If you have been waiting for a hero who brings a knife to a gunfight—and actually wins—your time has come. Overwatch 2 has officially launched the limited-time trial for Vendetta, the game's first-ever dedicated Melee DPS hero. While we have seen melee-focused tanks like Reinhardt and hybrid kits like Genji, Vendetta represents a significant shift in the damage role meta, focusing entirely on close-quarters combat.
A New Kind of DPS
The concept of a pure melee character in the Damage role has always been a tricky design challenge in a hero shooter dominated by hitscan and projectiles. To make this work without a massive shield (like Brigitte) or a massive health pool (like Reinhardt), mobility is key. Vendetta is designed specifically with high mobility to close gaps instantly, making her a high-risk, high-reward pick for players who enjoy the flanker playstyle. She isn't just poking from a distance; she is designed to be in your face.
This trial is crucial for Blizzard to gather data. Introducing a character who ignores the fundamental "shooter" aspect of an FPS can easily break the game's balance—either by being unplayable against snipers or oppressive in close quarters. Getting hands-on time now allows players to test if her kit can survive the current sustain-heavy meta.
When is the Vendetta Hero Trial?
You can play Vendetta right now. The Limited Time Hero Trial kicked off on November 26, 2025, and will run until December 1, 2025. This gives the community roughly five days to stress-test her kit before her full release in Season 20. If you want to master her mechanics before she hits the competitive ladder, this weekend is your window.
Lore: From the Pits to Talon
Vendetta's backstory ties directly into existing maps and factions, grounding her firmly in the Overwatch universe. Rising from the gladiatorial pits of Colosseo, she has a history of brutal combat entertainment. More interestingly, she has officially joined the ranks of Talon. Her narrative involves secret recruitment plans, suggesting she isn't just a grunt but a key player in Talon's expanding influence. For lore enthusiasts, her interactions with other Talon members like Reaper, Widowmaker, and Doomfist will be worth listening for in the pre-match banter.
Community Corner: Survival Lúcio
While everyone is locking in the new DPS, the Workshop community remains active. The official Overwatch account recently highlighted a new survival mode build for Lúcio. If you need a break from the DPS queue times that inevitably spike during a new hero trial, check out the custom game using code MQS4A. It's a solid way to practice wall-riding mechanics under pressure.