Overwatch 2 is gearing up to introduce a fresh tank hero named Hazard next month, coinciding with the start of the game’s 14th season. However, players don’t have to wait until then to try him out; Hazard is available for a trial run until November 25. Right on the cusp of this trial period, Blizzard dropped some exciting footage showcasing Hazard and detailed the arsenal of abilities that this hero from Scotland brings to the table. At first glance, Hazard might seem to borrow bits and pieces from other characters, somewhat reminiscent of Juno. Nonetheless, his toolkit has enough unique elements to make him stand out as an individual force in the game.
Tanks in Overwatch 2 generally focus on commanding space and creating chaos among enemy forces, and Hazard is no exception. His main weapon is a gatling gun fixed on his right arm, which fires medium-range, shotgun-like bursts of spikes—perfect for his role as a nimble, aggressive tank comparable to Winston or Doomfist. Not only can Hazard leap similarly to Winston, but he can also follow up with a fierce melee strike using the vibrant purple spikes emerging from his armor. But his agility doesn’t stop there; he can climb walls just like Hanzo and Genji, allowing him to effortlessly ascend to higher terrain and pursue foes who might escape a less agile tank.
Once Hazard closes in on his enemies, he has his Spike Guard ability to further tip the scales in his favor. This ability dramatically cuts down on damage taken, reloads his ammo, and launches spikes from his back over a short range. It’s a versatile skill for both offensive pushes and strategic retreats. Unlike Ramattra’s guarding tactic, though, Spike Guard is restricted by a time limit, meaning it can’t be used indefinitely.
One intriguing addition to Hazard’s toolkit is the Jagged Wall ability. Similar to Mei’s Ice Wall, Hazard can erect a barrier that blocks attacks, although it’s narrower than Mei’s counterpart. This wall compensates with unique features—it’s covered in spikes that damage and push away enemies who come too close, and it can be positioned on vertical surfaces. This allows for creative placements, including potentially tossing an adversary off the map if timed just right.
Crowning his capabilities is Hazard’s ultimate, aptly named Downpour. This attack showers a barrage of purple spikes over a considerable distance in front of him, trapping opponents caught within. While trapped, enemies can still engage with their weapons but are left vulnerable as they’re momentarily immobilized—offering the perfect chance to land a decisive blow.
All in all, Hazard looks set to make a significant impact when controlling key areas, and less durable heroes might dread his presence. However, the true test will lie in the community’s hands. With every new hero in Overwatch 2 comes a wave of discussions on their effect on gameplay, swinging between claims of game-breaking prowess or inadequate influence. Where will Hazard fit into this spectrum? We’ll soon find out as players get more hands-on experience.
