Reinhardt
The Last Crusader defends the world with honor and an unbreakable shield.
Reinhardt Wilhelm is a towering figure clad in power armor, serving as one of Overwatch's most iconic defenders. Known as the last Crusader, he embodies the chivalric ideals that once defined the organization before its dissolution. His presence on the battlefield inspires allies and intimidates foes alike through sheer durability and brute strength. He represents the golden age of heroism within the franchise, often acting as a moral compass for his teammates. While his methods are sometimes old-fashioned, his dedication to protecting the innocent remains unwavering regardless of political changes or technological advancements.
- Role
- Tank
- Affiliation
- Overwatch (Reactivated)
- Origin
- Eisenstadt, Germany
- Weapon
- Rocket Hammer & Barrier Shield
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
Reinhardt was trained by Torbjörn Lindholm to become a Knight of the Ironclad, mastering both combat and strategy during the Omnic Crisis. When Overwatch disbanded following political pressure, he retired to his hometown, disillusioned but still believing in the cause. He spent years mentoring younger warriors and maintaining local peace until the organization was reformed. His philosophy centers on protecting the innocent at all costs, a code of honor that sometimes clashes with modern tactical pragmatism. Despite his age compared to newer heroes, he remains one of the most physically imposing figures in the roster. His return signals a hope for Overwatch's original values to be restored amidst global chaos. The armor he wears is not merely protective gear but a symbol of his legacy. Each scar on the metal tells a story of battles fought and lives saved. He carries the weight of history while fighting for a future where heroes are needed once again.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the cobblestones of Eisenstadt as Reinhardt paused beneath the archway. He adjusted his gauntlet, feeling the weight of centuries upon his shoulders. A child ran past, clutching a toy hammer, looking up at him with wide eyes. He smiled behind his helmet, offering a gentle nod. The world had changed, but the duty remained constant. Tonight, he would stand guard once more.
Reader's Guide
Reinhardt Wilhelm serves as a frontline Tank designed primarily to absorb damage and control space for his team. His primary tool is an energy shield that blocks incoming fire, protecting allies from harm during intense engagements. He utilizes a rocket-powered hammer capable of charging across the battlefield or slamming into enemies with great force. Key abilities include Fire Strike, which launches a projectile of flame at distant targets, and Earthshatter, a powerful stomp that knocks back foes in front of him. His ultimate ability allows him to charge through multiple opponents, dealing massive damage in his path while intimidating the enemy line. Voice lines often reflect themes of honor, duty, and protection. Timeline: Active during the Omnic Crisis as part of the original Overwatch team. Retired after the organization's dissolution due to disillusionment with leadership. Reactivated following the events that led to Overwatch's return. He remains a central figure in protecting humanity from threats both mechanical and human, serving as a mentor to newer recruits.
Did You Know?
- Torbjörn Lindholm personally constructed Reinhardt's power armor.
- He is known for his love of traditional German sausages.
- Reinhardt served as a mentor to several other heroes during his tenure.
- His hammer features a built-in rocket propulsion system.
More in Heroes & Villains
Elsewhere in the Overwatch universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record
