Overwatch fans were given a new Deathmatch map out of nowhere, with the free-for-all location including some gorgeous Japanese architecture and fun areas like a cat cafe. The latest Overwatch map also appears to hold some teasers for new characters, however, with the heavily rumored fox hero being referenced heavily.
In the same developer update where Jeff Kaplan shared progress on Overwatch 2, the beloved director teased fans about the pieces of graffiti littered around the Kanezaka Deathmatch map. With Kaplan telling fans to pay particular attention to the various pieces of street set, fans were quick to analyze the lore-heavy map details. As it turns out, Kaplan’s teases were meaningful, with players finding references to a hero supposedly coming in Overwatch 2.
Back in 2019, it was reported that a still-unannounced Overwatch hero that will be coming in the sequel had a fox-like pet by her side. While the female character sported a four-sided melee weapon, the star of the show will supposedly be her fox, which may function as a special ability or even the character’s ultimate. With the fox featuring so heavily in the Overwatch hero’s concept, it seems like the mentions of a fox in Kanezaka’s graffiti are a clear not to the incoming hero.
The discovery about the fox graffiti came courtesy of Overwatch fan and Redditor DoctorDeadeye, with the player posting his discoveries on the Overwatch subreddit. The graffiti on the map includes a word that translates to “yokai” — a Japanese term for spirits that can sometimes take the form of animals. In Japanese folklore, yokai often took the form of foxes, and with a fox seen in the graffiti of the Kanezaka free-for-all map, this could give players an idea of what the new hero's mysterious creature will look like.
Back when details were first released on the Japanese character, it was hinted that the hero would have some kind of a connection to the Shimada clan. With ties to Overwatch member Genji and Hanzo, it is entirely possible that this hero would have access to the same power as the Shimada brothers. With the fox possibly taking a form like Hanzo’s sprit dragons, the fox’s look could be less of a physical form and more of a ghost-like style. While this is purely speculation, it is exciting that Blizzard has started to tease one of the next heroes coming to the Overwatch universe.
With Kanezaka also teasing another new Overwatch hero named Brit, it seems that Blizzard has gotten the ball rolling regarding their new hero teases. With Overwatch 2 confirmed to be shown at BlizzCon in February, players might just get to see the fox-related hero in action at the event.
Overwatch is available now on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
