During the Overwatch Spotlight, it was revealed that we would be getting a year-long story. What that means is we are starting back at Season 1 and will get a new Season 1 in 2027.
The Reign of Talon has officially begun!
For the first time in Overwatch history we’re telling a multi-faceted, fully-connected story across the entire year. You’ll experience a narrative arc with a set beginning, middle, and end, beginning with an all-new Season 1 through Season 6, before a new Season 1 launches in 2027.
To tell this first story, we are releasing 10 Heroes over the course of the year, with the first five joining the fight when Season 1 launches on February 10! Each of these new heroes will directly tie into the story for the year.
Overwatch’s fight against Talon will evolve in real time, as players watch the world shift around them through updated maps, new art, and more.
This arc starts with a new cinematic and unfolds through:
- Motion Comics
- In-game events
- New Voice Lines
- Animated Hero Trailers
- Short Stories
We aim to bring major updates every year that improve and expand the experience of playing Overwatch, with both gameplay and story arcs driving the universe forward.
If you're new to Overwatch or haven't been keeping up, here is what you missed:
Before you jump into Season 1, here’s a quick mission debrief to get you up to speed if that vacation away from Overwatch ended up lasting longer than Ana’s retirement in Fiji.
- New Heroes: Season 1 includes five new Heroes to get acquainted with, but it’s important to meet other Heroes who’ve joined the Overwatch roster over the past few years. Here are a few introductions; check out the full Hero List to read up on any unfamiliar faces.
- Illari, the lone survivor of the Inti Warriors, who knows the weight her solar powers hold: the potential to heal as much as they destroy.
- Mauga, an impulsive and fearless Talon agent that uses his bulky build and incendiary chainguns to shield teammates and decimate enemies.
- Venture, a jovial archaeologist bravely chasing adventure and ancient secrets. Their sneaky moves and powerful drill weapon offer devastating damage.
- Juno, an airborne Hero from Mars seeking a lifeline for her family and home planet. Always ready to help, her space-age tech grants healing and speed to allies.
- Hazard, member of the underground Phreakz gang, emboldened to fight injustice with stolen Oasis tech. The only thing wilder than his tanky, mobile kit is his personality!
- Freja, a former Overwatch agent turned bounty hunter who knows better than to ask too many questions. Her high-skill crossbow shots and aerial movement make her a true threat on the battlefield.
- Wuyang, a Water College student trying to find his place in a changing world. His torrential abilities lend themselves to fluid movement, intense healing, and powerful damage.
- Vendetta—champion of the Colosseo—is determined to take back Talon’s seat of power, a position she believes is her birthright. Watch out for her high-mobility, high-damage sword attacks…and her thirst for vengeance.
- Perks: Shift the tide of battle in your favor by equipping Perks during a match. These Hero-specific boons offer ways to upgrade your kit according to your playstyle and the demands of the current battle. You’ll first select between two Minor Perks, which subtly shift your Hero’s kit in a different direction. Later on, you’ll select one of two Major Perks; these bolder upgrades can add game-changing abilities or buffs that counter the enemies in front of you.
- Stadium: Looking to supercharge your Heroes? Try Stadium! Upgrade your Hero using game-changing Powers and add buffs with Items, all purchased with Stadium Cash you earn by making a difference for your team. Customize your game plan, cater to your skills, or expertly counter your enemies by crafting the perfect Build. Stadium includes a new map mode—Payload Race—and several maps not available anywhere else in Overwatch, like Wuxing University and Powder Keg Mine. More Heroes are added to Stadium every season!
The story will unfold directly in the game, too, and the best part is you don't have to read anything. If you log into Overwatch, they have a story section that will get you caught up. Be sure to check out the previous article to see what heroes will be releasing when The Reign of Talon launches next season!
