in the new Kanezaka Free-For-All map, with a piece of graffiti depicting foxes and the Japanese word “yokai.” A possible name for the character, fans can expect this hero to join the Overwatch universe soon due to the mountain of evidence hinting at her arrival.
Junkertown Queen — Teased, Rumored
With Overwatch 2 supposedly having four unannounced hero slots to fill, fans would surely be happy to see the Junkertown Queen make an appearance. Seen on a poster in the Junkertown map and referenced by Junkrat via in-game dialogue, players quickly grew attached to the character’s mace-like weapon and unique position of royalty. However, these teasers came two years ago, with any rumors regarding the character’s debut dying off in the last several months and the character's throne remaining the closest players have come to an encounter with the Queen. It remains to be seen if Blizzard ever explores the character, but with so many slots to fill, her appearance could come in Overwatch 2.
Brit — Teased, Rumored
One character rumored to appear in Overwatch 2 is actually an old, unused hero. Originally shown off in a pitch meeting for the first Overwatch game, Brit is a mech pilot like D.Va. Using a similar pistol to D.Va but having two different mech variants, one for attack and support, it is possible that Brit returns as one of the game’s most unique support heroes. Giving D.Va’s out-of-mech mechanics to a healer could prove interesting, and based on a recent Brit teaser in the Kanezaka map, she could be joining the game’s massive roster of memorable characters when the sequel arrives.
Mauga - Teased, Rumored
Originally teased in the Baptiste short story “What You Leave Behind,” Mauga’s close bond with Baptiste (and the favor Baptiste owes him) is ripe for more exploration in-game. With Mauga not joining his turncoat friend in leaving the Talon organization, the Samoan remains loyal to the terrorist group. Finally providing Talon with a tank hero, Mauga’s inclusion in Overwatch 2 could allow for a full Talon lineup that can clash with the stacked Overwatch faction — making for a perfect 6v6 mode and story event that furthers the overall narrative.
Other Possible Hero Additions
While the four heroes above are some of the standout choices for new heroes, the Overwatch universe features several interesting characters that could become playable in Overwatch 2. The much-requested Jetpack Cat could finally arrive, while hacker Lynx Seventeen from the Zarya comic could also make an in-game debut. With an unknown monk-like hero previously leaking as well as testing being done for a spy-like, drone-wielding Overwatch hero, the door is wide open when it comes to future character additions.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.