Overwatch launches its biggest story ever as ‘Reign of Talon’ begins with five new heroes

Overwatch is entering a new chapter as Blizzard launches The Reign of Talon, a year-long, fully connected storyline that will unfold across multiple seasons throughout 2026.

For the first time in the game’s history, Overwatch will tell a continuous narrative with a clear beginning, middle and end, running from Season 1 through Season 6, before a new story arc begins in 2027.

Season 1 launches on February 10, bringing new heroes, sweeping gameplay changes and a faction-based event that places players directly into the escalating conflict between Overwatch and Talon.

Five new heroes launch in Season 1

Blizzard has confirmed 10 new heroes will be released this year, with the first five arriving immediately when Season 1 begins.

The new lineup includes:

• Domina (Tank) – A long-range, hard-light tank tied to Vishkar Industries
• Emre (Damage) – A former Overwatch agent now aligned with Talon
• Mizuki (Support) – A conflicted Hashimoto clan operative with healing and control tools
• Anran (Damage) – A fire-based DPS hero fighting for Overwatch, available early via a Hero Trial from February 5
• Jetpack Cat (Support) – A permanently airborne support hero discovered in Gibraltar

Each hero is directly woven into the Reign of Talon storyline, with lore revealed through cinematics, in-game events and narrative updates.

A living story inside the game

Instead of isolated seasonal drops, Blizzard says the Overwatch world will evolve in real time. The story will be told through:

• New cinematics and animated hero trailers
• In-game events and voice lines
• Motion comics and short stories
• Updated maps and visual changes

The goal is to make the world feel reactive as the balance of power shifts.

Major gameplay changes arrive

Season 1 also introduces role sub-classes for Tank, Damage and Support heroes, each with unique passive abilities designed to change how matches play out.

A new Perks system allows players to customise their hero mid-match, while Stadium mode expands with new maps, a Payload Race format and a redesigned Hero Builder that suggests builds based on global player data.

Choose a side in the Talon conflict

A five-week Conquest meta event will run during Season 1, allowing players to fight for either Overwatch or Talon. Weekly story missions will determine which faction gains the upper hand, unlocking loot boxes, cosmetics, titles and faction-themed skins.

UI refresh, skins and esports

Season 1 delivers a full UI and UX overhaul, updating menus and lobbies for the first time in nearly a decade.

Blizzard has also confirmed:

• The return of post-match accolades later this year
• A Hello Kitty & Friends crossover from February 10–23
• Two new Mythic hero skins every season in 2026
• The launch of the Overwatch Champions Series in March, with the World Cup returning later this year

When does it start?

Blizzard says The Reign of Talon is designed to redefine how Overwatch delivers story and seasonal content.

Season 1 launches February 10, with Anran’s Hero Trial opening on February 5.