The Overwatch franchise is known first and foremost for its addictive and high-octane team-based gameplay, but more keen fans of the IP will be well aware of the intricate lore that many of the in-game playable heroes possess. With different heroes being grouped into different factions of motivation and morality, a layered and compelling narrative is present within the backgrounds of the game's many diverse characters.
One of the most memorable and recognizable figures within Overwatch 2 is that of the tank hero Reinhardt, whose larger-than-life frame and personality often dominate matches that he plays within. Like other heroes, Reinhardt possesses a tragic but purposeful background that drives his character and gives him purpose, with the hero once belonging to a Germanic force of modern knights known as the Crusaders.
Overwatch's Crusaders
Within the lore of the Overwatch franchise, the Crusaders are a disciplined order of modern knights who are aligned with the German Armed Forces. The most notable aspect of the Crusaders are their technology, with Crusader soldiers using gigantic mech-like suits of armor in combat as well as rocket powered hammers to decimate enemy forces.
The Crusaders played a vital part in protecting Germany from Omnic forces during the Omnic Crisis. This Crisis arose from an AI-led global revolution, in which swathes of neglected robots rose up against their human makers in what was a longstanding and devastating conflict. The sheer frequency and often size of these robotic hordes necessitated human innovation, and the massive combat presence of Crusader soldiers and their shields fostered an imperatively important defensive role on the battlefield.
Being some of the most important fighting figures in the war, the Crusaders are regarded by many as legendary figures, being driven by honor and glory within some of the most grueling battles that the Omnic Crisis precipitated. The Crusaders are linked directly to the game via the likes of the Eichenwalde map, but also through the iconic hero Reinhardt.
Reinhardt's History As a Crusader
Reinhardt's personality is undoubtedly forged by his time in the Crusaders, with the Overwatch short film "Honor and Glory" only confirming how important his time in the faction was to the hero. Rising up the ranks of the German military from a young age, Reinhardt became a Lieutenant within the Crusaders, which initially brought with it a level of ego and pomposity to the newly-anointed Knight.
However, primarily through battle and sacrifice, Reinhardt would learn the importance of honor and selflessness through the Crusaders, which would become a core tenet of Reinhardt's personality, as conveyed within Overwatch to great extents. Reinhardt fought extensively at the battle of the aforementioned Eichenwalde, where his headstrong attitude cost him an eye and forced him to take an important defensive role.
It was at this battle where Reinhardt's mentor, General Balderich von Adler, was killed in action. Before his death, Adler convinced Reinhardt of the importance of teamwork and sacrifice, and tasked Reinhardt with joining the newly-formed Overwatch strike force as his dying wish. Upon joining the Overwatch group, Reinhardt would grow to become a selfless leader and an unprecedented combat benefit to the organization, taking part in a multitude of deeply important strike missions that turned the tide of the Omnic Crisis in favor of the human race.
Reinhardt would then carry on his role within the Overwatch group long after the conflict end, playing a core role in global peacekeeping following the Crisis and maintaining his involvement long into his elder years. When considering the many different factions that engaged the Omnic Crisis, perhaps none are quite as recognizable and impactful as the Crusaders, with the group's influence on Reinhardt being more than clear.
Overwatch 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.