Though every playable character in Overwatch 2 is referred to as a hero, that term does not suit some members of the roster. Characters like Roadhog and Moira are outright evil, while Ramattra’s understandable motivation does not justify his actions. Ashe is another character that certainly cannot be considered a do-gooder, as the outlaw leads the Deadlock Gang in various train heists and other robberies throughout the United States.
Though casual Overwatch 2 fans will have likely made the connection between Ashe and her former partner-in-crime Cassidy, as the “Reunion” short highlights both characters, Ashe is interesting beyond her ties to Cass’ younger years. Not the typical outlaw, Ashe comes from a place of wealth, something that led to her having access to B.O.B., a robotic butler. For Ashe, though, this Omnic is likely seen as far more than some hired help.
Why B.O.B. is So Important To Ashe
Though Ashe may shout at B.O.B. in-game, and can be seen butting heads with him in various highlight intros, the two are inseparable - and for good reason. Ashe’s path to crime started when she was a teenager, as her family’s endless wealth served as a double-edged sword. Though it meant that she could have anything she wanted, the money was cursed in the sense that her parents cared more about expanding their riches than spending time with her.
With her parents not in her life, and often leaving their home state of Texas to travel without their daughter, Ashe was constantly cared for by her butler. This allowed her to form a deep bond with the large Omnic, who was the closest thing she had to a parental figure and friend. While B.O.B. may have done a lot for Ashe, an Omnic designed to serve their owner is not a great role model. With no parent to teach Ashe to behave, she began causing trouble in school while also getting into activities like target practice to kill time at home.
Despite Ashe’s comfy life bringing her more frustration than happiness, B.O.B. served as a bright spot for her, as she would talk to him regularly despite his inability to respond with words. He even made Ashe her favorite cake every year when her birthday came around, which Ashe appreciated, as B.O.B. was the only one to do anything special for her. Though the baking was a part of his programming, any bit of love was a change for Ashe.
The Omnic Crisis serves as the greatest proof of the bond between these two characters, as during the war, B.O.B. disappeared - likely hiding or fighting in the conflict. Though Ashe thought he would never come back, he returned later, this time with sentience. However, even with B.O.B. having free will, he wanted to stick by Ashe. Clearly, both viewed each other as family, with their bond being the closest either had to a friendship as well.
Though Ashe was avoided by other students because of her social status, and was eventually cut off from her family’s wealth because of legal trouble, B.O.B. remained by her side. Ashe running the Deadlock Gang is partially because she needs money to survive, and partially because she wants to put her marksmanship skills to good use. However, deep down she is likely just seeking out people who care about her, which is something her parents never did. Though Cassidy leaving the gang is proof that many of the relationships she has with Deadlock's members will be temporary, B.O.B. is something different. A lifelong friend and caretaker, he is the only one to show her love and stay with her when things go wrong.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
