Who is overwatch 2’s hero 45 Vendetta and what makes La Lupa a game-changer?
Blizzard Entertainment has officially unveiled the 45th hero in Overwatch 2, introducing Vendetta, also known as La Lupa. The new Italian damage hero is set to debut in December with the launch of Season 20, following a brief cinematic trailer showcasing her abilities and backstory.
Vendetta wields a massive hard-light sword, a solid construct made of light similar to that used by Symmetra in the game. The trailer depicts her fighting on the Colosseo map, hurling her sword at distant enemies before leaping to retrieve it and strike again. This suggests she may be the first fully melee-focused damage hero in Overwatch 2, though her combat style allows for both close-range and medium-range attacks.
The cinematic hints at deeper lore connections for Vendetta. According to Blizzard, she comes from a family linked to Talon and is motivated by her father’s legacy, which she seeks to resolve through arena combat. “Denied her inheritance and cast aside, La Lupa clawed her way into legend through the brutal world of arena combat in the Colosseo,” Blizzard said. Her victories in the arena build her influence, and her story ties into previous conflicts between Overwatch and Talon.
Vendetta is the third new hero released in 2025, following Freja in Season 16 and Wuyang in Season 18. With her addition, the damage hero roster expands to 20 characters, marking Vendetta as the second damage-focused hero released this year.
Players can access Vendetta during a limited-time hero trial from November 26 to December 1 before her full release in Season 20. The trial begins at approximately 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET) on November 26. Blizzard has not revealed her full abilities or ultimate yet, but the trailer shows her performing slashing attacks, spinning strikes, and high aerial downward slashes, reminiscent of other melee-focused characters in Blizzard’s portfolio.
The reveal also adds new depth to Overwatch 2’s storytelling. Three years after the game’s launch, Blizzard has emphasized narrative development, including a new story section in the game menu with hero background shorts and post-Omnic Crisis lore. Vendetta’s story appears to connect with past events involving Blackwatch and the Retribution mission, including characters such as Gabriel Reyes (Reaper), Cassidy, Moira, and Genji.
Fans of the game’s lore are likely to recognize connections to existing characters and storylines. Vendetta’s persona as La Lupa, or “The Wolf,” hints at a personal vendetta driving her actions, with her backstory suggesting ties to deceased characters and unresolved conflicts from previous Overwatch operations.
The addition of Vendetta also aligns with Blizzard’s ongoing efforts to balance gameplay variety with narrative expansion. The hard-light sword concept ties into existing Overwatch technology, and her all-melee damage approach introduces a new style of play for damage-focused heroes.
With Season 20 approaching, players can look forward to exploring Vendetta’s abilities, lore, and the new arena combat challenges she brings to the Colosseo map.
FAQ
Who is Vendetta?
Vendetta, also known as La Lupa, is Overwatch 2’s 45th hero, an Italian damage character wielding a hard-light sword.
When will she be available?
A limited-time trial runs from November 26 to December 1, 2025. Full release aligns with Overwatch 2 Season 20.
What is her combat style?
Vendetta is melee-focused but can attack enemies at mid-range by throwing her sword and retrieving it.
What is her backstory?
She is motivated by her father’s legacy, with ties to Talon and previous Overwatch conflicts, including Blackwatch and Retribution missions.
How does she fit in the hero roster?
Vendetta is the 20th damage hero and the third new hero released in 2025.