Reaper
The ghost of Overwatch's past returns to hunt his former brothers in arms.
Reaper is one of Overwatch's most iconic and feared combatants, a shadowy figure who wields dual shotguns to eliminate targets with ruthless efficiency. Formerly known as Gabriel Reyes, he was once a founding member of the original Overwatch team before vanishing into the underworld. Now leading the criminal organization Blackwatch, he operates outside the law, hunting down former allies and anyone standing in his way.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Damage
- Affiliation
- Blackwatch (Formerly Overwatch)
- Real name
- Gabriel Reyes
- Status
- Alive (Regenerative State)
- Weaponry
- Hellfire Shotguns, Tactical Grenades
Lore & Background
The procedure granted Reyes the ability to teleport through smoke and regenerate from fatal wounds, but it came at a terrible cost: an insatiable need for violence and a loss of humanity. Consumed by rage over what he perceived as Overwatch's betrayal during his 'death,' he abandoned his old life. He resurfaced years later as Reaper, leading Blackwatch in the shadows to dismantle the very organization he helped build.
Reader's Guide
Reaper serves as a high-mobility Damage hero who excels at closing distances to eliminate squishy targets. His kit revolves around his Hellfire Shotguns for close-range devastation and Wraith Form, which allows him to turn intangible and teleport short distances to reposition or escape danger. His tactical arsenal includes Death Blossom, a spinning execution move that deals massive damage in melee range, and Tactical Grenades that force enemies to use their defensive cooldowns. As an aggressive flanker, he requires precise positioning; getting caught out of his smoke often leads to quick elimination by support or tank heroes. Reaper's voice lines are often grim and menacing, reflecting his nihilistic worldview. He frequently taunts former Overwatch members like Soldier: 76 and Winston, highlighting their fractured history. Throughout the game's timeline, he has appeared in numerous cinematic shorts and comic stories, solidifying his role as the primary antagonist to the original team.
Did You Know?
- His regenerative abilities were granted by Dr. Moira O'Deorain after he was left for dead.
- He is one of the few heroes who can teleport directly into combat zones using Wraith Form.
- The character's design evolved from a concept art piece intended to be a different villain.
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Elsewhere in Overwatch
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