Widowmaker is Overwatch’s Resident Sharpshooter

Blizzcon 2014 saw the unveiling of Blizzard’s first new IP after 17 years, Overwatch. It’s a team-based shooter that has you playing as one of their many heroes, all of whom have different strengths and weaknesses that can spell the difference between winning or losing during cooperative gameplay.

Widowmaker wasn’t always a cold-hearted killer. Once upon a time, she was just Amelie, married to an Overwatch agent named Gerard Lacroix. Gerard was leading operations against the terrorist organization Talon, and the organization had already made several unsuccessful attempts at eliminating Gerard. Eventually, Talon decided to go a different route, kidnapped Amelie, and reprogrammed her to be a sleeper agent.

Gerard Lacroix died by his wife’s hands, and Talon took Amelie back in and converted her into a living weapon. They altered her physiology, slowing down her heart and turning her skin cold and blue. As Widowmaker, she feels no emotions save for the satisfaction of the kill.

Widowmaker is equipped with the Widow’s Kiss, a sniper rifle ideal for close- to medium-range targets. Her Grappling Hook will get her places, and will allow her to either get a better view of her targets, or get away from anyone targeting her. She also carries Venom Mines, small motion-triggered “spiders” that explode and deliver poison to nearby enemies. Her ultimate ability, Infra-Sight, allows Widowmaker and her allies the ability to see the heat signatures of opponents through walls and objects, which can prove useful for other characters that rely on stealth.

Perfecting your technique is key when playing as Widowmaker, as she proves to be very capable in taking out targets with a single shot. “One shot, one kill”  is apparently her motto, and it would be wise to use her skills to your team’s advantage.

Blizzard’s Overwatch is expected to open beta in Fall 2015.