When people think of Overwatch villains, the first person they picture is Reaper. The kingpin of Talon isn’t easily tamed, so we’ve compiled this guide with some tips and tricks to let you master death himself.
There are fewer characters more iconic in Blizzard’s Overwatch than Reaper. The former Blackwatch member turned Talon supreme leader is a staple for a Overwatch players everywhere.
That by no means makes him easy to play, though, so here are our top tips to help you dominate as Reaper. We’ve got everything from his gameplay to his lore, his skins and his abilities, so buckle up, it’s going to be wild.
Blizzard EntertainmentTo master the Reaper, you need to learn about his history first.
Reaper didn’t begin his Overwatch journey as the Talon’s infamous leader – far from it, in fact. Gabriel Reyes’ origins trace back to the United States military, where his talent and dedication saw him blitz through the ranks.
Joining the army’s “soldier enhancement program” alongside Overwatch hero Jack Morrison (Soldier 76), Reyes went on to form the heroic organization with him. Constantly overlooked due to his erratic nature and chaotic leadership style, though, things rapidly took a turn for the worst.
Shifted onto Overwatch’s secret, black ops style department (known as Blackwatch), several failed missions led to Reyes being decommissioned and eventually pronounced dead during the skirmishing that ensued at Overwatch HQ.
Saved by scientist Moria O’Deorain, he was reborn as Talon leader, Reaper. A result of Moria’s genetics experiments, his cells simultaneously decay and regenerate at a hyper-accelerated rate. When his body degenerates, he becomes a swirling black mist, something that’s now associated with immanent death.
Reaper weapon
Reapers twin Hellfire Shotguns pack quite the punch. Laced with some form of molecular agent that causes excess damage, you wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of the barrel.
Falloff range:
10 to 20 meters
Overwatch Reaper Abilities
Blizzard EntertainmentReincarnated as Reaper, Gabriel Reyes is long gone.
If you thought those Hellfire Shotguns were bad, then you’ve not seen Reaper’s abilities. Focused around mobility and teleporting, Reaper works best when he’s up close and personal, with one of those shotguns resting against your head.
Passive: The Reaping
Heals 30% of damage dealt
NOTE: Reaper steals health from his enemies as he damages them.
Wraith Form
Move. speed: +50% buff
Duration: Up to 3 seconds
Cooldown: 8 seconds
NOTE: Reaper becomes a shadow for a short period of time. While in this form, he takes no damage and is able to pass through enemies, but cannot fire his weapons or use other abilities.
Shadow Step
Max. range: 35 meters
Damage: 170 damage per second (34 damage per hit, 5 hits per second, per target), 510 damage overall
Move. speed: -50% penalty
Area of effect: 8 meter radius
Duration: 3 seconds
Ultimate cost: 2100 points
NOTE: In a blur of motion, Reaper empties both Hellfire Shotguns at breakneck speed, dealing massive damage to all nearby enemies.
How to play Reaper: tips
Blizzard Entertainment“Death walks among you.”
Reaper is a character that isn’t for the faint of heart. His entire kit revolves around getting into the backline and shutting down squishier heroes, so if you constantly want to be on the offence then Reaper is perfect for you.
The thing you want to remember is his passive. 30% healing for all damage done is pretty hefty, so don’t be afraid to use your Shadow Step to get into flank position then empty those Hellfire Shotguns on your enemies.
This is a great tip for your Death Blossom, too. Use your Shadow Step to sneak behind the enemy team, then drop your Ult. Once you’ve caused some havoc, swap into your Wraith Form for a swift exit, but make sure you try and avoid any remaining enemies because they’ll be looking for your head.
Combining all of Reaper’s abilities is key to your success, because in terms of raw firepower his individual shots pack a punch, but they’re slow and steady. So is his reloading (well, more like “replacing”) so it’s essential you keep that in mind.
Overwatch Reaper skins
Name
Tier
Cost
Skin
Reaper Blood
Rare
75
Reaper Midnight
Rare
75
Reaper Moss
Rare
75
Reaper Royal
Rare
75
Reaper Desert
Epic
250
Reaper Hellfire
Epic
250
Reaper Wight
Epic
250
Reaper Shiver
Epic
250
Reaper Nevermore
Legendary
1000
Reaper Plague Doctor
Legendary
1000
Reaper El Blanco
Legendary
1000
Reaper Mariachi
Legendary
1000
Reaper Biker
Legendary
1000
Reaper Dracula
Legendary
1000
Reaper Pumpkin
Legendary
1000
Reaper Rat King
Legendary
1000
Reaper Lü Bu
Legendary
1000
Reaper Soldier: 24
Legendary
1000
Reaper Masquerade
Legendary
1000
Blackwatch Reyes
Legendary
Only available if you purchase either:
Overwatch: Game of the Year
Overwatch: Origins Edition
Overwatch: Legendary Edition
Overwatch 2 Reaper changes
Blizzard EntertainmentReaper’s changed up his style going into Overwatch 2.
Alongside other DPS heroes such as Widowmaker, Overwatch 2 sees Reaper get a bit of a speed boost to help him out.
Additionally, he’s got a bit of an upgrade in terms of looks. A little more streamlined and donned in gun metal black, Reaper’s breastplate has been completely changed to look a little more like his rival, Genji’s.
As we continue to draw closer to the sequel‘s release, we’ll maybe get a bit more of an insight into any further changes to our favorite resident villain. Until then, though, this picture is all we’ve got.
Blizzard Entertainment, Dexerto
Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment