Overwatch 2Hazard, the newest tank heroofficially launches next month when the shooter's 14th season kicks off, but you can try it out from now until November 25th. Shortly before testing began, Blizzard released the first footage of Hazard in action and a description of the Scottish hero kit. In some ways, Hazard feels like an amalgamation of other characters' abilities, similar to Juno. However, there's enough variety here that I can imagine it feeling pretty distinct and not just a carbon copy of the heroes it borrows from.
Like most other tanks in Overwatch 2Hazard's kit is all about taking up space and disrupting the opposing team. His primary fire is a mid-range shotgun-style blast from the Gatling gun on his right hand, complementing the rest of his playstyle as a mobile, scrappy tank along the lines of Winston or Doomfist. Hazard can jump like Winston and then deliver a powerful melee attack using the purple spikes that grow from his armor. His mobility doesn't end there, as he can also climb walls like Hanzo and Genji. Both abilities help him reach the high ground with ease and hunt down enemies that would otherwise cause problems for a more stationary tank.
When Hazard actually gets close to enemies, he can also brawl and take up space with his Spike Guard ability, which greatly reduces incoming damage, regenerates ammo, and fires spikes from his back at close range in front of him. This is useful for both advancing against enemies and retreating, but unlike Ramattra's protection ability, it is time-limited and cannot be used indefinitely.
Perhaps the most interesting tool in Hazard's arsenal is the Jagged Wall ability. Similar to Mei with her ice wall, Hazard is able to create a wall that can block incoming attacks, although it is not quite as wide as Mei's. There are some additional advantages to this, including its spiky exterior, which damages and repels enemies that touch it, and the fact that it can be built on the side of walls. This gives him the ability to build a wall in some places Mei can't reach and maybe even knock an enemy off the side of the map if you plan it right.
The whole thing is rounded off by his ultimate work “Downpour”. This ability rains down purple spikes at a distance in front of Hazard, keeping enemies caught in the, er, downpour in place. Those affected can still fire their weapons, but they are immobilized for a short time and are open to a fatal shot.
Overall, Hazard seems to thrive when he takes up space, and soft heroes will probably hate to see him coming. But I'm curious to see how players actually react to him after playing, like they do every time Overwatch 2 Hero is released, there will be weeks of discussion about how they ruined the game or aren't good enough to move the needle. Where will Hazard fall? We'll see in the next few days.
