Blizzard has announced a significant overhaul for Overwatch 2, now simply known as Overwatch. This revamp emphasizes an ambitious expansion plan that will introduce ten new heroes throughout 2026, with the first five slated to arrive on February 10, 2026. Among the new heroes are characters like Domina, a tank similar to Zarya, and Jetpack Cat, a flying support character. The narrative structure will shift to a year-long storytelling approach, integrated within gameplay, marked by seasonal releases titled Reign of Talon. This includes a faction war event called Conquest, where players choose sides between Overwatch and Talon, alongside upcoming user interface improvements and map alterations reflecting ongoing story arcs.

What major changes are coming to Overwatch 2 in 2026?

Overwatch 2 is being rebranded to Overwatch with a focus on annual expansion-like releases. The game will introduce ten new heroes in 2026, start with five on February 10, and shift to a more continuous storytelling format through seasonal content, featuring events that influence gameplay and environment changes.

Overwatch is a popular team-based multiplayer first-person shooter that was initially released in 2016. Its unique blend of diverse characters, each with their own abilities and lore, has cultivated a dedicated player base. The game has undergone various updates and expansions since its launch, with this latest revamp aiming to reinvigorate interest and engagement in the franchise after mixed receptions to previous changes.