While the competition at the Overwatch Champions Series heats up, let's dive into the newest tank hero that is playable all weekend before joining the game in Season 14! Hazard is a charismatic and contrarian punk rocker who might look a little rough around the edges but is a fierce defender at heart. So, in case you missed all the action at DreamHack: Stockholm, here is everything you need to know about his kit, concept, and backstory.
Bringing the Rain
Hazard’s gameplay is a momentum-based blend between dive and brawl playstyles that will leave opponents running for cover. His overall kit is powered by abilities that empower his mobility, Jagged Wall and Violent Leap. You’ll dive into the backline to attack low-health heroes but can easily shift back to the front line to keep the opposing tank in check.
Jagged Wall creates a spiky wall of Vanadium that will stick to any surface, including walls and ceilings, that damages and knocks back opponents that touch it. However, Hazard can use his Vault passive ability to not only climb up the Jagged Wall but also for a short distance on any vertical surface. This allows Hazard to roam around the battlefield with ease.
Once he is in position, Hazard can use Violent Leap to vertically lunge forward and viciously attack his opponents overhead. Violent Leap is a medium ranged, two-stage mobility option that also packs a punch. Activating Violent leap sends Hazard jumping towards an area, and if you press Shift or Melee during the leap Hazard will unleash a devastating slash in front of him. You’ll discover there are tons of fun combos and areas to explore with Hazard across all maps in the game where that little extra ability can lead to a huge advantage.
Rounding out Hazard’s kit are his primary and secondary fire abilities. His primary fire, Bonespur, is a close to midrange shotgun that fires bursts of spikes and can poke better than other tanks.
When Hazard needs to defend himself, his secondary ability, Spike Guard, blocks incoming damage from the front, but at the same time he will retaliate with a volley of Vanadium spikes to nearby enemies while regenerating his ammo at the same time. Being strategic between using both Bonespur and Spike Guard allows Hazard to be a constant threat in any team fight.
Finally, Hazard can unleash his ultimate Downpour ability, a devastating attack that will stop opponents in their tracks. Downpour rains down spikes across an area in front of Hazard. Getting hit with Downpour will damage and root opponents in place, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Beware that Downpour pierces the environment and terrain, so taking cover behind walls and different elevations will not protect you if you are caught in its range.
Hazard is a combo-centric hero that can deal a lot of burst damage between leaping, slashing, and shooting enemies. The key to his success is to keep mobile, look for targets to dive on, and not try not to duel the other tank the entire time. We look forward to seeing how you learn to master his ability kit, and rain terror on your opponents.
The Heart of a Rebel
Hazard’s aesthetic and concept art came from a blend of gameplay and narrative goals. Initially, the team envisioned him as a massive, beastly figure, really leaning into the power and presence his gameplay demanded. New heroes can have multiple prototypes at any given time, and Hazard was snuck into a broader dev team playtest one day. The reaction was so positive that it solidified Hazard as the Season 14 hero.
Hazard’s story is one of struggle and resilience, and in a lot of ways mirrors the world of Overwatch after the Omnic Crisis. He grew up facing hardship and fending for himself. He found his place with the Phreaks—a group of body modders that became his “found family” and gave him an environment where he could flourish and express his true self. His loyalty to the Phreaks and his belief in their anti-establishment ideals are core to who he is.
Initially starting with a cyberpunk, punk rock aesthetic, Hazard began as a monstrous and intimidating villain. Over time, his story and appearance has been refined into someone who’s still tough but has that rebellious charm—like a mix of edginess paired with a protector’s heart.
Hazard’s personality shines through his design and gameplay. One of the standout elements in his art design is the crystalized wall visual from Jagged Wall. He has a tough exterior, and if you’re against him, expect to feel his sting. If you’re with him however, he also makes for an excellent defender.
Since Hazard’s art development refined his visuals, his backstory shifted too. The evolution from massive tank to charming rebel shaped his narrative, and he turned from a villainous figure to a hero. This shift also helped develop the Phreaks as a faction with strong ties to Omnics. They have a focus on bodily autonomy and distinguished them from other groups in Overwatch lore.
Hazard’s development is a good example of how the many aspects of hero development come together, with different parts of the team pulling ideas from one another, trying new things, and ultimately building a hero we think will be fun and resonate with the community.