Overwatch 2 Considering Rework for Reaper

Highlights

  • Reaper in Overwatch 2 may receive a modernization of abilities like Shadow Step and Wraith Form.
  • A new ability for his alt-fire on right click is being considered for Reaper in Overwatch 2.
  • Overwatch 2 wants to give Reaper more in-combat decision-making, potentially changing his gameplay dynamics.


Overwatch 2 is considering a rework of Reaper, one of the original heroes introduced at the launch of the FPS game’s prequel. If Overwatch 2 makes these changes, players may see updates to his Shadow Step and Wraith Form, as well as a brand-new ability.

Reaper, alongside Tracer and Widowmaker, was one of the first heroes developed for the original Overwatch and is one of the most recognizable characters in the game. In the more than seven years since the launch of the first game, Reaper has changed little in comparison to some heroes, several of which were completely redesigned in Overwatch 2.

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Now, it seems like Reaper may be getting a modern tune-up soon. During an AMA on Reddit, lead hero designer Alec Dawson answered a question from Darthnick426, who asked about a Reaper rework. According to Dawson, Reaper is on the list, and the Overwatch 2 developers have already brainstormed some ideas for the hero geared around giving him more in-combat decision-making. Though nothing is set in stone yet, Reaper might end up with changes to his Shadow Step and Wraith Form, plus a new ability for his alt-fire, similar to how Sombra and Roadhog got a new skill in their own Overwatch 2 reworks.


Potential Changes to Reaper in Overwatch 2

  • Modernization of abilities like Shadow Step and Wraith Form.
  • A new ability for his alt-fire on right click.
  • More decision-making in combat than he has right now.

Fans in the thread already presented their own ideas for a new ability for Reaper. One suggested an inaccurate attack where he fires both shotguns at once, but that can pierce through immune effects in Overwatch 2 like Lifeweaver’s Life Grip or Kiriko’s Protection Suzu. Another suggested they give him the grenades he had in an early concept, and that he still wears on his default Overwatch 2 skin to this day. However Reaper changes in the future, it is clear Overwatch 2 wants to keep the core of the character intact.

Reaper isn’t the only Overwatch 2 character that might get a revamp soon. During a recent chat with Emongg and Flats on Twitch, Dawson confirmed Overwatch 2 was looking at reworks for Wrecking Ball and Cassidy as well. The former is a unique tank that can be challenging to play with, while the latter is another original character in a similar boat to Reaper. After the well-received reworks for Sombra and Roadhog in Overwatch 2, fans are looking forward to seeing what happens with these other characters in the future.

overwatch 2 poster

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is Blizzard’s free-to-play team-based first-person shooter. The title features some new heroes like Junker Queen and Sojourn, as well as returning favorites.

Franchise
Overwatch

Released
October 4, 2022