Doomfist’s PTR hero interactions hint at Overwatch’s next conflicts

Between comics and cinematics, one of the most reliable ways we can pick up on new lore is through hero interactions. In the lobby, heroes will snipe back and forth or share a chummy moment. These interactions aren’t necessarily canon, in that they haven’t always happened yet, but they share an accurate screenshot of how those two characters would interact should they meet face to face. Soldier 76 and Ana, who are off the grid rebels together, have probably chided each other about their health and safety. McCree hasn’t met Reaper yet in the world, so his interactions with Reyes exist as a pure hypothetical.

Doomfist is no exception to getting his own set of hero interactions, and they reveal some interesting things about the world and his character. It’s worth noting that not all of these interactions are implemented or complete; Orisa, our last hero, didn’t have a complete set of interactions until after her live release.

YouTuber Hammeh has helpfully compiled these interactions into a video, in case you’re interested in hearing the tone and inflection on these lines.

Ana

Doomfist: The world decided it didn't need you anymore.

Ana’s response isn’t implemented here, but it’s interesting that Doomfist targets her out over Soldier 76. Maybe it’s because Soldier 76 kept up the fight, brewing the global conflict Doomfist wants so bad, while Ana went into hiding? Maybe the two have history we don’t know about?

Hanzo

Doomfist: Hanzo, you should consider joining us. I think we'd see eye to eye.
Hanzo: I would have little to gain from such an arrangement. No, I will find my own path.

This is the second time Talon has tried to recruit Hanzo through in-game interactions, with Widowmaker telling him Talon could restore his family’s empire. (But at what cost? asks Hanzo.) Doomfist takes another crack at it, but Hanzo’s stuck on his path of redemption. Doomfist likely would have much in common with Hanzo; the two are both intelligent men with strict moral codes and responsibility thrust upon them. Unfortunately, if Hanzo ever watches Doomfist’s origins animation, he might not be too pleased at Doomfist’s attempted murder of his brother.

Junkrat

Junkrat: Don't suppose you'd like to trade? Fists I mean.
Doomfist: I'd have gotten my fist sooner if it wasn't for those meddling kids!

There’s a pretty obvious Scooby Doo joke here, but Doomfist and Junkrat don’t have a lot in common. The Junkers are likely too blunt and unpredictable a tool for Talon to use in their quest for global warfare.

Blizzard Entertainment

Lucio

Doomfist: I think your flight may have been delayed.

Once again, there’s no response implemented yet, but this sets up something between the two characters. Lucio has played concerts in Numbani, and loves the city; Doomfist has strong ties to the city thanks to his previous mentor, the Scourge. Lucio and Doomfist would be at ideological odds. We’re not entirely sure what the flight comment means, but a response may clear that up.

Orisa

Doomfist: I hope that the girl gave you more than a new coat of paint.
Orisa: You may be surprised! I have received a number of upgrades since that battle.

Orisa was built to protect Numbani after Doomfist’s attack, and Doomfist tore through the city’s security OR-15s to get his gauntlet back. The two are direct enemies, but Doomfist manages to stay quietly contemptuous when faced with Orisa. Orisa, on the other hand, remains both completely cheerful and steadfast in her ability to take this threat down.

The two even have an in game spray combo depicting their inevitable clash, which we may see sooner rather than later.

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Sombra

Sombra: Isn't it a little embarassing to get beaten up by a monkey?
Doomfist: Have you ever been hit by a giant, genetically engineered gorilla? I could arrange it for you.

Poor Sombra! No one in game actually seems to like her. Even Tracer, the perpetually cheerful Brit who manages to perkily ask Widowmaker “whatcha lookin’ at?!” has nothing but scorn for Sombra. Even her own faction doesn’t seem to particularly like Sombra! Widowmaker basically makes a veiled threat on her life in hero interactions. (It’d be a shame if something happened to you on our next mission. A real pity.)

To be fair, Sombra did bring up something a little embarrassing here, so we can forgive Doomfist for threatening to have her knocked out by Winston.

Winston

Doomfist: I didn't forget about you.
Winston: I stopped you once. I can do it again!

Doomfist is kind of a classy guy, and “I didn’t forget about you” is as verbally threatening as he gets. His next round against Winston, should that come to pass, is going to be the ultimate test of his thesis. Did conflict make him stronger, or has he hit a brick wall in the form of a genetically engineered gorilla from the moon?

Zarya

Doomfist: Human strength will only get you so far.
Zarya: True strength is hard work and dedication — not augmentation!

Zarya and Doomfist are engaging in a bit of a theological battle here. The two of them value strength above all, but Zarya is so hostile towards omnics that it seemingly carries over to augmentation. (She’s pretty snappy with Genji, who’s still relatively human.) Doomfist, on the other hand, doesn’t care. Strength is strength.