Why Overwatch 2's Invasion Missions Expose Reinhardt's Epic Weaknesses!

Highlights

Overwatch 2's "Invasion" update introduces highly-anticipated PvE missions that provide character development for famous heroes like Reinhardt.

Reinhardt plays a prominent part in all three PvE missions, showcasing his flaws alongside his heroism. His deep-seated animosity towards Omnics is evident as he carelessly endangers a civilian and nearly assaults Bastion. The exploration of these perspectives offers a compelling opportunity for Reinhardt's character growth.

The highly-anticipated Season 6 of Overwatch 2 has ushered in a new era for the game. Dubbed "Invasion," this update brings long-awaited PvE missions, offering a glimpse into the lives of a few of the game's iconic heroes. These PvE missions not only add excitement to the game but also provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the lore and character development that might be overlooked in standard PvP gameplay. One hero who has particularly thrived in these missions is Reinhardt, whose complex role and flaws shed light on his troubled past as both a warrior and a man.

Reinhardt's Appearances in Overwatch 2's Invasion PvE

Reinhardt plays a significant role in the initial batch of PvE missions in Overwatch 2. As one of the game's most recognizable heroes, Reinhardt has always been seen as a symbol of the Overwatch brand, and this is evident in his involvement in the PvE missions.

Reinhardt is available as a playable hero in all of the currently released PvE missions, demonstrating Blizzard's belief in the character's strong narrative potential. The smaller and more intimate roster of heroes in the PvE missions allows players to gain a deeper understanding of each hero's personality, providing a more human perspective that goes beyond the typical one-dimensional portrayal.

Reinhardt, a member of an elite group called the crusaders, dons powerful mech-like armor to combat the Omnic forces that threaten humanity in the world of Overwatch. Despite his youthful arrogance, Reinhardt's own cinematic portrays him as a foolish figure. Over time, he has suffered the loss of close companions and mentors to the Omnic forces, which has deeply affected him. The PvE missions shed light on Reinhardt's somber nature as he harbors grudges and regrets.

How Overwatch 2's PvE Humanizes Reinhardt

With the release of Overwatch 2, players can now engage in thrilling PvE missions where heroes confront waves of robotic Omnic armies. It is not surprising that Blizzard decided to prominently feature Reinhardt in these initial missions, as they effectively showcase his deep-seated animosity towards Omnics. In one particular mission set in Toronto, Reinhardt recklessly attempts to forcefully remove the subjugation device from an Omnic, a potentially fatal act for the machine. This portrayal of Reinhardt treating the Omnic as merely a soulless robot might come as a shock to fans, especially those who have formed emotional connections with characters such as Zenyatta and Ramattra.

In addition, the hero directs his anger towards Bastion, the beloved damage hero, unleashing a significant assault that nearly leads to the Omnic's demise. Due to Bastion's transformation from a salvaged Omnic unit to a benevolent being, it is understandable that numerous human heroes in Overwatch harbor mistrust towards him. Reinhardt, being well-acquainted with Omnics, particularly this type, having encountered numerous Bastion units in the past, joins the ranks of those skeptical heroes.

Throughout the PvE missions, Reinhardt openly expresses his negative stance towards Omnics, deviating from his usual optimistic demeanor. In standard Overwatch 2 gameplay, Reinhardt is commonly known for his abundant joy and unwavering commitment to safeguarding his teammates. However, the Invasion missions effectively peel back this facade of positivity, revealing Reinhardt's personal imperfections and reservations, just like any other hero.

Reinhardt's lore cinematics have already familiarized dedicated fans with his history; however, these missions in Overwatch 2 provide a more tangible and immersive in-game depiction of the hero's background, which many players may have overlooked. By showcasing Reinhardt as a more relatable and imperfect character, the PvE missions in Overwatch 2 serve a greater purpose by adding further layers to an already legendary hero.

Overwatch 2 is currently accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.