Blizzard has announced a global update for Overwatch 2 that effectively serves as a reboot. The company has removed the “2” from the game’s title and will add ten new heroes, ushering in a “new era driven by story.”
The release of a version for Nintendo Switch 2 has also been confirmed. It is scheduled to launch later this year alongside Season 2 of 2026.
Starting February 10, Overwatch will begin a year-long narrative arc titled “The Talon Kingdom,” which will unfold over six seasons. Blizzard claims this is the first “fully connected annual storyline” in Overwatch history.
In Season 1, Overwatch will receive five new heroes—an unprecedented addition for the franchise—and a total of ten new heroes will be added throughout 2026.
The first five new heroes arriving in Season 1:
- DOMINA (Tank, Talon): Vice President of Vishkar Industries. Controls the battlefield from long range.
- EMRE (Damage, Talon): A former Overwatch agent who has now joined the enemy side. A fast soldier with cybernetic enhancements.
- MIZUKI (Support, Talon): A member of the Hashimoto clan, allies of Talon.
- ANRAN (Damage, Overwatch): A mobile assassin who manipulates fire.
- JETPACK CAT (Support, Overwatch): The legendary “Jetpack Cat” fans have been waiting for for years. He will be able to transport allies through the air.
On February 10, Overwatch will also receive a full user interface overhaul, which Blizzard calls “the biggest menu redesign” in the franchise’s history. This includes a new 3D hero lobby in Season 1, a new notification hub, faster navigation, an updated hero gallery, a social panel, and global navigation improvements.
As a reminder, the head of EGS previously admitted that the launcher “sucks” and promised improvements.