We’ve known for a while that Wuyang, previously codenamed “Aqua,” would be the next hero added to Overwatch 2. Wuyang is a support hero who, as his codename suggests, uses water-based abilities on the battlefield. While we haven’t seen his kit in action yet, the very concept already calls to mind images of the waterbenders from the Avatar franchise. However, now that we’re seeing a bit more of his lore ahead of his gameplay reveal in the game’s latest digital comic, it definitely feels like Avatar’s element-bending was an influence on the hero’s design and story.
Wuyang is a student at Wuxing University, which has different schools dedicated to different elements. There are Fire, Water, Metal, Earth, and Wood colleges, and each has a specific area of focus, with Water students working in medical fields; thus, Wuyang is a support hero. His parents and sister, however, were accepted into Fire College, which specializes in martial arts, and he spent his time at the school trying to live up to his family’s prestige. Eventually, he managed to make his water-based abilities useful in combat and was able to save his fire-wielding sister in a battle against the invading synthetic omnics, earning him respect after feeling ashamed of breaking his family’s streak.
Joshi Zhang, a Senior Narrative Designer at Blizzard, posted a message on social media about how Wuyang was inspired by his personal experience living in his sister’s shadow growing up, and the pressures he felt living as a Chinese-Canadian.
“Complex emotions arise when we wish to give back to those who raised us,” Zhang wrote. “These feelings will not be unfamiliar to many Chinese people—especially those who haven’t yet discovered their own strengths. To the Chinese community, and anyone who resonates with this struggle, I hope Wuyang’s story helps you accept your journey and your life as it unfolds. Meandering off the set path without knowing how to get where you want to go is just part of the process. Work hard, go with the flow, and have hope. Eventually, you will find your place as the hero of your own story, just as Wuyang did.”
Wuyang is set to join Overwatch 2’s roster in season 18, which begins on August 26. However, fans will be able to play him for the first time this weekend during a limited-time trial. Blizzard is releasing the first in-game footage of the hero in action on Wednesday at noon Eastern.
