Overwatch 2 Fan Discovers Intriguing Link Between Sombra and Kiriko

A keen-eyed fan of Blizzard's acclaimed hero shooter has highlighted an intriguing connection between one of Sombra's original design concepts and the design of Kiriko, a hero introduced in Overwatch 2. As the Halloween season takes center stage in Overwatch 2 with the launch of Season 13, titled "Spellbinder," led by the mythic witch Widowmaker, the annual Halloween Terror event has returned. This year features a new game mode, Junkenstein's Laboratory, allowing players to upgrade their hero abilities between rounds.

Sombra, the second hero added to Overwatch after Ana in 2016, has seen numerous changes and even complete overhauls over the years. Her controversial ability to become invisible has sparked significant discussion within the community. In Overwatch 2, Kiriko joined the roster as one of three launch heroes. This Japanese support character, who has ties to Genji and Hanzo, is equipped with lethal kunai and has quickly become one of the most favored support heroes alongside Mercy. However, some fans express concern that Kiriko has received an abundance of skins recently, leaving other heroes like Venture at a disadvantage.

Uncovering the Similarities Between Sombra and Kiriko

At first glance, Sombra and Kiriko may seem quite different, but a Reddit user known as TheUndreaming discovered a striking resemblance between Sombra's early concept art and Kiriko's final design, which was developed six years later. The concept features Sombra sporting a hairstyle reminiscent of Kiriko's, black pants accented with red, and large red shoes. Moreover, this early design includes kunai in her hands, suggesting that Sombra's initial gameplay style was intended to mirror Kiriko's.

The Evolution of Overwatch Hero Designs

This revelation underscores how previous Overwatch hero designs can inspire the appearance of new characters. There have been fascinating overlaps in the game’s history, such as the original idea of combining Hanzo and Genji into a single hero. Fans speculate that this unused Sombra design could eventually be transformed into a skin for her. If this were to occur, it would require modifications to ensure it fits Sombra's silhouette and distinguishes itself from Kiriko's standard appearance. Such a skin could pave the way for an exciting Mirrorwatch crossover event if it makes a return to Overwatch 2.

The Overwatch 2 community is currently abuzz with anticipation regarding the next hero, teased at the conclusion of the Season 13 trailer. Believed to be a tank, this new character, rumored to be named "Phreak," was hinted at through graffiti spotted on a wall during the teaser. A formal reveal for this new hero is expected sometime in November, and fans are eager to see if their design draws from any unused concepts from Overwatch’s past.