Overwatch (rebranded from Overwatch 2) launched its Season 1: Conquest on February 10, 2026, kicking off the year-long "Reign of Talon" storyline.
This update introduced five new heroes at once
—an unprecedented drop—bringing fresh playstyles to Tank, Damage, and Support roles. Blizzard plans 10 new heroes total in 2026, with one more per subsequent season.
The game now focuses on narrative-driven arcs, faction conflicts (Overwatch vs. Talon), updated maps, and major gameplay systems like sub-roles replacing traditional role passives.
Season 1 New Heroes (Launched Feb 10, 2026)
These heroes tie into the Talon storyline, with some aligned to Overwatch or Talon factions.
- Domina (Tank)
Playstyle: Long-range poke and zone control specialist; deploys hard-light barriers and repulsors for area denial.
Key abilities: Photon Magnum (beam weapon with high-impact finisher), Barrier Array (segmented shields), Crystal Charge (detonatable projectile), Sonic Repulsors (push/stun).
Ultimate: Panopticon (imprisoning exploding barrier).
Recent hotfix (Feb 13): Barrier panels reduced from 250 to 225 health for better counterplay.
- Anran (Damage)
Playstyle: Aggressive burner/flanker with stacking DoT (damage over time) and self-sustain dives.
Key abilities: Zhuque Fans (fiery projectiles), Fan the Flames (blast that amps burns), Inferno Rush (forward propel, now melee-cancelable).
Passive: Ignition (burn buildup lingers).
Ultimate: Vermillion Ascent (charge, explode, self-revive if downed).
Hotfix buffs: Fan impact damage up (20→22), burn linger 3→4s, better armor interaction.
- Emre (Damage)
Playstyle: Cybernetic burst hitscan with mobility and lifesteal; great for run-and-gun.
Key abilities: Synthetic Burst Rifle (3-round bursts, zoom extended range), Siphon Blaster (explosive lifesteal pistol), Cyber Frag (bouncing grenade).
Ultimate: Override Protocol (transform for rapid or mega shots).
Passive: Faster/stronger health regen.
Hotfix: Larger min frag radius for consistency.
- Jetpack Cat (Support)
Playstyle: Highly mobile flying healer with towing and AoE utility; permanent flight enables picks and repositions.
Key abilities: Biotic Pawjectiles (heal/damage spread), Lifeline (tow ally for speed/heal), Frenetic Flight (accelerate), Purr (AoE heal + knockback).
Ultimate: Catnapper (dive tether/knockdown).
Hotfix nerf: Flight regen 30→25/s to tone down dominance.
- Mizuki (Support)
Playstyle: Bouncing projectile healer with tethers and sanctuary zones; ninja-like mobility and outplay potential.
Key abilities: Spirit Glaive (wall-bouncing blade), Healing Kasa (bouncing hat heal), Katashiro Return (leap + return speed), Binding Chain (tether hinder).
Ultimate: Kekkai Sanctuary (absorbing heal zone + instant heal).
Hotfix buffs: Glaive cast faster (0.1→0.025s), Kasa longer range.
Recent Prior Heroes (2025 Context)
- Vendetta (Damage) — Late 2025 addition; sword flanker with blocks, dashes, and lifesteal perks (recent nerf to Siphoning Strike).
- Wuyang (Support) — Water-manipulating rhythm healer.
- Freja (Damage) — Explosive crossbow skirmisher.
Major Gameplay Updates (Season 1 - Feb 10 + Hotfix Feb 13, 2026)
- Sub-Roles System: Role passives reworked into sub-roles (e.g., Stalwart Tanks resist CC, Flanker Damage gets extra pack heals, Survivor Supports regen on movement).
Baseline tweaks: Tanks +150 HP but -40% ult charge; Damage -30% healing from combat sources.
- Events: Conquest (5-week Overwatch vs. Talon faction war with challenges, global rewards).
Year of the Horse (Feb 13–Mar 2: Roadhog mini-game for cosmetics).
- Maps: Gibraltar revamped (siege damage from Vendetta storyline, new cover/paths).
Rialto/Colosseo updated with Talon banners. New Push variant: Serenza Stadium.
- Competitive: Full rank reset (10 placements per role), Top 500 revamp, hero SR soft reset.
- Other: All allies' health visible through walls; console aim assist tweaks; "Praise" voice wheel; contextual pings (e.g., for heals, Jetpack Cat tows); Notification Hub; Clash removed from Quick Play; Stadium mode refresh (new powers, bundles, Ashe rework).
- Hotfix Focus: Responsiveness and balance for the new heroes (as noted above); minor existing hero tweaks.
These changes aim for a refreshed, story-focused experience with more frequent hero additions.
For the latest balances or full ability details, check the official patch notes or hero pages.
Sources/Links:
- https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24246206/overwatch-spotlight-the-reign-of-talon-begins
- https://overwatch.blizzard.com/heroes
- https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/patch-notes
-https://overwatch.fandom.com/wiki/Season/2026
