While the gameplay of Overwatch is undoubtedly a big reason for its success, it is hard to argue that the game’s universe has player an equally large role in the hero shooter’s popularity. The game’s writers have built off its beloved cast of characters to create a universe full of intricate lore and deep backstories. Further, several important factions have been formed and broken up, with a majority of the game’s hero lineup being affiliated with at least one group.

While some Overwatch factions have much less of an impact on the overall storyline, there is no shortage of groups to keep track of. Fortunately, each organization has defining traits and standout members that make identifying a specific group far easier. With a mix of heroic, villainous, and neutral goals seen throughout them, getting an idea of each Overwatch team's mindset could better prepare players for the sequel’s narrative.

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Overwatch

overwatch 2 characters

Notable Members: Winston, Tracer, Mercy, Reinhardt

Considering that the game is named after Overwatch, it seems fitting that they serve as the main organization in the story. A group of world-saving heroes that was eventually split up due to in-fighting, major failures, and legal issues, fans see Overwatch re-formed in the Zero Hour animated short for Overwatch 2. Having the same goals of maintaining world peace, this altruistic group is filled with some of the most caring and positive heroes in the game.

Blackwatch

overwatch blackwatch in-game together

Notable Members: Reaper, McCree, Genji, Moira

A now-disbanded Overwatch faction, this group was led by Gabriel Reyes — now known as the damage hero Reaper. A young version of McCree and a recently transformed Genji are part of the roster, with the morally flawed scientist Moira rounding out the lineup. This squad of heroes led several dark, off-the-record operations, with the the group being shown as more violent and willing to kill when necessary. It was permanently broken up after the group violated a suspension placed by the Japanese government.

Talon

Notable Members: Doomfist, Reaper, Sombra, Widowmaker

The current villains of the Overwatch story, Talon is led by Doomfist. Doomfist’s main goal is to create chaos, with his core belief being that conflict makes people stronger. Evolving the human race by force, the terrorist organization is a legitimate challenge for Overwatch. However, its main members have different motivations. Sombra is using Talon resources so she can solve her conspiracy, while Reaper is trying to check names off his kill list. Widowmaker, still brainwashed, does the group’s bidding without question.

Null Sector

overwatch unknown omnic storm rising

Notable Members: N/A

The final major faction inside Overwatch is the Villainous Omnic group called Null Sector. Players fought against the group in the Uprising story mission from the original Overwatch Archives event, getting a feel for the group’s various robotic enemies. Based on the little that is known about the faction, their goal is to create an Omnic nation. Led by a mysterious figure shown briefly on the Storm Rising cutscene, players should get a better understanding of the group via Overwatch 2’s PvE campaign.

Smaller Factions

overwatch shimada clan art piece in-game

The Overwatch universe is packed with smaller factions as well, with some of the standouts being seen below.

  • The Shimada Clan: Now defunct, this Japanese crime syndicate was meant to be led by Hanzo. However, he was devastated after he believed he had killed Genji, abandoning the group and becoming a neutral presence.
  • German Crusaders: An Armored set of knights that fought bravely during the original Omnic Crisis, Reinhardt is one of the few surviving members.
  • The Vishkar Corporation: A corporation known for shady activity and selling lies to Rio’s citizens, this faction survives due to its advanced hardlight technology. Overwatch hero Symmetra has deep ties to the company.
  • The Shambali: Playable Overwatch healer Zenyatta is part of this faction. A set of Omnic monks preaching about peace and tranquility, their temple is found in Nepal.
  • The Los Muertos Gang: A group of supposed revolutionaries, the faction is at war with the Mexican government. It is also responsible for Sombra’s cybernetic enhancements.
  • MEKA: A group of mech-using heroes that protects the Korean public from a water-based Omnic that consistently rises from the nearby sea. D.Va is one of the pilots.
  • The Deadlock Gang: Led by Calamity Ashe, this pack of Outlaws commits regular robberies near Route 66. McCree was also part of the group at one point in time.
  • Helix Security International: A private security group that Pharah works for, this faction protects an artificial intelligence laboratory in Egypt.
  • The Junkers: A sect of survivors seen in Overwatch’s uninhabitable Australian outback, this faction is led by the Junker Queen. It holds regular mech fights in Junkertown and survives off scrap metal.

Whole there are other small Overwatch factions scattered throughout the story, and though others may appear in the sequel, these are the most important organizations for fans to be aware of at the moment.

Overwatch is available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

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