Blizzard has revealed Vendetta as the next playable character coming to Overwatch 2, marking the arrival of Hero 45. The new damage hero, also known as La Lupa, was introduced through a short cinematic trailer and is set to launch in December alongside the start of season 20. Vendetta originates from Italy and carries narrative ties to Talon through her family history. She enters the game wielding a massive hard-light sword, highlighting her role as a rare melee-focused damage hero.
A new melee fighter enters the arena
The reveal trailer shows Vendetta battling on the Colosseo map, using a sword made of hard light — a technology previously associated with Symmetra and the Vishkar corporation, as well as Lifeweaver’s biolight system. Hard light in Overwatch lore refers to a solid construct formed entirely from light. How this connects to Vendetta’s personal story remains unclear, although early hints suggest her background involves unresolved issues linked to her father.
Blizzard has recently placed greater emphasis on expanding Overwatch 2’s narrative, more than three years after launch. The game’s menu now includes a dedicated story section featuring hero origins, short videos, and lore updates that explore events following the Omnic Crisis. Vendetta’s arrival is expected to build on this renewed focus, bringing fresh insights into the long-running conflict between Overwatch and Talon.
Blizzard shares insight into Vendetta’s past
Alongside the trailer, Blizzard released an official character description giving a deeper look into Vendetta’s origins. The description states: “Denied her inheritance and cast aside, La Lupa clawed her way into legend through the brutal world of arena combat in the Colosseo. With every victory, her influence grew. But beyond the arena, whispers of Vendetta’s past proliferate, hinting at a history that ties her legacy directly to the original Overwatch conflict against Talon. Having carved out her place among the arena’s elite, she cuts down enemies with ruthless, regal precision. Beneath the surface, her ambitions run deeper. Each gladiatorial victory is a calculated step towards something greater.”
Vendetta is positioned as the first fully melee-only damage hero in the franchise and only the second melee-focused hero in the entire roster. While Reinhardt uses a melee weapon, he does not qualify due to his ranged fire strike ability. In contrast, Vendetta’s skill set, as shown in the trailer, suggests a completely melee-centred approach, enhanced by high mobility and dynamic attacks.
A growing roster heading into 2025
Footage from the trailer shows Vendetta throwing her sword to strike distant enemies before leaping through the air to reclaim it and deliver follow-up attacks. This gives her a broader reach than Brigitte, whose melee combat is limited to very close range. Blizzard is shaping Vendetta into a hybrid brawler with both reach and agility, setting her apart from existing damage heroes.
Vendetta will be the third hero introduced to Overwatch 2 in 2025. Freja joined the roster in season 16, followed by Wuyang, who arrived at the start of season 18. Blizzard released three heroes in 2024 as well — a tank, a support, and a damage hero — but Vendetta shifts the pattern by becoming the second damage hero added this year. Her debut brings the total number of playable damage characters to 20.
As season 20 approaches, Vendetta’s release is expected to generate strong interest among players looking for a new close-combat playstyle. With her hard-light sword, lore connections, and distinctive melee identity, she represents a significant addition to Overwatch 2’s evolving lineup.
