In recent news related to Overwatch 2, an image potentially revealing the next new hero, Illari, has apparently leaked on the internet, just about a fortnight before the upcoming season’s scheduled launch. Gamers who’ve seen this new hero are largely convinced it’s a fresh healer character.
New Overwatch 2 hero Illari leaked online
Stevooo, an Overwatch 2 player, has shared two images allegedly featuring the new hero, Illari. These images display two of what seem to be three legendary skins for this character: Daybreak and Sundown. The third one is named Llamas Pajamas. Alongside Illari’s name, one can spot a small yet clearly visible support icon.
Who this? Can't be a healing turret character can it? pic.twitter.com/UlmSSMvHqN
— Stevooo (@UhOh_Stevo) August 1, 2023
After Stevooo’s apparent leak, akash, who is said to have gained access to the new hero, opted to leak the entire build. Streamer akash reveals that Illari possesses a healing turret that can be destroyed, along with an ability similar to Baptiste’s jump that pushes back enemies.
This ability works on a cooldown basis. Additionally, she has a beam-like attack that either inflicts damage or provides healing, depending on the target. Akash also suggests that Illari’s ultimate ability is akin to Raze’s from VALORANT.
Eh fuck it ability leaks
150 hp desttoyabke healing turret,
Cd based "bap jump" that knocks enemies back
Ultimate allows you to fly and shoot 1 rocket (kind of like reyze from val) dealing damage and applying a discord orb type debuff to anyone effected. https://t.co/LCg2Ai4315— life is stupid (@lifebutstupid) August 1, 2023
As expected, the gaming community is buzzing with theories and assumptions. A few members on the competitive Overwatch subreddit are speculating that Illari might have Peruvian origins, based on the fact that the hero’s name and several of her rare skin names are in the Quechua language.
Adding to the buzz, new Invasion skins for Overwatch 2 and a glimpse at the game’s forthcoming support hero, Illari, were accidentally revealed by Blizzard’s President, Mike Ybarra. The long-awaited Player vs Environment (PvE) missions of Overwatch 2 are finally scheduled for release on August 10, marking the launch of the game’s sixth season.
The upcoming content will bring a host of new features, including three story missions, a new hero, a main game mode named Flashpoint, and a range of flashy in-game items. Blizzard decorated its campus in anticipation of the new season’s release. Although it was expected that pictures of this event would surface on the internet, it was actually Blizzard’s President who shared it in a tweet that was later removed.
Ana Omnic skins are also leaked online
In a photo that was saved and re-shared on Reddit, the front of the Blizzard campus displays a variety of forthcoming skins. A special Mythic Ana skin is prominently featured, showing the sniper character seemingly transformed into an Omnic. The Battle Pass’s theme is “Invasion,” but it’s unclear whether this hints at a storyline development or represents a hypothetical, non-canonical scenario.
Additionally, in the top left of the photo, fans have noticed what could be the new support hero for the game, Illari. Not a lot of details are known about this character yet, but the developers have hinted that she will wield a very distinctive weapon.
The image also seems to feature Reaper, Cassidy, Pharah, and Genji, all sporting similar Omnic-style skins. Whether these will be included in the Battle Pass or the shop remains uncertain.
As the launch of Overwatch 2 Invasion is fast approaching, we can expect more news in the lead-up to the release. However, for now, it’s evident that the players are incredibly excited about the cosmetic enhancements that await them when Invasion begins later this month.
Exposures, intentional or not, can fuel anticipation and speculation among fans in the build-up to a release. While they offer glimpses of upcoming features, they can also raise numerous questions and spark widespread speculation. Despite occasionally disrupting carefully planned marketing strategies, leaks often heighten the buzz around a product or service, keeping fans engaged and eager for the official launch. However, it’s always crucial to take leaks with a grain of skepticism until official confirmations are made.
By the way, did you know that Blizzard will release Overwatch 2 for Steam?
Featured image credit: Mark Chan/Unsplash
