Blizzard announced Kiriko as a new Overwatch 2 hero and the first support hero to be introduced in over three years. Fans have been eager to try out a new support hero, optimized for the gameplay of Overwatch 2. Along with the announcement of the new hero, Blizzard has also shared the roadmap for the first and second seasons of Overwatch 2.
Who is Kiriko?
Blizzard announced Kiriko via a tweet from the official Overwatch account alongside a new trailer detailing her kit. It appears that Kiriko is a female ninja, better known as a kunoichi, that’s related to Genji and Hanzo. According to the game’s lore, Kiriko’s mother is a ninja master and was responsible for training all three of them in the art of ninjutsu. Meanwhile, Kiriko’s grandmother trained her as a healer.
An all-new support hero and her Fox Spirit companion rush into the action. #Overwatch2 arrives free-to-play October 4. pic.twitter.com/yXfs7knpB2 — Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) September 15, 2022 In the game, Kiriko uses kunai as throwing projectiles that have increased critical damage. She can also use healing talismans that can home in on allies and deploy a Protection Suzu to make her allies invulnerable as well as cleanse negative effects. Her movement skill is Swift Step where she can teleport instantly to an ally even through walls and other obstacles. As a ninja, she can also passively climb up walls. Kiriko’s Ultimate is the Kitsune Rush where she summons a fox spirit that rushes forward and buffs the movement speed and attack speed of allies. Skill cooldowns are reset for allies that follow the Kitsune’s path.
Season 1 roadmap
Overwatch 2’s Season 1 looks to be packed with content. Three new heroes in Kiriko, Sojourn, and Junker Queen will be added to the game. All three heroes can be unlocked for returning Overwatch players. New players can unlock them via the Battle Pass. Alternatively, players can purchase the Battle Pass for $10 to unlock the new heroes immediately. The new Battle Pass tiers also feature 30+ new skins along with a new Mythic Skin. There are six new maps that players can battle in a 5v5 PvP. A new mode called Push will also be introduced. Overwatch 2 also features crossplay and cross-progression support. The game also features Competitive Mode 2.0. All 32 heroes from Overwatch will be returning in the sequel along with the classic maps and modes. Seasons in Overwatch 2 will last for 9 weeks. Season 2 is slated to start on December 6 and will feature a new Tank hero and one new map. Overwatch 2 is free-to-play and will launch on October 4, 2022, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
