A rare first impression with no major caveats

With just 24 hours until Wu Yang’s gameplay test, Relf says they’re genuinely excited for a hero concept for the first time since Sigma. The new support hero’s kit has leaked — perks included — and while much is still unclear, the mix of abilities suggests a versatile off-angle healer with strong peel potential.

Breaking down Wu Yang’s abilities

  • Primary Fire – Water Orb
    Fires a damaging water orb, with the option to hold and control its trajectory, then empower its explosion. Leaks hint at up to three orbs active at once, raising questions about whether all can be controlled simultaneously or if one orb splits into multiple. The mechanic has drawn comparisons to Terraria’s magic missile or Valorant’s Jett smokes.
  • Secondary Fire – Healing Stream
    Applies a passive healing tether to an ally, with the option to hold for improved healing at the cost of a resource. Numbers will be key here — will 80 HPS be enough to pocket a tank, or is this more suited for off-angle DPS support? The fact that only one stream can be active forces a choice between main tank sustain or off-angle pocketing.
  • Guardian Wave
    Sends a water wave forward that boosts ally healing received and knocks back enemies. Its value hinges on cooldown length — short for consistent peel, long for selective plays. Potential synergy exists with Healing Stream to burst-pocket a diving tank, or as denial against flankers.
  • Rushing Torrent
    Grants increased movement speed and jump height. Unclear if abilities can be used during the buff, but it could be key for repositioning and angle control.
  • Ultimate – Tidal Blast
    Coats an ally or self in water that detonates after a delay, knocking down enemies and massively healing the target. Relf notes this is the kind of ability they’ve wanted as a base skill for dive supports, calling it a “Winston engage dream” for AoE burst healing and disruption.

Perk synergies and hints

Leaked perks suggest:

  • Primary fire is ammo-based with significant capacity boosts during Rushing Torrent.
  • Healing Stream’s passive can be amped after landing orb damage.
  • Guardian Wave can “rewind” to its origin, hitting twice for reduced damage — potentially strong peel if the knockback is impactful.
  • A perk to control three water orbs at once (each dealing 60% damage) could increase orb hit frequency and healing stream uptime.

These interactions imply a kit where damaging orbs feeds healing output, encouraging active play over passive pocketing.

Community design debate

Leaked art of Wu Yang’s model has split opinion. Some call the design generic, citing simple streetwear and monk-robe influences, while others defend the silhouette clarity and thematic fit within Overwatch’s style. Relf argues early visual complaints often fade once a hero’s full audio-visual presentation is seen in-game.

Potential playstyle and concerns

Relf envisions Wu Yang as an off-angle controller support:

  • Uses orbs for AoE poke and damage.
  • Maintains a healing tether on a priority ally.
  • Uses Guardian Wave for peel or to enable tank pushes.
  • Leverages mobility to hold and contest angles.

The main worry is whether Guardian Wave will be strong and frequent enough to anchor this playstyle. If not, Wu Yang risks becoming “just a rainbot” reliant on Healing Stream alone. The range of the healing tether will also heavily influence his viability.

Final thoughts before testing

Relf is optimistic — Wu Yang’s kit brings fresh support design space with AoE damage orbs, an ultimate with both defensive and offensive dive utility, and a perk system that rewards proactive play. The concept appears healthy for both 5v5 and potential 6v6 formats, with no glaringly broken mechanics on paper.

Visit OverwatchCentral for more Overwatch 2 hero news and updates, and watch the full breakdown from Relf.

Frequently asked questions

What role will Wu Yang play in Overwatch 2?

He’s a support hero designed for off-angle play, mixing sustained healing with ranged damage and peel tools.

How does his primary fire work?

Wu Yang fires controllable water orbs that can be empowered for explosions. Perks may allow him to control three at once for more consistent pressure.

Can Wu Yang heal multiple allies at once?

No — only one Healing Stream can be active, forcing him to choose between pocketing a tank or supporting a DPS.

What makes Guardian Wave important?

It’s his main peel and engage tool, boosting ally healing and knocking back enemies. Its cooldown and knockback strength will define a lot of his viability.

Why is his design considered controversial?

Some players see his look as too simple compared to past Overwatch heroes, while others argue his silhouette and thematic clarity fit the game’s style.