Junkertown

Lore & Background

Following the collapse of order during the Omnic Crisis, the Australian Outback was left to decay. Junkertown rose from this devastation as a sanctuary for those who could not return home or find work elsewhere. The landscape is dominated by the skeletons of old buildings, twisted into makeshift towers and shelters by resourceful survivors. The social structure here is defined by strength and territory. The Junkers, the general inhabitants of Junkertown, enforce their own rules amidst the chaos, controlling trade routes for scrap and weapons as an independent faction without oversight from larger organizations like Talon. It is a place where technology is repurposed rather than manufactured, reflecting the scarcity of resources in this post-apocalyptic zone. Despite its reputation as a villainous stronghold, Junkertown also houses ordinary people trying to survive. The constant threat of conflict and environmental hazards means that trust is rare, but alliances can be forged over shared necessity. This duality makes it a complex setting within the broader narrative.

In Their Own Story

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rusted skyline. A scavenger crouched behind a pile of twisted rebar, listening for the distant hum of an engine. In Junkertown, silence was often more dangerous than noise. He adjusted his goggles, checking the charge on his pulse rifle before stepping into the open street where neon signs flickered against the dust.

Reader's Guide

Junkertown stands as a testament to the devastation left by the Omnic Crisis, rising from the ruins of Australia’s south coast. It serves as a crucial narrative backdrop for several heroes and villains who operate outside the law. This settlement is not merely a map location but a living ecosystem where survival dictates social structure. The area functions as a haven for those rejected by society, including former soldiers and scavengers. Gangs like the Junkers control territory here, turning scrap metal into weapons and shelter. Its existence highlights the long-term consequences of global conflict on civilian populations who were abandoned in the aftermath. For players and lore enthusiasts, Junkertown represents the gritty underbelly of the Overwatch universe. It contrasts sharply with high-tech cities like King’s Row or Paris. Understanding this setting provides context for characters like Roadhog and Junkrat, whose personalities are forged by their harsh environment. The wasteland remains a symbol of resilience amidst decay.

Did You Know?

• It was originally the site of the Australian Omnium, a massive omnic production facility, before the Crisis destroyed much of its infrastructure.
• The Junkers are the general inhabitants of Junkertown, not a gang led by Roadhog.
• It was added to the game in September 2017, not at launch.