Hanzo
Mastering his skills as a bowman and an assassin, Hanzo Shimada strives to prove himself as a warrior without peer.
Location
Hanamura, Japan (formerly)
Age
40
Birthday
Nov 3
250
250
01 / 06
Storm Bow
Hold to charge then release to launch arrows further.
Minor Perk — Choose 1
Sonic Disruption
Sonic Arrow hacks nearby Health Packs for 30 seconds.
Dragon Fury
After hitting an enemy with Primary Fire, gain 20% attack speed for 1.5 seconds.
Major Perk — Choose 1
Frost Arrow
Press R to ready an explosive frost arrow, slowing enemies hit by 35% for 2 seconds.
Scatter Arrows
On first ricochet, Storm Arrows split into 5 shots dealing 33% damage and bounce 1 extra time.
When his father passed, Hanzo was left to lead the Shimada ninja clan. The clan’s elders pushed him to bring his carefree brother, Genji, into line—leading to a confrontation where Hanzo struck Genji down. Horrified, Hanzo abandoned the clan, roaming the world in solitude as punishment. But now, finding out that his brother still lives, Hanzo must decide where this new path will take him.
Shimada clan
The Shimada family was established centuries ago, a clan of assassins whose power grew over the years, enabling them to build a vast criminal empire that profited from lucrative trade in arms and illegal substances. As the eldest son of the family's head, Hanzo was bound by duty to succeed his father and rule the Shimada empire. From a young age, he was trained for that responsibility, displaying a natural aptitude for leadership and possessing an innate understanding of strategy and tactics. He also excelled in more practical areas: he was a prodigy in martial arts, swordplay, and bowmanship, having trained under swordmaster Asa Yamagami, mother of Kiriko Kamori. Upon the death of his father, the clan elders instructed Hanzo to straighten out his wayward younger brother, Genji, so that he, too, might help rule the Shimada empire. When Genji refused, Hanzo was forced to kill him. This act broke Hanzo's heart and drove him to reject his father's legacy, ultimately leading him to abandon the clan and all that he had worked so hard to attain.
Lone warrior
For years, Hanzo traveled the world, perfecting his skills as a warrior, attempting to restore his honor and put the ghosts of his past to rest. His quest at last bore fruit many years after Genji’s death, when the two crossed paths—and fought—in their childhood home of Shimada Castle, which had long since been seized by the Hashimoto clan. Genji told Hanzo he had forgiven him and urged Hanzo to forgive himself. Amid new turmoil in their native Hanamura and around the world, the time may soon come when Hanzo must choose a side, but where he’ll land remains to be seen.
Reign of talon
As Talon’s alliance with the Hashimoto plunged Tokyo into deeper chaos, Hanzo, Genji and Kiriko defended their city to confront the rising threat. After Genji was taken captive, he, Kiriko, and the Yōkai aided in Genji’s escape, additionally rescuing Kiriko’s father, Toshiro, from the heart of the Hashimoto stronghold. Now committed to protecting the people and home he once turned away from, Hanzo begins to reclaim his sense of purpose and honor, ultimately choosing to fight the Hashimoto at his family’s side.
Hanzo Tips
- 1Storm Arrows give instant burst without charging — use them at close range when a charged shot would be too slow to land.
- 2Dragonstrike travels through walls and structures; fire it through terrain at clustered enemies who think they're safe behind cover.
- 3Sonic Arrow's wallhack reveals enemy positions for your whole team — use it on key choke points before your team pushes to prevent ambushes.
- 4Wall Climb lets Hanzo access flanks and angles that other hitscan heroes can't reach — use verticality to confuse enemy aim and find safer sightlines.
Damage Overview
Damage heroes are the primary source of eliminations and pick potential on any team. Whether they operate from long range or dive into close quarters, their goal is to remove high-value targets and create openings for their team. Damage heroes vary enormously in playstyle — some demand precise aim, others reward aggressive positioning. Understanding your hero's range and engagement windows is the foundation of effective damage play.
Positioning
Positioning varies dramatically by hero archetype. Hitscan and sniper heroes seek high ground and open sightlines. Flankers need cover-dense paths to approach from unexpected angles. Regardless of style, always know your escape route before you commit to an engagement — getting caught in a bad position as a damage hero means a fast death.
Strengths
- +Highest single-target damage output to secure quick eliminations
- +Pick potential that creates numerical advantages for your team
- +Flanking options to disrupt enemy backline and supports
- +Ultimate abilities with fight-ending potential
Weaknesses
- −Lower health than tanks makes positioning mistakes costly
- −Reliant on team resources (heals, peel) when focused
- −Overextension leads to isolation and being picked off easily
- −Effectiveness heavily depends on target selection and aim
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