Summary
Overwatch 2sets a strong example of growing diversity in video games by featuring a wide range of female characters, representing various ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, and sexualities in its diverse roster. Female characters inOverwatch 2are not relegated to supporting roles or simple archetypes but aredynamic and powerful figuresin their own right.
Each character has its own fleshed-out backstory, although a few stand out from the crowd. By providing such a diverse cast,Overwatch 2sends a powerful message of acceptance and appreciation for women. Here are some of thebest female characters inOverwatch 2.
Updated on June 02, 2025, by Stephen LaGioia:One of Overwatch 2’s key strengths is the scope and diverse lineup of heroes, each with their own mechanics, characteristics, and backstories. Overwatch 2 brings to life some awesome female characters in particular, who shine as recognizable pillars in gaming. These heroes each have their own motives, strengths, and even flaws that bring a human touch to their design. Whether players like excelling with these heroes in Overwatch 2’s chaotic multiplayer, or simply learning their detailed stories, there is a huge supply of Overwatch’s best female characters, and with a growing roster, it’s inevitable that even more will enter the fight.
14Echo
A Freedom-Seeking Omnic Who Dominates The Battlefield (And The Skies Above It)
This high-powered Omnic soars above most of her kind in more ways than one. The potent,versatile Echo makes an impact in many ways on the battlefield, with her ability to fly and glide about, shoot sticky bombs, and fire a dangerousFocusing Beamat targets.
The product of evolved programming and sophisticated AI, Echo is a state-of-the-art machine with very human attributes. Personality-wise, she’s modeled largely off one of Overwatch’s founding members, the brilliant scientist Mina Liao — who sought to craft brands of AI for humanity’s betterment. Echo continues to grow and adapt, seeking freedom from the confines of a mere lab.
13Ashe
An Omnic Companion And Human Outlaw
This sassy gunslinger (and her larger Omnic ally Bob) brings various skills and tricks on the battlefield, with both explosive and sharp-shooting abilities. Yet, Ashe is also dynamic in terms of character traits and backstory.
While not exactly a “hero” to be admired in the traditional sense, she certainly has an intriguing upbringing wrought with significant, action-filled events. These include (temporary) incarceration, and a complicated love-hate relationship with Cole Cassidy.
Commanding the Deadlock Gang, she remains an outlaw rebel and a renowned fighter among the criminal underbelly ofOverwatch. Her solidarity with the more downtrodden Omnics, and her defiance of “ladylike” convention make her cool, interesting character that many fans have gotten to appreciate.
12D.va
Pilot, Pro Gamer, And Pro Fighter
On the surface, this bubbly pro esports gamer may seem more like a glossed-over fan creation than a dynamic hero. However, there’s much to love about thisuseful and classic tank— starting with her cool-yet-menacing mech. She appreciates her fame — and isn’t afraid to flaunt her skills, on the one hand.
But she’s also selfless, and uses her mech-piloting and shooting prowess to save her homeland of South Korea, which has been under threat of Omnic attacks. She’s quite handy and capable outside her mech too, as she’s a practiced mechanic and engineer. Her upbringing is heartfelt, as she was brought up playing classic games with her father, and followed in his footsteps to become a renowned pro-gamer.
11Zarya
World’s Strongest Woman Who Will Protect Others Over Glory
Zarya is an admirable woman, and easily one of the best characters inOverwatch. Her sheer size and muscle are enough to intimidate enemies, but to allies and innocents, that need not be the case, for she is extremely soft at heart. Zarya will do anything to protect those weaker than her, for her friends, family, and her country, always putting her safety in the line of fire.
Zarya uses her particle cannon to great effect, lugging the heavy weapon around to ensure allies are safe with a projected barrier. Zarya is one of thebest tanks inOverwatch 2thanks to her defensive capabilities, and powers to grow in strength based on protection.
10Kiriko
A Healer Who Wants To Protect Her Allies & Community
Learning the deadly art of ninjutsu from Asa, her mother, Kiriko uses her abilities to aid her and her allies in an attempt to heal the world for the betterment of civilization. Kiriko is an important part of theShimadaclan, and her love for her community sees her return with a new mastery of abilities to relinquish the grip of the Hashimoto in Japan.
Kiriko can channel her spiritual and ninja skills, becoming a wonderous siphon of both life and death, for she has great healing abilities and damage outputs for those who have the skill to use this support character. A burst of healing that can target allies, and kunai that devastates opponents, it’s wise not to underestimate Kiriko.
9Ana
A Founding Member Of Overwatch With A Motherly Side
Ana was one of the founding pillars of Overwatch. Egypt, Ana’s home country, was hit hard during the Omnic Crisis, and her expertise as a top-notchsniperbecame a lifeline for the depleted security forces. Thanks toAna’s unbeatable marksmanshipand tactical genius, she was handpicked to join the Overwatch strike team, which successfully put an end to the war’s havoc.
As second-in-command under Strike Commander Morrison, she defied age, remaining in active combat until a brutal encounter with Talon’s Widowmaker left her wounded and believed dead. Surviving, Ana withdrew but couldn’t ignore threats to her city and loved ones. Ana is a truly inspirational woman and one of the most unique, dynamic Heroes inOverwatch 2.
8Mercy
A Guardian Angel Who Will Try & Save Everyone
A guardian angel to those in her care, Dr. Angela Ziegler, also known asMercy, is an unparalleledhealerand brilliant scientist. Rising to the head of surgery in Switzerland, she revolutionized nanobiology, which saved countless lives. Overwatch then noticed her talents, but her opposition to their militaristic approach conflicted with her desire to save lives.
Eventually, she realized that the opportunity to save lives was too good to be missed, and she joined Overwatch. As head of medical research, she developed her Valkyrie suit for frontline healing. Despite clashes with superiors, when Overwatch disbanded, she committed to continue aiding those impacted by war. Mercy is one of the best female Heroes inOverwatch 2, as she stays true to her beliefs, only resorting to violence when completely necessary.
7Sojourn
An Exceptional Leader Who Deserves Trust & Respect
Sojourn was invited to join Overwatch by Commander Morrison. Her role within the organization was versatile, handling various duties as needed. She could lead agents in the field or oversee operations, but would always ensure her team’s safe return. Sojourn became renowned for her empathetic and level-headed approach to tactics, prioritizing the well-being of those under her command.
Her exceptional leadership garnered trust and respect, not only from Overwatch agents but also from the ground troops she spent significant time with. Over time, Sojourn emerged as one of Overwatch’smost dependable and esteemed leaders. Sojourn is the perfect example of a strong female lead — she’s an incredible commander, but will always put her team first.
6Widowmaker
The Most Dangerous Assassin Alive With A Tragic Past
Widowmaker is the ultimate assassin. With herpotent sniper rifle,she operates with remarkable efficiency and is completely devoid of emotions or remorse. In her previous life, she was married to Overwatch agent Gérard Lacroix. However, after failed attempts to eliminate her husband, Talon kidnapped her. Subjected to various brainwashing techniques, she was transformed into a sleeper agent.
Later, she was discovered by Overwatch, and she seemed unharmed. However, two weeks later, she coldly murdered Gérard. Fully under Talon’s control, she underwent extensive training and physical alterations, losing her former self, Amélie. Widowmaker has an incredibly tragic past, andOverwatch 2players are left to wonder whether Amélie is still in there, or if Widowmaker is all there is left.
5Brigitte
A Genius Who Uses Her Designs To Help Protect The World
Brigitte is the daughter of renowned weapons designer Torbjörn Lindholm and has embraced her passion for mechanical engineering. Although she was expected to follow her father’s path, Brigitte’s life took a different turn when she became the squire of Reinhardt Wilhelm, a close friend of her father and a former Overwatch agent.
As Reinhardt’s squire, she cared for him and his Crusader armor while yearning to become a warrior herself. No longer content to watch from the sidelines, and determined to protect those in need, she trained in combat and crafted her own suit of armor in secret. Now, Brigittefights alongside Reinhardt, striving to make the world a better place. Brigitte is an amazing character, and by deciding to take her own path in life, she acts as an inspiration for many young women out there.
