Overwatch is a game defined by its cast of characters. From Mercy to Sombra and everyone in between, each character has a unique story that accompanies their design. As a result, every hero in the game feels utterly unique, and their motivations for fighting are all interesting. Many characters find themselves aligned with specific Overwatch factions, whether it be Talon, Null Sector, or Overwatch itself. However, some heroes remain unaligned, choosing to forge their own path.
With Overwatch finally getting a PvE campaign in Overwatch 2, though, the stage is set for some major story beats to play out. While character deaths are unlikely given the game’s hero shooter style, plenty of twists and turns could play out as the reunited Overwatch takes on Talon and Null Sector. Some of the best surprises could see unaffiliated heroes making a stand, joining the side of good or evil to make the fight between the two even more intense. While Blizzard could certainly do the unexpected with some characters, here are the factions the neutral heroes are likely to join based on their current stories.
Hanzo
Prediction: Joining Overwatch
The skilled archer Hanzo has proven before that he has a mean streak, as he nearly killed his brother Genji in cold blood. This saw him abandoning the Shimada Clan to explore the world, only to eventually stumble across Genji once again upon a return to Hanamura. The discovery that Genji was still alive shook him to his core, with this being the last major development in Hanzo’s story arc. Not only is Hanzo seemingly a better man than he was when he tried to kill Genji, but he has turned down offers from Talon in the past. As such, it seems likely that he will join Overwatch to be with his brother once again, doing his best to atone for his mistake.
Bastion
Prediction: Joining Overwatch
The adorable omnic Bastion has proven that he is anything but cruel, making him a great contrast to the other Bastion models the tank hero Reinhardt once had to fight against. As such, it makes sense that his journey of self-discovery would lead to him wanting to help people, as the cheerful robot can prove anyone doubting him wrong. Bastion joining Overwatch not only makes sense for his character, but it creates a more interesting story due to the potential interactions with someone like Reinhardt.
Symmetra
Prediction: Joining Talon
Symmetra’s short story proved that she is far from a terrible person, with the character having a spiritual side and remaining focused on keeping order. Having an aversion for crowds and being on the Autism spectrum, Symmetra is a relatable hero for many fans as well. However, while she may not be villainous, the Vishkar Corporation on has proven that it is. Attempting to exploit the citizens of Rio De Janeiro for cheap, risky labor, Vishkar has shown signs of a willingness to do wrong. As such, a proper payday or deal with Doomfist could see them helping Talon in the sequel. If this happens, Symmetra would likely do the same, as she was raised from a young age on Vishkar ideals.
Ashe
Prediction: Joining Talon
The leader of the deadlock gang, the gunslinger Ashe has proven that she has no qualms when committing criminal acts. Her main focus has always seemed to be on staying in power and making money, both of which could be provided by Doomfist and Talon. If the deal is good enough, Ashe, Bob, and the rest of the Deadlock gang could easily be seen filling the role of hired help come Overwatch 2. While they may not believe in the organization’s cause, that would likely not be enough for Ashe to turn down a profit.
Lucio
Prediction: Joining Overwatch
Besides being one of the most popular heroes in Overwatch, the talented musician Lucio seems primed for a spot in the faction. After all, the reunited Overwatch has been seen helping Lucio protect Rio De Janeiro in the trailers for Overwatch 2. As such, it seems likely that the healer makes his way to the team, bringing his Sonic Amplifier along with him. If Symmetra and Vishkar do join Talon, then Lucio has even more of a reason to become a full-fledged member of the team.
Zenyatta
Prediction: Joining Overwatch
While Zenyatta is fairly removed from the story of Overwatch, he has played a crucial role in helping Genji lose his rage and become a better person. On top of that, Zenyatta surely knows that Tracer did her best to stop the assassination of Mondatta in Widowmaker’s “Alive” short, building a further connection between the monk and the do-gooders. With Zen being as peaceful as he is, it seems unlikely that he would ever align himself with a terrorist group like Talon. As such, unless some form of brainwashing takes place, he will surely stay neutral or join Overwatch in the next game.
Zarya
Prediction: Joining Overwatch
Zarya may have a hatred for Omnics, making it harder for her to work with a cyborg ninja like Genji or a full-on robot like Bastion, but she did learn to work on this flaw in the “Searching” comic. More than anything else, Zarya is determined to protect her home country of Russia. Talon aligning itself with Null Sector in its bid to create chaos eliminates any chances of her working with the faction, and she will surely join whatever faction is standing against the evil Omnics. This will undoubtedly be Overwatch, making the Olympic weightlifter a shoo-in for the team.
The Junkers
Prediction: Joining Talon
Rounding out the list is a series of Overwatch characters that could quickly pad out the ranks of Talon. Wrecking Ball, Junkrat, and Roadhog could all join the faction, with the same happening if the Junker Queen becomes a playable character. With the Australian Outback still devastated and Overwatch seemingly abandoning Junkertown to fight over scraps, the motivation is already there. Further, Talon would only need to promise the people of Junkertown something more than mech fights and metal to entice them to help, making for another formidable alliance.
While Overwatch 2 could close many chapters, it could also open others. Seeing heroes taking sides would be a lot more interesting than having them stay neutral, and dividing the uninvolved members of the cast evenly between Talon and Overwatch seems wise. While Overwatch will surely come together to deal with Null Sector, Talon could grow its ranks with the likes of Symmetra, Ashe, and the Junkers. As a result, the stage could be set for another big story moment in the Overwatch universe.
Overwatch is available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
