Overwatch 2Season 14 recently debuted its mid-season update, which included new features such as Maximilien’s Vault, a second 6v6 playtest, and the return of Overwatch Classic. AlongsideOverwatch 2’s mid-season patch, which has sparked controversy regarding hero balancing, Blizzard unveiled a Mythic “Lead Rose” weapon for Ashe and a new Competitive Drive event. Still, despite the wave of fresh content, some fans are already focusing on future seasons.
In theDecember Director’s Take, Game Director Aaron Keller revealed that Season 15 will substantially overhaulOverwatch 2’s competitive scene, similar to the changes introduced in Season 9. Players are also eagerly awaiting more details about who might become the next playable character in the hero shooter. Although Blizzard has kept its cards close to its chest regarding the game’s future, the developers may be hiding the next hero in plain sight.
Overwatch 2’s Next Hero Could Be a Familiar Face With Deep Lore
Overwatch 2 May Introduce Another Omnic To Its Roster
On January 22, the PlayOverwatch YouTube channel uploaded a 30-minute short story titled “The Pocket King.” Stephane Cornicard, the voice of Maximilien since 2019, narrates the story. Although the 14-page story was initially released three months ago, the timing of the video’s upload has led some to theorize thatOverwatchmight be teasing its next playable hero.
Eagle-eyed fans have also noticed that Maximilien enters the number “43” into the Numpad on his screen at the beginning of the YouTube video. While this may be a stretch,Overwatch 2currently boasts 42 heroes, with the next likely arriving in Season 16 to bring the roster to 43. Considering that there hasn’t been much information about whom the next hero will be afterHazard’s debut inOverwatch 2Season 14, fans hope this is a sign.
This is further supported by the fact that hiring Stephane Cornicard to narrate a previously released short story doesn’t make much sense unless Blizzard is building toward something bigger. It’s noteworthy that Juno and Hazard’s voice actors narrated their characters' short stories, “The Red Promise” and “Tear it Down,” at launch. Maximilien is also a very familiar face in the game. He has been seen advertising his casino in Monte Carlo,renamed in-game to Circuit Royale, and the rum distillery, Don Rumbotico Distillery, in Havana.
If added to the game, Maximilien would beOverwatch 2’s sixth playable Omnic hero, joining the likes of Ramattra and Zenyatta.
Who is Maximilien in Overwatch 2?
In lore, Maximilien is known for his partnership with Talon. DuringOverwatch’s third Archives event, Storm Rising, he became a target of Sojourn, Tracer, Genji, Mercy, and Winston, who sought to get closer to Doomfist. “The Pocket King” offers a closer look at Maximilien’s ruthless and cunning personality, detailing how his money laundering schemes were lucrative enough to catch the attention of Talon. Maximilien, rising from a mere accountant to the ruler of his own empire in under a decade, attracted Doomfist’s ire. Assassins were sent to execute him; however, during a personal visit from Doomfist, Maximilien convinces the Talon leader that they can be of use to one another.
As a key figure inOverwatch’s lore who has yet to appear in-game, fans are keen to see what role he might play. The hero shooter has introduced many characters over the years, but none with a focus on the business world. Moira stands out as an equally complex and clever individual, though for very different reasons. Perhaps Maximilien could beOverwatch 2’s first summoner hero, given his small army of Talon soldiers in Storm Rising, or the game’s first stealth support character.
