TODAY’S PAPER | February 05, 2026 | EPAPER

Overwatch drops the 2 as Blizzard restores original name and launches five new heroes

Blizzard renames Overwatch 2 back to Overwatch as five new heroes arrive with Reign of Talon on February 10


Pop Culture & Art February 05, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Blizzard

Blizzard is officially retiring the name Overwatch 2 and returning the game to its original title, Overwatch, as part of a major update launching on February 10.

The change arrives alongside the first season of Reign of Talon, a year-long story arc that introduces five new heroes and a wide range of gameplay updates.

Developers said the studio is now able to create characters at a faster pace, allowing a commitment to release 10 heroes throughout 2026.

Each season of Reign of Talon will deliver one new hero, alongside reworks, maps and quality of life improvements. The update also introduces new sub-roles with passive buffs designed to better define Tank, Damage and Support playstyles.

Among the new characters is Domina, a Tank hero and vice president of Vishkar Industries, built around zone control and long-range pressure. Her abilities include a segmented hard-light barrier and Sonic Repulsors that can stun enemies when pushed into walls.

Damage hero Emre, a former Overwatch operative now aligned with Talon, brings mobility through a bouncing cyber grenade and a powerful transformation ultimate.

Anran, another Damage addition, uses fiery fans to ignite opponents and can even activate her ultimate after death to revive in an explosion.

Support hero Mizuki focuses on frontline healing using a traditional Japanese hat called a Kasa, while offering crowd control through chains and a sanctuary ultimate that blocks projectiles.

The long-rumoured Jetpack Cat also joins as a Support character, able to tow allies through the air and knock back foes at high speed.

The new sub-role system further divides each class. Tanks now include Bruiser, Initiator and Stalwart types, while Damage heroes are grouped into Sharpshooter, Flanker, Specialist and Recon. Support characters receive Tactician, Medic and Survivor categories, each granting unique passive effects.

With the February update, Blizzard aims to refresh the shooter’s identity and deliver a steady cadence of content under the restored Overwatch name.

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