Overwatch 2 Best Female Heroes

Summary

• Overwatch 2 showcases diversity in video games, featuring powerful and dynamic female characters from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Each character in Overwatch 2 has a fleshed-out backstory, with Ana, Mercy, and Sojourn standing out as inspirational and respected heroes.
• Widowmaker, Brigitte, Mei, Moira, and Symmetra each have unique stories and abilities that add depth to the game and make them interesting and influential characters.

Overwatch 2 sets 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 in Overwatch 2 are not relegated to supporting roles or simple archetypes but are dynamic and powerful figures in 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 2 sends a powerful message of acceptance and appreciation for women. Here are some of the best female characters in Overwatch 2.

Updated on January 29, 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.

14

Echo

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 dangerous Focusing Beam at 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.

13

Ashe

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 of Overwatch. 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.

12

D.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 this useful 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.

11

Zarya

World’s Strongest Woman Who Will Protect Others Over Glory

Zarya is an admirable woman, and easily one of the best characters in Overwatch. 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 the best tanks in Overwatch 2 thanks to her defensive capabilities, and powers to grow in strength based on protection.

10

Kiriko

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 the Shimada clan, 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.

9

Ana

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-notch sniper became a lifeline for the depleted security forces. Thanks to Ana’s unbeatable marksmanship and 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 in Overwatch 2.

8

Mercy

A Guardian Angel Who Will Try & Save Everyone

A guardian angel to those in her care, Dr. Angela Ziegler, also known as Mercy, is an unparalleled healer and 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 in Overwatch 2, as she stays true to her beliefs, only resorting to violence when completely necessary.

7

Sojourn

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’s most 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.

6

Widowmaker

The Most Dangerous Assassin Alive With A Tragic Past

Widowmaker is the ultimate assassin. With her potent 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, and Overwatch 2 players are left to wonder whether Amélie is still in there, or if Widowmaker is all there is left.

5

Brigitte

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, Brigitte fights 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.

4

Mei

A Somewhat Shy Climatologist Who Fights For The Right Thing

Mei is an incredible climatologist, who has taken it upon herself to combat environmental challenges head-on. With unexplained climate phenomena plaguing the planet, Overwatch established eco-Watchpoints to find a solution. Mei played a vital role in protecting at-risk areas with her innovations.

Stranded in the eco-Watchpoint in Antarctica after a catastrophic storm, her cryostasis kept her alive for years until she emerged as the sole survivor. In a changed world, with Overwatch disbanded and climate issues worsening, Mei continues her mission. The icy heroine has faced unbelievable hardships, yet she remains remarkably positive and bubbly. She’s incredibly inspirational, and players can continue her fight for the world in Overwatch 2.

3

Moira

A Sadistic Scientist Who Sees No Flaw In Her Ego

Moira is both a brilliant and controversial scientist, as she pushes the boundaries of genetic engineering in her quest to rewrite the essence of life itself. Whilst the distinct mad scientist has made strides in custom genetic programs, her work faced ethical concerns from peers, damaging her reputation.

A lifeline came from Overwatch’s covert ops, Blackwatch, where she continued her research in secret. After Overwatch disbanded, she found support from Oasis and the shadowy Talon organization. Moira is unapologetically evil, and it’s refreshing to see a female character who can be bad for the sake of being bad. No tragic backstories, just pure malice.

2

Symmetra

A Light-Bending Architect Who Wants To Create A Better Society

Symmetra possesses the unique ability to manipulate reality through hard-light constructs, shaping the world into her vision of an ideal society. Born in poverty, she was chosen by the Vishkar Corporation to become a light-bending architect, leading to her isolation from home. Immersed in her studies, she excelled, becoming a top architect and a covert agent for Vishkar, serving their interests worldwide.

Despite her belief in creating a better society, Symmetra grapples with doubts about whether her pursuit of control and order truly benefits humanity. Her journey has been one of the most interesting to watch unfold, as she tries to balance her convictions and the consequences of her actions.

1

Tracer

A Quirky Optimist With The Powers Of Time-Jumping

Everyone who knows Overwatch has heard of Tracer, the proud British agent who is known for time-jumping and adventuring all over the world. Tracer is a force for good, refusing to back down from doing the right thing, no matter what. If innocent lives are at stake, Tracer will put herself directly in danger to save them. That’s the kind of hero the world needs and the kind of person Tracer will always be.

Armed with her dual pulse pistols and abilities to blink and recall herself, Tracer zips around the battlefield at intense speeds, making her hard to master, and equally hard to kill. Tracer is one of the best agents Overwatch has, and her desires to make the world a better place are admirable and well-placed.