Overwatch 2 is experimenting with a bold new addition to its roster: Vendetta, a sword-wielding damage hero now available in a trial weekend before her official release in season 20. This marks a significant departure for the game, which has historically favored ranged combat. Players eager for a fast-paced, aggressive playstyle can test her out before December 1st.
The Rise of Close-Quarters Combat
Vendetta isn’t the first melee-focused hero in Overwatch, with Reinhardt and Brigitte already occupying that space. However, she represents the most extreme commitment to close-range combat in a game dominated by firearms. Blizzard’s decision to introduce such a character reflects a desire to attract new players and offer a distinctly different experience. As Associate Game Director Alec Dawson explained, the team wanted “a play style…that players haven’t seen before.”
Narrative Ties to Overwatch Lore
Beyond gameplay, Vendetta’s introduction is deeply rooted in Overwatch’s narrative. Her backstory revolves around revenge against Reaper, who killed her father during the Retribution mission. This personal vendetta positions her as a morally ambiguous character targeting both Overwatch and Talon. The story adds depth to her presence in the game, reinforcing Overwatch’s ongoing power struggles.
How Vendetta Plays: Abilities and Strategy
Vendetta’s kit is designed for aggressive dives, requiring players to close gaps quickly and capitalize on short windows of opportunity.
- Passive: Onslaught – Grants increased movement and attack speed upon hitting enemies, encouraging aggressive follow-up attacks.
- Primary Fire: Palatine Fang – A sword combo with a critical damage finisher, rewarding precise timing.
- Alternate Fire: Warding Stance – Reduces incoming damage with a resource meter, offering brief defensive utility while also enabling ranged projectiles.
- Ability 1: Whirlwind Dash – A lunging attack that builds Onslaught stacks, ideal for engaging multiple enemies.
- Ability 2: Soaring Slice – A dash-and-slash combo that bypasses primary fire combos for instant critical damage.
- Ultimate: Sundering Blade – An armor-piercing attack that bypasses shields and overhealth, potentially countering support ultimates like Lucio’s Sound Barrier.
Balancing Risk and Reward
Blizzard acknowledges the challenge of balancing a melee DPS hero. Vendetta’s effectiveness relies heavily on cooldown management and precise positioning. Overextending leaves her vulnerable, but a skilled player can exploit gaps in enemy defenses. The tension between high-octane kills and swift deaths is “exactly what she’s there for,” according to Dawson.
Vendetta’s addition comes after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, signaling a willingness to experiment with core gameplay mechanics. The trial weekend provides a chance to experience this risky but potentially rewarding new hero before she joins the permanent roster in season 20.
