Overwatch Season 5 is set to expand the hero shooter’s roster next month, introducing a new support character alongside significant reworks to two existing heroes. The additions form part of Blizzard’s 10th anniversary plans, first outlined in February 2026, which committed to adding 10 new heroes across the year, more than triple the studio’s average in previous years.
The changes were confirmed at BlizzCon 2026, where the ninth of those 10 heroes was revealed. It arrives alongside two returning heroes whose gameplay kits have been substantially reconfigured.
Doctrine, the vampiric support
Doctrine is the new support character joining in Season 5, described as a vampiric villain who empowers allies and weakens opponents. His defining ability is his alternate fire, which boosts his other abilities. When paired with his Infuse ability, his primary fire becomes stronger and pierces enemies, his dash grants free flight, and his healing and attack-speed boost also apply to himself.
His ultimate ability, Deliverance, releases a swarm of bat-like drones that grant overhealth to allies while reducing opponents’ maximum health for several seconds. Lead hero producer Kenny Hudson said the character appears versatile but carries a high skill ceiling because his effectiveness is accuracy-based. He suggested the ultimate ability would be an important factor in a player’s success, as is typically the case for support heroes.
Art Director Dion Rogers noted that Doctrine’s austere demeanour suits the vampire theme while distinguishing him from damage-role heroes. His posture and use of a staff, rather than a gun, were intended to convey a dangerous support character without implying a different role.
Early hands-on play highlighted the minigame of deciding which abilities to empower and when, such as reserving a charge to counter an incoming enemy D.Va or spending an Infuse charge on the Shrouded Momentum ability to reach high ground. Doctrine also has a long history with Doomfist and will play an important role in the Season 5 story.
Sombra shifts to support
Doctrine is not the only new support hero. Longtime damage hero Sombra is moving into the support role, with several reworked abilities that let her heal allies and reduce enemies’ damage output. She retains her translocator ability and her EMP ultimate, keeping core elements of her existing kit while gaining a new supporting function.
The roster shifts continue a busy anniversary year for the game, with players set to experience Doctrine during a trial weekend before the full launch of Season 5 next month.
