Blizzard has unveiled a fresh addition to Overwatch 2’s tank roster, introducing Hazard, a character designed to disrupt traditional strategies with his unique abilities and rebellious flair. Arriving in the midst of significant changes to the tank meta, Hazard brings a mix of mobility, crowd control, and resilience.
Here’s everything you need to know about this anarchistic hero, including his lore, abilities, and how to test him during the upcoming hero trial.
Hazard’s Lore: The Rebellion Begins
Hazard’s story begins in the streets of Scotland, where he grew up amidst poverty and systemic injustice. A troubled childhood, marked by the loss of his mother at a young age, shaped his worldview. Seeking purpose, Hazard joined the military but left disillusioned after suffering severe injuries and witnessing corruption firsthand.
Turning to the Phreaks, a punk faction devoted to rebellion and technological justice, Hazard underwent extensive body modifications. Equipped with cutting-edge tech and a renewed sense of purpose, he became a leader in their fight to dismantle oppressive systems.
The animatic Tear It Down and an accompanying lore comic reveal his origins and motivations, portraying him as a hero driven by a vision of radical change.
Hazard’s Abilities: A New Style of Tank
Hazard’s kit is designed to disrupt enemy formations and create chaos on the battlefield. Blizzard describes him as a “brawl dive disruptor,” excelling in mobility, damage mitigation, and crowd control. His abilities allow players to both control space and engage aggressively, making him a versatile addition to any team.
Hazard’s Abilities Breakdown:
- Bonespur (Primary Fire):
Fires bursts of spikes, dealing consistent damage to enemies. - Spike Guard (Secondary Fire):
Activates a protective mode that fires homing spikes while reducing incoming damage. Hazard regenerates ammo during this ability. - Violent Leap (Ability 1):
A lunge forward that can knock back enemies upon impact. This ability can be chained to deal additional damage and create space. - Jagged Wall (Ability 2):
Creates a spiked barrier that damages and displaces enemies it hits, offering both offensive and defensive utility. - Downpour (Ultimate):
Rains a cascade of spikes onto enemies in a wide area, stunning them on contact and immobilizing them for a short time. - Vault (Passive):
Enables Hazard to climb small walls and hang from ledges, giving him exceptional mobility for a tank.
Hero Trial: Get Hands-On with Hazard
Blizzard is offering players a chance to test Hazard during a limited-time hero trial event. From November 22 to November 25, 2024, players can try out Hazard in Unranked modes. Competitive play will remain off-limits for this trial, but it’s an excellent opportunity to get a feel for his unique playstyle before his official release.
Why Hazard Is a Game-Changer
Hazard’s combination of mobility, crowd control, and creative space-making abilities introduces a new layer of strategy to Overwatch 2. His jagged wall and disruptive ultimate provide innovative tools for reshaping engagements, while his rebellious lore and design resonate with players who value individuality and resistance.
Conclusion
Hazard is set to leave a lasting impact on Overwatch 2, both in gameplay and storytelling. His innovative abilities challenge conventional tank roles, while his compelling backstory adds depth to the game’s narrative.
With the hero trial just around the corner, players can dive into Hazard’s anarchistic toolkit and experience a new way to dominate the battlefield.
New Tank Hero for Overwatch 2 Leaked Through Lore: Everything We Know So Far