The best hero redesigns in Overwatch 2, and some of the worst

Olivia Richman Published 22/04/2022

Early on, Overwatch developers promised reworks of all Overwatch heroes in the upcoming Overwatch 2. This not only included updated abilities that would even some heroes switching roles, but also the heroes’ actual physical appearances. Many Overwatch fans are excited about the new looks in Overwatch 2.

“Overwatch 2 evolves the look and feel of the world, with more dynamic environments, larger-scale battles, additional in-game storytelling events, and improved atmospheric effects and shadows. Heroes in Overwatch 2 will also have a brand-new look, with greater detail and higher fidelity,” developers said in the official blog.

The blog post also featured 10 visual hero reworks so fans could get a closer look at the new looks to come in Overwatch 2. Here are some of the most notable Overwatch 2 hero redesign changes.

Overwatch 2 hero reworks

For the past few years, Blizzard developers have continuously delayed the release of Overwatch 2. But with the game’s beta just around the corner, the excitement behind the highly-anticipated sequel is back.

Despite the delays, developers have consistently showed off the game’s new visuals to fans. While some gameplay remained a mystery, Overwatch players were promised new hero reworks that were meant to be an improvement on each hero’s previous appearance. Here are some of the biggest redesigns in Overwatch 2.

Lucio new look in Overwatch 2

Lucio has one of the most clear physical changes on the Overwatch roster. With his neon glowing dreads and cyberpunk touches in Overwatch 2, he finally has the futuristic techno look he always deserved. Lucio’s brighter colors and glowing elements instantly scream rave DJ now, a big improvement from his dull design in the first game.

Reinhardt new look in Overwatch 2

The biggest difference between Reinhardt in Overwatch and Overwatch 2 is that players can now see his face. In Overwatch 2, Reinhardt’s base design doesn’t have him wearing a helmet or mask, instead opting to let his long hair and beard flow freely into battle. His body armor is also a bit less bulky, giving him a more humanized look than in Overwatch 1.

Genji new look in Overwatch 2

Genji’s new look is a fan-favorite, taking some of the popular elements from his brother Hanzo’s looks in Overwatch 1 and giving some of that familial fashion sense to Genji. No longer just a cold robot design, Genji now sports the robotic equivalent of sportswear joggers and a swag ski jacket. Genji looks much more streetwear than cyborg killer now, but keeping the helmet gives him that cold, killer edge fans love.

Widowmaker new look in Overwatch 2

Widowmaker’s changes are more subtle, combining to create an entirely new take on the assassin’s sultry and sinister appearance. The addition of more black to her outfit takes away from the brightness of her purple Overwatch 1 suit. This matches her personality a bit more. The new vision tech has a further arachnid influence, and her hair and leg details are much more pronounced. Widowmaker finally has a look that matches her voice lines and personality.

Unfortunately, many of the updated new looks in Overwatch 2 are so minimal that using the slider to go from their Overwatch 1 skin to the Overwatch 2 skin is laughable. Mercy’s base skin gets a bit more color and a different halo placement. Winston has almost no noticeable differences to speak of. Tracer loses a leg strap. Pharah’s body armor gets some shape changes.

Many fans have voiced that Mei’s new skin in Overwatch 2 is probably the worst change. The new shape is unflattering and bulky, losing out on some of the elements that made Mei’s previous skin cute and cozy rather than large and clunky.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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