Among the array of factors contributing to Overwatch 2’s allure, the game’s detailed lore and captivating characters emerge as undisputed cornerstones. Overwatch 2’s allure extends far beyond its adrenaline-inducing gameplay, finding its essence in the complex narrative that weaves seamlessly through the journey of its roster of heroes.
If you’ve never thought deeply about the complex origins of these characters, now’s your chance. This article will take you on a captivating expedition through the history of the 10 oldest heroes of the vast Overwatch 2 universe.
Reinhardt, Soldier: 76, and eight of the oldest heroes in Overwatch 2
10) Ash – 41 years
Ashe was born Elizabeth Caledonia Ashe 41 years before the current events of Overwatch. Hailing from Deadlock Gorge, Georgia, her upbringing was marked by privilege, yet her family’s neglect fueled her rebellious spirit. Ash’s character is defined by her transformation from a privileged woman to an outlaw.
Ash’s path takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with cowboy Cassidy and their criminal partnership begins. Determined to unite the various criminal factions under his rule, Ash leads the Deadlock Gang on values such as keeping one’s word, maintaining honor among thieves, and refusing to cooperate with the law.
However, tensions arose when Cassidy left Overwatch, leading to Ash and his gang going on the run, ending up on the authorities’ most wanted list. Today, Ash’s primary mission is to secure his legacy as a great outlaw, cementing his place in the annals of criminal history.
9) Doomfist – 47 years old
Doomfist was born as Ogun Temu in the year 2031. He emerged from a privileged Nigerian background, demonstrating remarkable skill in martial arts until a cybernetic branch disrupted his competitive aspirations.
Attracted by Talon’s dark allure, he apprenticed under the previous Doomfist and eventually deposed his master. Doomfist harbored a sinister ambition to plunge the world into chaos, a mission foiled by the Overwatch Strike Team, especially Winston.
After being captured, he waited in prison, looking for the right opportunity to bring his destructive vision to life. Doomfist’s escape proved to be a turning point as he led the Talon team to reclaim his powerful weapon, regaining his full power. This set the stage for a global upheaval, as Doomfist was determined to achieve his malevolent goals and reshape the world according to his designs.
8) Roadhog – 50 Years Old
Mark Rutledge was born in Australia in the year 2028, where the hardships of his past turned him into the Roadhog we know. He joins the Australian Liberation Front’s fight against the oppressive Omnium robots who have taken over his homeland. However, their desperate mission to destroy the Omnium’s fusion core results in a catastrophic explosion, turning Mark’s home into a desolate wasteland.
Over time, Roadhog lost his humanity and desire to speak and wore a mask to protect himself from the radiated environment. Seeking a grim existence on a farm near Junkertown, he forms an unlikely partnership with the manic and explosives-loving Junkrat. The two become good friends when Roadhog is attracted by the lure of a promised grand treasure.
Ultimately, his constant theft and disobedience against the Junkerqueen’s authority leads to his expulsion from Junkertown. These circumstances turned them into notorious fugitives with global notoriety.
7) Moira – 50 years
Moira O’Deoran, born in 2028, is a brilliant scientist living in Dublin, Ireland. She embarked on a relentless quest to unleash humanity’s full potential through her groundbreaking genetic research. However, his work gave rise to controversy and ethical concerns, leading to sharp criticism and accusations of negligence.
When offered a position by Black Watch leader Gabriel Reyes, Moira finds a new path and joins his covert ops division despite Overwatch’s condemnation. Within Black Watch, he intensified genetic experimentation, notably contributing to the transformation of Reyes into the Mysterious Reaper.
Following the disbandment of Overwatch, Moira relocated to the technologically advanced Oasis, where she rose to the position of head of the Ministry of Genetics while continuing her ethically ambiguous research.
Confirming long-standing rumors of her association with Talon, Moira now conducts ethically questionable genetic experiments on behalf of the organization. His unbridled pursuit of scientific knowledge is shrouded in mystery and marked by his unwavering determination.
6) Migration – 51 years
Canadian hero Sojourn, also known by his real name Vivian Chase, is a prominent figure in the Overwatch universe. His origin story is rich with his experiences as a former commander within the Overwatch organization, where he led various important missions.
He is a skilled pilot and is often seen riding his bike. As a dedicated member of Overwatch, Sojourn’s primary mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of his fellow team members. She has various cybernetic implants that grant her extraordinary abilities, making her a tremendous asset to the team.
The combination of Sojourn’s leadership, combat prowess, and technological enhancements solidifies her position as a pivotal character in Overwatch lore, with a vital role in the organization’s history and ongoing struggle for a safer world.
5) Soldier – 58 years
A highly decorated American soldier turned serious vigilante, Soldier 76 was born Jack Morrison in 2021. He stands as a steadfast force in the ongoing struggle against the nefarious organization Talon. A key figure in the original Overwatch task force, the Soldier played a key role in the protection of humanity during the Omnic Crisis. However, Overwatch’s victory ultimately led to internal strife and allegations of corruption, leading to its ultimate downfall.
Presumed dead after an explosion at the Swiss headquarters, Morrison resurfaces as the mysterious Soldier 76. Now he is driven by a determined pursuit of justice against those responsible for the disintegration of Overwatch, including his ally-turned-enemy the Reaper.
With unwavering determination and an arsenal of advanced weapons, Soldier 76 relentlessly pursues his mission to uncover the truth, protect the innocent, and capture those responsible for Overwatch’s demise.
4) Torbjorn – 59 years
Born in 2019, Torbjörn Lindholm is an accomplished engineer and weapons designer from Sweden who made significant contributions to the early days of Overwatch. He was a member of the original Strike Team during the Omnic Crisis, a critical period marked by a robot rebellion against humanity. His inventions and weapons played an important role in suppressing the rebellion.
Torbjörn shared a deep friendship with Reinhardt Wilhelm, exemplified when Reinhardt named Torbjörn’s daughter Brigitte and participated in her upbringing. Following the disbandment of the strike team amid controversy, Torbjorn embarks on various adventures, including an encounter with the sensitive Bastion Unit.
This hero’s current affiliation with the reactivated but illegal Overwatch is shrouded in mystery. It is suggested that he may take up arms again in the fight against the forces of evil, using his engineering talents and combat expertise to protect a world that still needs heroes.
3) Ana – 62 years
Ana Amari is a formidable sniper who was born in Cairo, Egypt in 2016. He is famous for playing a key role during the turbulent Omnic Crisis. Ana’s close relationship with her daughter Farrah defined her personal life; He also inspired his daughter to follow his footsteps. His extraordinary skills lead him into a deadly sniper duel with Widowmaker, resulting in the loss of his eye.
With the strike team disbanding, Anna decides to fake her death and adopts the persona of “Shrike”. However, she could no longer remain hidden and reemerged to confront the sinister forces of Talon. Equipped with a biotic rifle, she can heal allies and damage enemies.
Anna reunited with Jack Morrison (Soldier 76) and was supported by his daughter Farrah as they waged a renewed fight against Talon, cementing her legacy as a resilient and indispensable member of the Force.
2) Reinhardt- 63 years
Hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, Reinhard Wilhelm is known for his steadfast commitment to justice and his astonishing high-tech armor. Born in 2015, he became a member of the Crusaders during the Omnic Crisis, using energy shields and rocket hammers to protect humanity.
Renowned for his chivalric code and distinctive personality, Reinhardt was a vocal supporter of Overwatch, but also one of its harshest critics. Despite his forced retirement, he remained steadfast in his dedication to protecting the vulnerable and fighting wrongdoers throughout Europe.
Reinhardt’s lasting friendship with Torbjorn was formed during his service, leading to him becoming one of the original six members of the team. He defeated the Dragon Gang and reactivated his status as an Overwatch operative, responding to the memories of his old comrades. With his steadfast companion and companion Brigitte, Reinhardt’s journey is a testament to his heroism and unwavering commitment to protecting a world in need.
1) Sigma – 64 years
Sigma, also known as Dr. Siebrain de Kuyper, was born in 2014. A brilliant Dutch astronomer, he finds himself tragically transformed into a living weapon during his ambitious experiment on the International Space Station. While out of control, the accident gave him the ability to manipulate gravity but left his mind fragmented and unstable.
Subsequently, the sinister organization Talon intervenes and mounts a daring operation to break Sigma out of a secret government facility. The Sigma became a powerful weapon in his hands, wielding its gravity-controlling abilities to devastating effect. However, despite his immense power, Sigma’s inner turmoil and fractured psyche remain evident, causing him to often speak in a disjointed and unpredictable manner.
Sigma’s mysterious character and the conflict between his scientific genius and psychological instability make him a compelling and formidable presence in the Overwatch world, adding depth to the game’s lore and narrative.