Overwatch 2 Introduces New Hero Freya: An Explosive Bounty Hunter
In an exciting announcement, Overwatch 2 has unveiled Freya, the first new hero set to join the roster in 2025. Freya, an explosive crossbow-wielding bounty hunter, boasts remarkable mobility, allowing her to dash and fly around the battlefield.
Blizzard Entertainment revealed Freya during the Overwatch 2 Spotlight livestream, detailing her unique role as a damage hero. Previously a search-and-rescue operative, Freya has now taken on the mantle of a bounty hunter. Her main weapon, a crossbow, enables her to fire rapid bolts at her enemies, while her alternate fire launches a high-speed explosive bolt for significant damage.
Freya’s gameplay emphasizes movement and positioning, being described by Blizzard as a “challenging and rewarding” character requiring precision and steady aim. She features a quick dash ability that reloads her crossbow and an Updraft move that propels her into the air. Additionally, her Bola Shot ability gathers enemies together, setting them up for devastating combos from teammates or her explosive crossbow shots.
Players will have the opportunity to experience Freya during a trial weekend in Season 15, leading up to her official introduction in Season 16 later this year.
In addition to Freya, Blizzard has also announced Aqua, a new hero equipped with a staff who harnesses water-bending abilities. Scheduled to join the game in Season 18, Aqua is set to introduce an innovative playstyle, though further details on his abilities are yet to be disclosed.
The Overwatch 2 Spotlight stream also revealed that loot boxes are making a comeback with Season 15. Alongside this, the introduction of a new core gameplay system called Perks and a round-based, third-person mode known as Stadium will offer players new ways to engage with the game, allowing them to purchase items and upgrade their heroes throughout matches.
