The next year of Overwatch is massive. Here is what to expect.

Overwatch is getting the biggest update it has ever had, which is saying something. I already covered some of what to expect tomorrow, such as the new heroes, the seasonal story, how roles are changing, the big Season 1 event, and we did coverage of the Hello Kitty crossover. However, this update is so big that I wanted to put everything in one massive post.

Go into this season expecting story-driven content. Finally, we are returning to a theme that makes sense. This first season is called the Reign of Talon, and it all kicked off with the Doomfist and Vendetta fight.

Going forward, we will see Overwatch struggle to counter Talon now that the organization is making moves and expanding its influence. We were told that we would get to see the story evolve in real-time. In-game events will play a large part in telling this story, but we can also expect cinematics and hero trailers, short stories, comics, live map and visual updates, updated maps reflecting events that happen in the story, new voice lines and character interactions, and the updated narrative viewer.

Reign of Talon concludes in Season 6, and after that, we will see a new Season 1 in 2027. This is something that I am looking forward to because the world of Overwatch is packed with lore. I can't wait to see how the team handles these changes.

New Heroes

Every hero in this image is launching at the same time tomorrow!

Overwatch has never released so many heroes at once. We will get our hands on one tank, two damage, and two support characters. Plus, each one of these characters ties right back into the story, and they don't feel completely random.

EMRE — Damage (Talon‑aligned)

I know others don't like his design, but I adore the way Emre looks.

Emre is a former member of the Overwatch Strike Team. He once stood as an example of Overwatch’s ideals, but as Overwatch lost sight of its mission, Emre chose to leave. Freja tracked him down and discovered that his body has been altered with cybernetic modifications. His mind appears to be in conflict; sometimes he behaves like the person he once was, and other times he seems detached.

Now aligned with Vendetta, Emre brings a fast-paced, run‑and‑gun damage style.

The eye on his chest is tied to the lore in a major way.

His kit can be seen as a little basic, but I think that there is plenty of room for characters with a simple kit in Overwatch. Plus, I think that his kit fits his character.

Synthetic Burst Rifle (Primary Fire) - Three-round burst weapon.
Take Aim (Secondary Fire) - Hold to zoom in, tightening accuracy and increasing fall off range.
Siphon Blaster - Temporarily wield a semi-automatic pistol with life stealing explosive rounds. Move faster and jump higher while wielded.
Cyber Frag - Throw a grenade that detonates shortly after bouncing.
Ultimate — Override Protocol - An override initiates, transforming you into a living weapon. Fires rapid explosive blasts or charged mega‑shots capable of wiping teams.
Passive – Altered Vitals - Passive health regeneration activates sooner and instantly restores 30 health when activated.

Blizzard if you read this, I want this as a poster. The artwork for Emre is out of this world awesome.

DOMINA — Tank (Talon‑aligned)

Domina has won my heart, even though I am worried about her kit. She looks so good, plus she has a super unique design for a tank.

Heiress and vice president of Vishkar Industries. Though Domina is not a formal member of Talon, a partnership with Vendetta has granted Vishkar Industries lucrative redevelopment rights for territories under Talon control.

Using advanced Vishkar technology, Domina is the first true poke tank since Sigma—an elegant long‑range controller with deadly zone dominance.

She is a poke tank which I am worried about. But we will have to wait and see how she plays out.

Her kit has some aspects that I am very interested in.

Photon Magnum (Primary Fire) - Medium-range beam that culminates in a high impact shot.
Barrier Array - A segmented hard‑light barrier deployed in front of Domina. Each segment must be individually destroyed, creating dynamic defensive angles.
Crystal Charge - Project an explosive crystal and reactivate to denotate it.
Sonic Repulsors - Push enemies back, stunning them if they hit a wall.
Ultimate — Panopticon - Fire a hard-light barrier that imprisons enemies and detonates on expiration.
Passive – Reconstruction - Dealing damage with abilities restores shields.

MIZUKI — Support (Talon‑aligned)

I have not seen Mizuki getting a lot of love, but I can't wait to try him. I love his look, but it was his artwork that captured my attention fully. For a support, his kit is super interesting.

Mizuki is a member of the Hashimoto clan, which is aligned with Talon. He has endured years of misfortune and pressure within the clan’s hierarchy. Some believe he may not be suited for the life he has been raised into, but through dedication and influence from senior clan members, he has become a key player. Mizuki has been tasked with infiltrating the Yokai near Kanezaka, but there is concern that he may be influenced by them or potentially drawn to Overwatch.

Healing that scales is something that I am invested in. Plus, his weapon bouncing off the walls is awesome.

Spirit Glaive (Primary Fire) - Throw a spinning blade that can bounce off walls, impact enemies and rapidly deal damage.
Healing Kasa - Throw your hat to heal an ally, bouncing to nearby allies and healing you when it returns.
Katashiro Return - Leap forward, leaving behind a paper doll. Reactivate to return and gain increased movement speed while active.
Binding Chain - Launch a tethering chain that hinders the first enemy hit.
Ultimate — Kekkai Sanctuary - Create a sanctuary that heals allies and absorbs enemy projectiles from outside the area.
Passive – Remedy Aura - Heals nearby allies. Healing scales with resources generated by dealing damage and healing.

I want another art book by the end of Season 1.

ANRAN — Damage (Overwatch-aligned)

Anran has the most disappointing look, which is a shame because she has a super cool kit. I think that Anran fills a specific role in damage that goes beyond what Genji and Tracer normally fill. To me, she reminds me of a cross between Genji and Wrecking Ball.

The older sister of Wuyang, Anran harnesses the power of Fire when in the heat of battle. She is confident and hardworking, holding others to the standards she maintains for herself. Anran joins Overwatch with the intent to save the world and to keep Wuyang out of trouble.

She looked a lot better in the Overwatch shorts. That aside, I do love her hair and weapons.

She has a very difficult kit, which I love. She feels so precise, and like you have to be confident in how you go into a battle. I also adore the use of the zhuque fans. I am happy when we get a weapon that isn't some kind of gun.

Zhuque Fans (Primary Fire) - Hand fans that shoot fiery projectiles.
Fan the Flames (Secondary Fire) - Hot wind blast that amplifies burning damage.
Inferno Rush - Propel yourself forward and damage enemies you impact.
Dancing Blaze - Strike nearby enemies while dodging all damage.
Ultimate — Vermillion Ascent (Alive) - Charge forward, exploding on impact and instantly igniting enemies.
Ultimate — Vermillion Revival (Dead) - When dead, revive yourself in a fiery explosion.
Passive – Ignition - Hit enemies with fire attacks to burn them.

I can't wait to see what they give her for a dance.

JETPACK CAT — Support (Overwatch-aligned)

Jetpack Cat has been getting a lot of buzz. I hope that they don't rush right to nerfing her. I think that the community will need time to adjust. After the adjustment period, I think that we will see some changes to this character.

Yup. Jetpack Cat is finally joining the lineup.

Found as a stray in Gibraltar, little is known about Jetpack Cat other than how dangerous she is in fights, with quick reflexes and a kit befitting a feline Hero.

Most of the skins for this hero had better be free. I also look forward to the Jetpack Cat mythic we will probably see in 2030.

I actually really like the kit. The lifeline ability is what I think we will see getting nerfed, based on the plays that I have seen online. I can't wait to try her ultimate.

Biotic Pawjectiles (Primary Fire) - Mid‑range projectile spread that heals allies and damages enemies.
Lifeline - Toggle into transport mode, allowing an ally to be towed. Increases movement speed and heals your ally.
Frenetic Flight - Accelerate in your movement direction. Fuel recovery is slower while carrying another player.
Purr - Pulsing area heal that increases in frequency over time. Knockback nearby enemies when activated.
Ultimate — Catnapper - Dive towards a ground location, knocking down enemies and tethering the nearest one to you.
Passive – Jetpack - Permanent flight.

Also for everyone reading this, this hero does have lore. They just didn't cover it during the Spotlight.

Role Changes

We are seeing the Roles change. We had something like this back in the day, but these are more in-depth.

This is really going to help Mauga and Roadhog. Orisa is my favorite tank in this role, so I can't wait to see how this plays out.

BRUISER: Reduces critical damage received. While at critical health, gain movement speed.
- Mauga / Orisa / Roadhog / Zarya

From this role, the only tank I really dislike is Doomfist, but I am curious to see how much healing they get. It is super easy to get airtime with Wrecking Ball.

INITIATOR: Staying airborne lightly heals you.
- D.Va / Doomfist / Winston / Wrecking Ball

Junker Queen really needed this. But I could be biased because she is my second-favorite character in the game. Ramattra will also be interesting. I think Sigma really needed this for when he is forced to fight Mei.

STALWART: Reduces knockbacks and slows received.
- Domina / Hazard / Junker Queen / Ramattra / Reinhardt / Sigma

I think that this one fits these heroes the best.

FLANKER: Health packs restore more health.
- Anran / Genji / Reaper / Tracer / Vendetta / Venture

This perk is super in character for Freja. But it is cool for Sombra as well.

RECON: You detect enemies below half health through walls after damaging them.
- Echo / Freja / Pharah / Sombra

I am not looking forward to this for Sojourn. Everyone else I can deal with.

SHARPSHOOTER: Critical hits reduce your movement ability cooldowns.
- Ashe / Cassidy / Hanzo / Sojourn / Widowmaker

This one is going to be fun for Mei, who is my favorite character in all of Overwatch. But I can't wait to run around with 76 and Emre.

SPECIALIST: Eliminating an enemy briefly increases your reload speed.
- Bastion / Emre / Junkrat / Mei / Soldier: 76 / Symmetra / Torbjorn

This role is fine, if not a little bland. But I think that it will work just fine.

MEDIC: Healing allies with your weapon also heals you.
- Kiriko / Lifeweaver / Mercy / Moira

Brigitte needed this, and I hope that it brings her back from the horrible spot that she is in. I am also looking forward to this with Juno, who is my support of choice these days.

SURVIVOR: Using a movement ability activates passive health regeneration.
- Brigitte / Illari / Juno / Mizuki / Wuyang

This will be huge for Ana. I find that the characters that are classified as Tactician tend to hold their ultimates for extremely key moments anyway.

TACTICIAN: You can gain excess ultimate charge, which carries over after using your ultimate ability.
- Ana / Baptiste / Jetpack Cat / Lucio / Zenyatta

Conquest: Meta Event and Lunar New Year Event

I am stoked for the Conquest event. I think that it will add a layer to the game that I have been craving for years. As a bonus, the rewards are actually good this time!

The tasks look simple. Like you'll complete them as you play. Which I like.

Season 1 includes Conquest, a five-week meta event where players choose to fight for either Overwatch or Talon. Each week, you will complete missions tied to the lore, with rewards going to the faction with the most successful missions. You can switch your allegiance once completing your current week’s faction pass, making every choice matter as you seek to claim the following rewards:

75 Base Lootboxes
12 Epic Lootboxes
7 Legendary Lootboxes
9 new Voice Lines
31 2D Cosmetics
2 Weapon Charms
1 of 2 faction-themed Legendary Echo skins
Exclusive new Rare, Epic and Legendary titles (and a secret hidden one!)

Here are some images from the Lunar New Year content

These look cute, and I can't wait to give this event a try.

Competitive Updates for Season 1

This season, we are seeing the Crimson Wolf competitive weapon skin, Diamond+ Doomfist competitive skin, Rarity-based Competitive titles (coming in season 2), and Challenger Tier integration with FaceIt tournament invites. We are also getting a rank reset.

UI/UX Refresh

I am not sure how I feel about this, but I will wait till I get to try it before giving a complete opinion. We are getting a new 3D hero lobby starting in Season 1 and that will expand to a full party in Season 4. A new Notification Hub will be added, which is only as useful as they make it.

We were told that the navigation will be faster, which I can't wait to test. From the image, it doesn't look like it will be faster. The faster navigation comes with reduced friction. A completely revamped hero gallery, social panel, and global navigation are also included.

Not a fan of everything being at the top. This is the home screen.

Getting into a match is already fast, so I'm not sure how this will improve the experience.

It would be cool if we could finally customize our backdrop. There has been a lot of good artwork, and I would love to have a say in what the backdrop looks like. The new look for challenges is something that I appreciate. I love it not being behind a whole different menu.

Arcade looks fine. I have nothing to say here.

There are many things I would like to see added here. But this is not final (I hope), so I can wait until it is released. Post-match was awesome during the first game, so I am so happy to see it make a return.

I hope that the background is better on release. But this is fine, I guess. I like that you can see when Drives start at the top.

This is amazing and is exactly how the story should look.

Stadium

Stadium is seeing some significant updates this season. The armory icons are getting an overhaul, we are getting a hero builder that will include counter-builds, and Vendetta is joining the lineup.

Stadium is one of my favorite game modes, but it has been hard to get friends into. So I hope these changes help with that.

I wish other heroes came before Vendetta and Ram (he is coming in Season 2) there is a whole roster that I think could use some love.

Cosmetics and Mythics

2026 is packed with cosmetics. We are getting new faction-themed skins. Rainy Day and Valentine's collections. There is a lootbox refresh which adds the last 6 seasons of regular shop skins into lootboxes. I am most excited for this.

The Season 1 mythic is Mercy. Which is a huge disappointment. The skin looks amazing, but there is a whole roster that could use a mythic. I also think that they're leaving money on the table by only giving skins to the same four heroes.

Juno is getting a mythic weapon, which looks really cool aside from the little bear. Is it so hard to give her an alien? I am sick and tired of Juno functioning as a mini-Mercy in the skin department.

Mei will get her first mythic as well. It looks great. I am so happy to see her getting something that pops.

Hello Kitty & Friends Collaboration

This is super cute, and I love every skin included. I just hope that this year we can see more for other heroes.

Map Changes

Watchpoint is attacked in the story, and the map is changed to reflect that. I am obsessed with this, and I hope that we continue to get reactive maps.

This one looks wicked cool.

I love this, and I would love to play on this map. I would rather see it in the dark at all times because the lights are wild.

Everything Else

We were told that we would see some light changes, which I can't wait to see. We are also getting an Overwatch release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in Season 2.

A new hero release every season from Season 2-6. Post-match accolades are coming along with a slew of hero reworks. We can expect mythic hero skins for Soldier: 76, Ana, Illari, and Mauga. Mythic weapon skins will come for Genji, Hanzo, and Sojourn.

We did get to see some of the other heroes coming!

ESPORTS

Before I finish off the news, I did want to inform our ESPORTS watchers about what will be going on with Overwatch.

OWCS season is kicking off with Seoul Bootcam which ends with the World Finals in China. The Overwatch World Cup returns at BlizzCon, and we are getting Esports Lootboxes. Here is everything that you need to know about the ESPORTS scene.

To kick off the 2026 OWCS Season, we’re bringing OWCS Teams together in Seoul, South Korea for the first ever OWCS Pre-Season Bootcamp: an invite-only program where teams can sharpen their skills and showcase them on the brand new Overwatch Season 1 patch in a cross-regional tournament, getting players ready for OWCS Stage 1.

The Pre-Season Bootcamp provides teams with exclusive early access to the upcoming content and competitive build that was just released at the Overwatch Spotlight, along with a structured environment for daily scrims and collaboration. Teams will also train and exchange insights with fellow players and coaches from the broader Overwatch competitive community in South Korea, helping set the foundation for an even more competitive and high-level 2026 Season.

The Pre-Season Bootcamp will run from February 8 - 15, with training hosted at T1 Academy within T1 Headquarters in Seoul. The week will culminate in a live 12-team Tournament, held from February 13 - 15 (KST) at WDG Studio in Hongdae, giving teams a first chance to put their preparation into action. You’ll be able to follow along with your favorite teams and players as they get ready for the tournament, so don’t miss out to see how the best players from across the globe play all of the new content coming in Season 1.

Participating Teams

12 teams will participate in the Pre-season bootcamp: 11 OWCS Partner Teams from NA, EMEA, Asia, and China, plus one invitational team from Japan.

Bootcamp rosters are independent from OWCS Stage 1 rosters, allowing teams flexibility to test lineups ahead of the season.

OWCS Partner Teams (11):

NA: Team Liquid, Dallas Fuel, Disguised
EMEA: Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, Team Peps
Asia (Korea): Team Falcons, Crazy Raccoon, T1
China: Weibo Gaming, All Gamers Global

Invitational Team:

Asia (Japan): VARREL

Tournament

The tournament features a 12-team single-elimination bracket, and will be broadcast on OWCS channels in English, Korean, and Japanese. In-person tickets for the OWCS Pre-Season Bootcamp Tournament are available for purchase via Ticketlink at the following links:

There’s so much to follow once the tournament gets underway - you can meet our new partner teams, get your first look at all the roster shuffles that have taken place this offseason, and see how these rosters shake out against one another for the first time this year. Will T1 make it to a rematch with Twisted Minds? Will Virtus.pro’s newly retooled roster be enough to fight past All Gamers Global to challenge Team Liquid? Who can be the quickest to adapt to all the changes these teams will see in Season 1’s competitive build? Only time will tell…

Co-Streamers

You’ll be able to follow the whole week’s worth of Bootcamp action thanks to our amazing suite of Overwatch Co-Streamers! Leading the charge is TL Ambush, who will be coming at you live from T1 HQ with IRL streams, content with your favorite OWCS players, and more. Follow Ambush on all her pages (and ours) for more info!

[Ambush GFX]

In addition to Ambush and our main broadcasts, you can tune in to your favorite co-streamer and follow the Pre-Season Bootcamp Tournament in full. Stay tuned to our socials or check out the Twitch Campaigns page (listed further down the article) for a full list of drops-enabled co-streamers.

Drops

We’ll be giving away two sets of in-game loot to commemorate the Pre-Season Bootcamp Tournament. Tune in on Feb 13 and 14 to earn the following rewards, including our new Overwatch Esports lootboxes and our first ever in-game title for Esports!

[Drops GFX: BC Tournament D1+2]

30min: Esports Lootbox
1hr: 2026 OWCS Pre-Season Bootcamp Spray
3hr: OWCS Ashe (Home) Skin
4hr: 2026 OWCS Pre-Season Gains Spray
6hr: OWCS Ashe (Away) Skin
7hr: Esports Lootbox

[Drops GFX: BC Tournament D3]

30min: Esports Lootbox
1hr: 2026 OWCS Pre-Season Bootcamp Icon
90min: OWCS Reinhardt (Home) Skin
2hr: 2026 OWCS Pre-Season Bootcamp Name Card
2.5hr: Esports Lootbox
3hr: OWCS Reinhardt (Away) Skin
3.5hr: Esports Lootbox
4hr: Title: Esports Enthusiast

Overwatch Esports lootboxes contain a huge variety of skins from historic Overwatch Esports programs. You can find popular favorites like the original line of Overwatch Contenders skins, limited releases like Thunder Doomfist and Zhulong Sombra, Overwatch League team skins, and more! We’re excited to roll out these amazing rewards as part of the Pre-Season Bootcamp drops suite. Keep an eye out across the year for other opportunities to earn these lootboxes!