Blizzard is gearing up to introduce Hazard, the latest tank hero in Overwatch 2, just as Season 14 kicks off next month. Excited fans can get a sneak peek and try him out until November 25. Right before this test phase began, Blizzard whetted our appetites by dropping some gameplay footage of Hazard in action, alongside a detailed overview of his abilities. Much like Juno, Hazard seems to be an intriguing blend of several other heroes’ skills. Yet, he manages to bring a fresh twist, ensuring he stands out and isn’t just a mere clone of the heroes he resembles.
Tanks in Overwatch 2 typically focus on dominating space and disrupting foes, and Hazard fits right into this mold. His main attack is a burst of medium-range, shotgun-like spikes from the gatling gun on his right hand. This pairs perfectly with his dynamic playstyle, reminding us of characters like Winston or Doomfist. What’s more, Hazard can leap similarly to Winston and then strike with a powerful melee attack using the purple spikes protruding from his armor. But there’s more—just like Hanzo and Genji, he can scale walls. These mobility traits enable him to effortlessly reach high vantage points and chase down elusive enemies that would otherwise outmaneuver a less mobile tank.
Once Hazard closes the gap with his opponents, he boasts the Spike Guard ability, which significantly reduces incoming damage, regenerates his ammunition, and sends spikes shooting out from his back. This makes him formidable both in advancing against adversaries and in tactical retreats. However, unlike Ramattra’s guarding ability, Spike Guard doesn’t last indefinitely—it comes with a time limit.
Perhaps the most intriguing trick up Hazard’s sleeve is the Jagged Wall ability. Reminiscent of Mei’s Ice Wall, Hazard constructs a barrier to block incoming attacks, albeit not as wide. It compensates for this with its additional benefits—its spiky facade harms opponents who touch it, and it can be affixed to existing walls. This opens up strategic options for placing walls where Mei can’t, potentially even sweeping an adversary off the map if timed correctly.
Hazard’s ultimate move, Downpour, adds a dramatic flair. It lets loose a shower of purple spikes, pinning enemies in place for a brief period. Those caught can still shoot but are rendered immobile, setting them up perfectly for a fatal attack.
Hazard seems poised to excel at crowd control, striking fear into the hearts of squishy heroes. Yet, as with any new hero release in Overwatch 2, the real test will be the community’s reaction. Each new addition to the roster sparks debates about their impact on the game, whether for better or worse. Where will Hazard settle in this ongoing discussion? We’ll find out soon enough as players dive in during his debut weeks.
