The just-launched limited-time mode Haunted Masquerade in Overwatch 2 Season 19 hides a considerable secret, providing the most definitive look at the abilities of the soon-to-be-launched Hero 45. Discreetly tucked outside of the hero respawn rooms, this collectible Lupa Mask item offers a tangible mechanical preview for a character whom the community has long dubbed the “She-Wolf.” This latest clue gives then insight that the next roster addition will be a highly mobile close-combat fighter.
Upon donning the Lupa Mask, players receive a powerful but temporary buff: increased movement and attack speed right following melee or ability damage. The accompanying flavor text of the item reads, “The she-wolf watches,” drawing a direct association to the unreleased hero. This quirky little interaction is a good indication that in her final kit Hero 45 shall function by chaining close-range attacks and abilities to sustain speed and momentum; dynamic high-mobility is the expectation in her playstyle, as opposed to the more conventional approach seen with most of the heroes today. Players may also be able to collect a permanent souvenir of the teaser as the Weapon Charm variant of the Lupa Mask is one of the unlocks for completing ten seasonal event challenges.
The mask joins quite an intentional and unbelievably clear period of teases put into the game by Blizzard over the past several months. Former references to the “She-Wolf of Retribution” have been found among the doodads of the Arena Victoriae map and a very quick cameo—just her sandals—at the very end of the Season 19 trailer. More so, she appeared in a minor way within a recent comic starring Ramattra that confirmed her deep ties within the growing lore of the game, particularly with the Talon terrorist organization.
While the formal reveal detailing the hero’s full backstory and finalized abilities is awaited in November, the timeline for its release lies solid. Hero 45 is set to join the Overwatch 2 roster during Season 20 on December 9. A hero trial is expected to run with the mid-Season 19 update before her full release so players can get an early sneak peek at the She-Wolf. Associate Game Director Alec Dawson also confirmed that the character will be central to the new narrative viewer feature assigned to the character, indicating her crucial role within the active storyline.
