Former Overwatch director, Jeff Kaplan, recently unveiled his favorite hero in Blizzard’s popular shooter, naming the valiant crusader Reinhardt. Kaplan not only expressed his admiration for the tank but also shared an interesting tidbit about the origin of one of Reinhardt’s most iconic abilities – Charge.
According to Kaplan, the idea for Reinhardt’s Charge came from an unexpected source: the zombie shooter Left 4 Dead 2, specifically the infected “Charger.” “We saw the Charger just swatting you across the map,” Kaplan recalled, “and we thought, what if an Overwatch tank had an ability like that?” This mechanic, allowing for rapid traversal and pinning down an enemy, became a cornerstone of Reinhardt’s gameplay.
Kaplan emphasized that Charge is not just an ability, but a tool that separates a skilled Reinhardt player from a novice. “It’s what separates a great Rein from a shitty one,” he stated, alluding to the high-risk, high-reward nature associated with its use. A successful Charge can turn the tide of a battle, while a poorly executed one can leave Reinhardt isolated and vulnerable. The ability demands precise timing, positioning, and understanding of the battlefield, making it one of the most skill-dependent elements in the hero’s arsenal.