Esports.gg got a closer look at Emre’s kit and more ahead of his Overwatch release.
Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed that long-awaited character Emre Sarioglu will join the Overwatch roster as a playable hero! However, just who is Emre and what are his abilities? Read on for Emre's release date in Overwatch, a look into his story, abilities, and model. Blizzard Entertainment also provided esports.gg with a closer look at Emre's concept art.
Overwatch Emre release date
The Overwatch Spotlight event just confirmed the upcoming arrival of Emre in Overwatch. Emre will become playable starting Feb. 10 alongside Domina, Anran, Mizuki, and Jetpack Cat. These will be five of the 10 Overwatch hero releases planned for 2026. Additional hero launches will happen from Seasons 2 to 6.
- Domina release date: Feb. 10
- Emre release date: Feb. 10
- Mizuki release date: Feb. 10
- Anran release date: Feb. 5 to 10 (hero trial)
- Jetpack Cat (Fika) release date: Feb. 10
Who is Emre in Overwatch?
In the recent Overwatch "Search & Destroy" comic, it was revealed that Emre left Overwatch to join Talon. Under that faction, he completed missions worldwide and became known as a cold, calculating, and ruthless individual. When Freja, a former Overwatch member, discovered this and began the search for her old friend.
This pursuit revealed that Moira's mission in Burkhala had hidden purposes beyond genetic research. Freja also learned that Mauga helped Emre infiltrate a site in Guatemala and that Emre worked alongside Widowmaker. Emre frequently disappeared during Talon missions, too. Reaper even described Emre as not the person he once knew.
Eventually, Freja put the pieces together and tracked Emre down to Riyadh. There, people called Emre a demon. After a battle ended, Emre emerged from the smoke as just himself.
The comic also gave players a hint at Emre's kit in Overwatch.
Overwatch Emre abilities, ultimate, subrole, perks
- Synthetic Burst Rifle (Primary Fire): Three-round burst weapon.
- Take Aim (Secondary Fire): Hold to zoom in, tightening accuracy and increasing falloff range.
- Siphon Blaster (Ability): Temporarily wield a semi-automatic pistol with lifestealing explosive rounds. Move faster and jump higher while wielded.
- Cyber Frag (Ability): Throw a grenade that detonates shortly after bouncing.
- Override Protocol (Ultimate): Transform Emre into a living weapon.
- Altered Vitals (Passive): Health regeneration activates sooner and instantly restores 30 health when activated.
- Subrole: Specialist (Passive): Eliminating an enemy briefly increases Emre's reload speed
- Suppressive Security (Minor Perk): Override Protocol's light rounds slow enemies by 30% for 1 second.
- Enhanced Agility (Minor Perk): Siphon Blaster's movement speed bonus is increased by 20% while not firing.
Speaking of Emre's kit, at the time of publishing this article, we know that he wields the Synthetic Burst Rifle as his primary weapon, can use Take Aim to zoom in for improved accuracy like Freja, and has abilities like Siphon Blaster, which grants lifestealing explosive rounds and increased mobility, and Cyber Frag, which is a bouncing grenade. His ultimate, Override Protocol, transforms him into a living weapon just like in the comic. Meanwhile his Altered Vitals passive boosts help with survivability.
As for Emre's perks in Overwatch, they include Suppressive Security, Enhanced Agility, and Heat Sink. He has one more major perk, but that's obscured in the provided image of his kit. It's also interesting to note that Emre has a "Subrole: Specialist" passive. This briefly increases his reload speed after eliminating an enemy.
Overwatch Emre concept art
Here is more concept art of Emre as well. Blizzard Entertainment provided esports.gg with a closer look at his weapons, action poses, and more.
That's all for now. Stick around on esports.gg for more Overwatch news and updates!
