Season 4 of Overwatch 2 is coming next week, and with it comes a lot of new content. The upcoming season also adds the game’s first pansexual hero.
Blizzard plans to celebrate Pride Month during Season 4 and with it comes the debut of Lifeweaver, a new support hero for the game. The developers describe Lifeweaver as a “sci-fi druid” with the ability to heal teammates with a combination of nature and a tech called Biolight.
The hero’s primary skill is Healing Blossom, which lets him send out Biolight flowers to heal allies. His alternate fire ability is Thorn Volley which rapid-fires projectiles that can damage enemies.
Lifeweaver is an interesting character as most of his abilities are centered around movement. His Rejuvenating Dash allows Lifeweaver to move in and out of combat whilst healing. Petal Platform creates a flower-like platform that lifts players high into the air when stepped on.
Lifeweaver is about to blossom 🌸
Our newest Support Hero will change the game with an ability kit unlike any other when he launches with Season 4 of #Overwatch2 on April 11. pic.twitter.com/XURdCmgUr8
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) April 4, 2023
The Lifegrip ability allows Lifeweaver to reach out and pull team members to safety. The skill is similar to Final Fantasy XIV’s Rescue ability which makes for some pretty epic saves. Conversely, players have already been using the ability to troll teammates and pull them toward certain death.
Lifeweaver’s ultimate ability is called the Tree of Life. The hero can summon a massive tree that sends out pulses of healing energy. Additionally, the Tree of Life also blocks the line of sight for any enemy near it. His passive ability drops a gift that heals anyone who picks it up.
Lifeweaver’s true name is Niran PruksaManee and he is of Thai origin. He is the first openly pansexual character in the game. While he isn’t the first queer hero, Lifeweaver openly addresses his sexuality through his in-game lines and dialogue with other characters.
According to his backstory, Lifeweaver grew up loving botanical gardens and has always longed to be surrounded by nature. The character’s design and abilities reflect his love for flowers and nature.
We wanted Lifeweaver to present himself as a beautiful character who also endeavors to find beauty in the rest of the world,” Overwatch 2 lead character concept artist Darryl Tan said. “Thus, we landed with a combination of gold, white, and an elegant pink. His long silvery hair and chiseled features also helped sell that idea.”
Lifeweaver will be available when Overwatch 2 Season 4 launches on April 11, 2023. Players can unlock the new hero immediately via the premium battle pass or reach level 45 in the free battle pass.
