Overwatch 2’s roster of characters being so diverse means there are dozens of intriguing stories and abilities that are worth diving into more deeply. Fortunately, with theOverwatch 2PvE mode coming soon, gamers will have the opportunity to experience expansive skill trees and fresh lore for their favorite characters. Still, some members of the roster could absolutely support their own game and should not need to share the spotlight.
Obvious options forsingleplayerOverwatch 2spin-offsinclude the cyborg ninja Genji due to his incredible movement and abilities as well as the shield-wielding Tank Reinhardt due to his interesting military service. However, it is the series’ mascot Tracer who feels the most deserving of a singleplayer game, as there are gaps in her story that seem like a perfect opportunity for some playable content.
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A Tracer Game Could Document Her Life Before, During, and After Overwatch
Tracer’s origin story is an interesting one, and given how iconic she has become, many fans likely know the basics. As the youngest member of Overwatch’s experimental flight program,Lena Oxtonhad her life changed when boarding the Slipstream, a teleportation fighter plane that malfunctioned when she was on board. The disappearance of Oxton ultimately gave her the powers that she has today, and it is this disappearance that allows for a neat storytelling opportunity.
Tracer was gone for months before reappearing, and that gap of time that is the first thing a Tracer game could explore. From a gameplay perspective, it could be a tutorial on Tracer’s movement abilities like blinking forward and recalling. Narratively, it could show fans where exactly Tracer went. Blizzard diving into her chronal disassociation, which makes her disappear for hours or days at a time, would allow for Overwatch fans to realize just how dangerous Tracer’s condition is.Blizzardcould also provide answers on Tracer’s strange dreams through these sequences.
Fortunately for Tracer, Winston came up with the chronal accelerator that keeps her tethered to the real world, and ever since she received it she began fighting alongside Overwatch. This could be covered in this hypothetical solo game as well, with the first act’s platforming, puzzles, and exploration followed up by a combat-heavy second act. While players could see a singleplayer version of Uprising, Tracer’s first mission, they could experience far more levels where she fights alongside her teammates. Seeing the fall of Overwatch through Tracer’s eyes, as well as a playableLondon Callingand Widowmaker battle like the “Alive” short, could be amazing.
Perhaps the best thing that a Tracer game could do is shine a light on the relationship between Tracer and her girlfriend Emily. Despite being the love interest of theOverwatchfranchise’s mascot, gamers know remarkably little about Emily, something that a solo game could rectify. Players could see their first interaction and learn more about their dynamic, which fans ofOverwatch’s first LGBTQ+ herowould undoubtedly love.
Perhaps the most impactful part of this hypothetical Tracer game would be a third act that jumps significantly forward in time, showing the world long afterRamattra’s uprising inOverwatch 2. Some of Tracer’s old friends like Reinhardt and Torbjorn could be dead, with an older Brigitte shown following in their footsteps. Younger heroes like Pharah could be leading a new Overwatch like her mother Ana once did. And, sadly, Emily could be close to dying herself. With Tracer’s condition preventing her from aging properly, she will likely outlive her girlfriend and many other characters. Coming to terms with this unique situation could be a focus of the story, with an emotional gut punch coming late in the game when fans see that Tracer has outlived so many other beloved figures. If covered correctly, Lena Oxton’s past, present, and future could lead to a stellar video game.
Overwatch 2is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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