While the original Overwatch will supposedly not be seeing the addition of any new heroes, as Blizzard’s original intention was to save them for Overwatch 2, the sequel’s rumored delay could see a change being made to this plan. If such a change does happen, and the original Overwatch does indeed get a new hero, there are a few possible characters that could fill this role.

While Sojourn is the most likely addition, as she has been officially confirmed as a playable hero for the next game, a few leaked characters could fill the slot as well — with Sojourn being reserved for a debut inside Overwatch 2 like originally planned. While this is purely speculation, as Blizzard could easily stick to its guns and not release any new characters until the hero shooter’s sequel arrives, the possibility is worth discussing.

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Yokai is the most likely hero to be revealed at BlizzConline, and in turn, the most likely character to debut in Overwatch next. Back in 2019, a Game Informer interview discussed a behind-closed-doors showing of four unannounced heroes, with Jeff Kaplan showing attendees silhouettes of these future Overwatch 2 additions. One character had a fox-like companion, with the animal’s use surely making for an interesting kit. However, this leak soon became a legitimate hero tease inside the recently released Kanezaka map.

On one of the Japanese-based map’s walls, the word “Yokai” can be seen. A term for spirit animals, the rumored fox hero’s pet may be more of a ghost than flesh and blood. With the word surrounded by graffiti of a fox, the tease is made even more clear, and it seems likely that Yokai will be shown off very soon. With a separate teaser hinting at a sword-wielding Overwatch character with ties to the Shimada clan, players may already have an idea of how she will play and what her backstory could entail.

For a while now, players have wanted that Talon tank Mauga to join his pal Baptiste as a member of Overwatch’s playable roster. Loyal to the Talon terrorist organization, Mauga boasts an up-close and personal fighting style that would make him an interesting off-tank or damage hero. With Baptiste owing him a favor, as Mauga did not turn his turncoat friend in once he abandoned Talon, Mauga has the perfect story setup for a potential debut.

Apart from a massive build and neat hairstyle that would allow for some stylish cosmetics to be made unlockable, several leaks and rumors in 2019 claimed that Mauga’s kit was almost fully complete. With leakers claiming that Blizzard did not release him purely because they wanted a new main tank with a shield, something that would not fit with the Mauga shown in the “What You Leave Behind” comic, the 31st hero slot was filled by Sigma instead. With Blizzard supposedly knowing what they would do with the Samoan hero, though, it would make sense if he came to Overwatch soon.

If  the first Overwatch gets another hero, it is entirely possible that it will be someone fully unknown to the public. While seeing teased heroes like Yokai and Mauga in the game would be thrilling, Blizzard could throw a curveball in the direction of fans. Much like how the Tank hero Orisa was added to the game as Hero 24, despite all signs pointing to Doomfist, the next Overwatch hero could be someone nobody is expecting.

Back when the fox hero was leaked, a staff-wielding monk was also mentioned. This character could come next, as could a previously leaked hero that acted like a spy. Wearing a suit and shooting a silent pistol while commanding a drone, players theorized that Talon banker Maximilien could be this character — though nothing has come from this leaked concept thus far. The scrapped Jetpack Cat could also return, as players have only seen concept art of the character, while players could see the Junkertown Queen finally wielding her club in-game. While the fox hero and Mauga are both more likely, Blizzard clearly has no shortage of options for future Overwatch heroes.

Overwatch is available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

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