Kiriko Is About to Zip into Overwatch 2 — Meet the New Support Hero
Blizzard is all set to bring Overwatch 2 back to life, and the excitement just got a whole lot faster thanks to the reveal of Kiriko, the brand‑new hero that’s arriving on launch day (October 4). The gameplay trailer shows her leaping across the battlefield with more grace than the original flying fox tease, confirming that the fox‑themed speculations are no longer just wild guesses.
In the lore that sparked the fan frenzy, a fox spirit pops up in a side‑story for the Kanezaka Deathmatch map— a letter from a lady named Asa to her jailed husband, Toshiro, hints that their daughter will ask the fox spirit for strength. Kiriko’s official announcement now dusts the theories aside and pulls the curtain back on her personality.
What’s Kiriko Bringing to the Team?
- Healing Ofuda: Channel a burst of talismans that spotcheck and heal teammates.
- Kunai: Throw a dagger that scores extra crit damage (FPS‑oriented!).
- Swift: Teleport straight to an ally—walls or not.
- Protection Suzu: A splash that shields nearby allies for a beat and wipes away around‑the‑corner debuffs.
- Kitsune Rush (Ultimate): Summon a fox spirit that darts forward, buffing all who tag along with speed, attack, and cooldown gains.
Kiriko also shares a Wall Climb passive (in the same vein as Genji and Hanzo) that lets her jump and climb walls with ease—think Reaper’s Shadow Step but with less goth vibe. Her kit feels like a mash‑up of familiar support tools: Protection Suzu works like Baptiste’s Immortality Field, and Kitsune Rush resembles an upgraded Lucio Speed Boost.
Why Mobility Matters in 5v5
The current 5v5 setup lacks a dedicated off‑tank for peeling, so the extra dash and teleportation can be a lifesaver. With fewer drops, surviving hits becomes more about strategic wrangling than just soaking damage.
When Will Kiriko Join the Party?
Kiriko ships with Overwatch 2 on launch, instantly unlocked for anyone who owns the original game. Players can also snag her (alongside Junker Queen and Sojourn) by reaching Tier 55 of the Season 1 Battle Pass—no more loot boxes, just straight‑up hero grab.
The Battle Pass doesn’t just deliver Kiriko; it’s dropping a brand‑new Portugal map, a cyberpunk Genji mythic skin, and a slew of fresh cosmetics. Keep in mind: the original version of Overwatch will no longer be playable once the new line rolls out.
So strap in, gear up, and get ready to unleash a fox‑powered whirlwind—Kiriko is here to make your support game faster and funnier than ever.
