Blizzard is taking a fresh look at two of Overwatch’s most controversial heroes. Roadhog and Sombra will receive major reworks announced at BlizzCon 2026, including a rare role change for Sombra.
Roadhog has long frustrated opponents with Chain Hook, an ability that can leave many low-health heroes facing an almost certain elimination. Sombra, meanwhile, has regularly attracted bans because of her stealth, hacking and disruption-focused playstyle.
Roadhog and Sombra are being rebuilt again
Neither hero is new to substantial balance changes. Roadhog’s 2023 redesign introduced Pig Pen, a trap ability that was later removed when Blizzard returned him to a simpler kit in 2025.
Sombra has also changed considerably over the years. Blizzard has repeatedly adjusted her invisibility and Hack mechanics, then added Virus in 2023. That version has not satisfied many players, with Sombra still frequently banned in matches.
The next update will push Roadhog towards greater team utility, while Sombra will move from the damage category into support. This kind of role swap is unusual in Overwatch. Previously, Doomfist moved from damage to tank, while Symmetra changed from support to damage, which was previously known as defence.
Sombra’s support role marks a significant shift
The changes arrive alongside Doctrine, a vampiric-inspired support hero joining the game in season 5. Doctrine is the ninth of 10 new heroes planned for Overwatch during 2026.
For players following the wider arcade and gaming news, these updates show how live-service hero shooters continue to reshape their core characters rather than simply adding new ones. Anyone planning a dedicated gaming setup can also compare arcade machines or explore the arcade machine buying guide.
Platforms
Overwatch is free to play on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X.
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