Overwatch is full of interesting characters, from ninjas to bank robbers to DJs. At one point, there was almost a cat with a jetpack in the roster. Tragically, that didn’t make it to the final game. Even as we mourn the tragedy that was the almost-character, let’s take a moment to imagine what the rest of the Overwatch characters as animals would be like!

(Before you ask, we’re not counting Winston. Sorry, big guy, but you’re already an animal! Well, a scientist. But also an animal!)

Attack Heroes

Genji’s nickname from his father was “Sparrow”, which also happens to be the name of his pre-cyborgisation skin. Pretty apt, considering how agile he is. However, he’s a lot more deadly than the average sparrow, which is why we think he would be a wolf. Specifically, a red wolf! Sociable, smaller than their grey wolf counterparts, and independent, red wolves would also look super cool with cyborg augmentations. Just saying.

McCree is a grown man dressed up as a cowboy approximately 60 years into the future, with a history of trouble with the law. Given that coyotes in folklore tend to be seen as humorous and rebellious against social conventions, plus they’re very populous in what used to be the “Wild West”, it was a given.

Kestrels not only have keen eyesight, but also happen to be a subset of the Falconidae family. Perfect for Pharah, considering how her Anubis skin has a falcon head. They also have really cool eye markings, just like Pharah!

Okay, this one was a given. Reaper’s mask has already been noted to resemble the barn owl’s (kinda creepy) face. The fact that they’re thought of as death omens was probably the reason why he chose it for his mask. Sure, going from owls as a symbol of death to “Die! Die! Die!” kinda loses a lot of some subtlety, but well.

This old dog’s learned a few tricks. With his military background, Soldier: 76 would totally be a dog. Specifically, a German Shepherd! Intelligent, protective, and eager to have a purpose, these dogs are often used in the military and other armed forces. They’re also known for their obedience, which makes sense given Morrison’s backstory.

Given her sneaky personality and somewhat less than lawful background, Sombra would be perfect as a raccoon. I mean, it’s not like raccoons are actually law-breakers, but they sure look like criminals! Plus, look at this totally accurate in-game footage of Sombra hacking a health-pack from enemy players.

Overwatch’s cover girl is small, chipper, and incredibly adorable. What else could she be but a chipmunk?! Chipmunks can reach top speeds of 33km/h too – perfect for Tracer. You also know you want to hear “Cheers, love!” in a squeaky chipmunk voice.

Defense heroes

Okay, this one was also a given. With skins like “Lone Wolf” and “Okami” (which, you guessed it, means wolf in Japanese), was there anything else Hanzo would be? Even though the stereotype of the lone wolf is somewhat misleading because they’re very much pack animals, it fits Hanzo! After all, he seems like a lone wolf, but he’s trying to reclaim the honor he feels his family has lost.

Unlike Hanzo, we didn’t go with the obvious choice for Junkrat. Sort of. Ferrets may not be the same genus as rats, but they kinda look like long rats, don’t they? Which makes sense, since Junkrat is such a lanky person! Also, ferrets are rather…strong-smelling. Just like Junkrat probably is. Just look at all the dirt on that boy.

What else could Mei be but an adorable, fuzzy panda?! Accusations of Mei players being Satan aside, you have to admit that Mei is really cute and sweet. Plus, pandas thrive in chilly climates, just like Mei. One thing’s for sure though, Mei is a heck of a lot smarter than the average panda. Possibly even smarter than all pandas combined.

Beavers are builders, and Torbjorn is the ultimate builder of the Overwatch universe. Sure, turrets and dams are very different things, but given his new highlight intro, I think it’s safe to say that Torbjorn’s turrets are both family and home for him.

Another given. Widowmaker’s entire style is even based on it! It fits though, not just because of the widow moniker, but also because black widow spiders tend to be solitary and unsocial.

Tank heroes

It almost feels like cheating, with how many Heroes already have animal motifs. But they all fit so well! Bunnies are small, smart, and tend to be hyperactive. Just like D.Va. Also, the mental image of a bunny piloting D.Va’s mech would be hilarious and adorable, admit it.

With his glorious mane and brave leadership capabilities, Reinhardt is definitely a lion. Again, like Pharah and Hanzo, he even has a skin that makes choosing his animal super easy. Lionhardt, anyone?

Another option was a shark, for his Sharkbait skin, and because Mako means “shark” in Maori. But when it comes down to it, Roadhog would be, well, a hog. Look, it may be the obvious choice, but I dare you to look at his mask and tattoos and….everything, and tell me that this man would not be a suid if he were an animal.

She wants to “hug you like Big Fuzzy Siberian bear”, so big fuzzy Siberian bear it is. And Zarya would make a great bear! Strong, brutal, but also very protective of their cubs, bears are like the quintessential tanking class of the natural world. Just like Zarya! How many times have you been saved by a well-timed Zarya bubble?

Support heroes

If Pharah is a kestrel, then it makes sense that Ana should be one too. Luckily, it fits, as kestrels have excellent eyesight. Even with one eye, Ana can snipe on par with Widowmaker, so it stands to reason that she would be a kestrel. Also, this kestrel looks like it would be completely comfortable holding a teacup and saying “Children, behave.”

Tiny, adorable, and agile, three words which describe Lucio, but also tree frogs. The way he goes from wall to wall even kinda looks like how frogs have sticky feet and can stick to the weirdest things. Also, that frog already looks ready to oh oh oh, accelerate!

Overwatch’s angel of mercy would definitely be an animal that’s gentle and sweet. Like an angel. Or in the animal case, a white doe. The way that Mercy flies from teammate to teammate also somewhat resembles the way a doe would bound across a field!

Elegant and beautiful, Symmetra would absolutely be a swan. After all, swans are known for going about in symmetrical pairs, and we all know Symmetra is big on the whole symmetry thing. Plus, you definitely wouldn’t want to be within 10m of either swans or Symmetra. Not with those beaks of theirs or that microwaving beam of hers.

Bonus

So you might have noticed a few missing heroes in the roster other than Winston. The question is, would omnics have animal forms? If they did, they would probably look something like this.

Bastion would be a clockwork bird, to be able to find a peaceful life with Ganymede.

Can doves meditate? Or even be monks? They probably can experience tranquility though. Just imagine Zenyatta’s voice coming out of this bird!

Orisa would be a cow, no doubt about it. The horns, the four legs, her gentle nature…Plus, cows love cuddling with humans, and I bet my right arm that she and Efi take nice cuddly naps together after a long day of engineering genius!

Would you pick different animals for the Overwatch heroes? Got better photoshop skills and want to prove it to us? Let us know!

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