Following the surprising announcement thatOverwatch 2would be launching on October 4 as an early-access and free-to-play live experience, theOverwatchcommunity has been buzzing with excitement. During the Xbox and Bethesda Games showcase, theOverwatch 2developers also revealed that a long-anticipated new tank, Junker Queen, would be joining the ranks of heroes like Reinhardt, Orisa, and Winston.
Junker Queen is the second new character to debut in the hero-based shooter, afterSojourn’s official gameplay trailer, and the 34th character overall. This character has been rumored to be on the horizon since 2018, following leaks of her existence and former creative director Jeff Kaplan confirming that they had “big plans” for her. At one point, she was speculated to be a DLC character for the original game, but it seems Blizzard was saving the charismatic axe-wielding heroine for the sequel, as her first official look occurred during a June 12 “Release Date Reveal” video.
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Junker Queen’s History
Many fans pointed out that the character’s overallMad Max-looking design was similar toApex Legends' warlord Mad Maggie, though it is worth noting that Junker Queen has existed in theOverwatchuniverse for years, even if she was not yet a playable hero. From being included inWrecking Ball’s origin storyin 2018 to her likeliness plastered on posters that can be found scattered across the Junkertown map, Junker Queen is certainly not a new face.
Additionally,while ruling Junkertown with an iron fist, the Queen oversees a place called the Scrapyard, a gladiatorial arena where residents fight one another for glory and survival. Junker Queen rose to prominence after displaying her prowess as a gladiator and even had her throne placed in the arena to assert her dominance. Her hardened outlook on life is displayed via her rough appearance, purple mohawk, ripped clothing, faceplates, and a salvaged arm from disassembled Omnics. The cutthroat ruler has also been quoted as saying to her subjects, “No rules. No mercy. Only the strong survive. This is your queen. Welcome to the apocalypse. Welcome to Junkertown.”
Two notable heroes who also hail from the refuge Junkertown, which was once a robotics manufacturing facility, are quirky partners in crime: the explosives-handy Junkrat andthe looming Roadhog. The duo were exiled by Junker Queen after causing a string of problems which prompted her to instruct her enforcers to shoot the pair on sight if they ever set foot in the town again. Their numerous offenses included hiding a mysterious treasure’s location from her, stealing the Queen’s gold, blowing up one of her shacks, and even attempting to assassinate her, though they were stopped at the gate by guards.
Junker Queen’s Kit
From an enormous axe, railgun, and cybernetic abilities, this high-mobility tank appearsready for aggressive pushes inOverwatchPVP. Her shotgun is the primary weapon, but her axe can be utilized for close-range melee attacks, which may deal damage over time according to previous leaks. The trailer also details a dash attack that spins several of the axes wildly around her, along with her ability to recall her axe in a boomerang-like action. Based on this kit, it seems her role as a tank prioritizes melee and damage.
More information on Junker Queen andOverwatch 2will likely be revealed during the Play Overwatch live stream on June 16 at 1 PM ET. A more intensive breakdown of Junker Queen’s kit and gameplay footage is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, although tuning in via YouTube or Twitch will be the only way to see if such information will be revealed.
Overwatch 2will be available for early access on October 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
