Overwatch 2 has revealed the latest addition to the hero roster, Kiriko. The character was the subject of a massive leak earlier this week, and has now been revealed to be a support/healing ninja with ties to existing heroes, Genji and Hanzo. Blizzard Entertainment released a gameplay trailer highlighting her kit and ultimate ability, which summons a spirit fox named Kitsune. Overwatch 2 will launch on October 4 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One and PC.
Kiriko is a support-type character, blurring the lines between DPS and healer – much like Baptiste at launch. As someone who trained with the Shimada brothers, she has mastered the ability to scale walls and navigate in a quick, agile manner. Her primary healing ability is Healing Ofuda, where she throws out Holy Talismans to restore health to teammates. Unlike most support characters in Overwatch 2, players don’t need to have the best aiming and tracking skills, as Kiriko’s talismans can easily engage her targets. This allows fast, uncontrollable characters like Wrecking Ball, Genji, and Mercy to heal.
Kiriko’s secondary skill is the Kunai Blade, which can be used to damage incoming enemies. Despite the hitscan weapon, one should remember that she is a healer, and therefore, compared to other damage-type heroes, the damage is reduced. That said, if you’re a flex player, you’ll be able to shift the odds in your favor by constantly clicking on an enemy’s head.
In stressful situations, Kiriko can drop a Holy Bell, granting herself and her allies, within limits, temporary invulnerability. Think of it like the Baptist’s realm of immortality, but here the effect is immediate and must be precisely timed. If necessary, she can also save her own skin, by toggling the teleport ability and avoiding the site to seek protection from an ally.
Kiriko’s most powerful ability, however, is Kitsune Rush, where she summons a spectral fox — holding a ninja scroll in its mouth — to light the way to the ghostly torii gates. All teammates passing through these gates will be granted a speed boost with faster movement, weapon reload speed, and a cooldown. Currently, there is no word on how long this capability will last.
With Overwatch 2, Blizzard is getting rid of the loot box system and introducing the Battle Pass. Kiriko will join new tank heroes Junker Queen and damage-type Sojourn in the roster at launch. Those on the original 2016 Overwatch will get free access to Kiriko to use in online PVP matches.
Overwatch 2 launches on October 4 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, and PC via Battle.net.
