the most recent tank hero, Hazardwill officially debut next month when the 14th season of the shooter begins, but you may play it now until November 25. Just before the test period began, Blizzard released the primary footage showing Hazard in motion and an outline of the Scottish hero’s activities. In some ways, Hazard feels like an amalgamation of other characters’ skills, as well Juno. However, there’s enough variety here that I can see it feeling quite distinct and never like a carbon copy of the characters it borrows from.

Like most other tanks in , Hazard’s setup is all about taking over space and disrupting the enemy team. His primary fire is a series of mid-range shotgun-like spikes fired from the Gatling gun in his right hand, complementing the remainder of his playstyle as a mobile, capable tank in the vein of Winston or Doomfist. Hazard can jump like Winston after which perform a robust melee attack using the purple spikes growing from his armor. However, his mobility doesn’t end there, as he also can climb partitions like Hanzo and Genji. Both of those abilities help it easily reach high ground and chase down enemies that might otherwise cause trouble for a more stationary tank.

When Hazard does get to enemies at close range, he also can brawl and take up space along with his Spike Guard ability, which greatly reduces the damage he takes, regenerates ammo, and fires spikes from his back a brief distance in front of him. This is helpful each for engaging enemies and for retreating, but unlike Ramattra’s defensive ability, it has a closing date and can’t be used indefinitely.

Perhaps probably the most interesting tool in Hazard’s arsenal is the Jagged Wall ability. Much like Mei along with her Ice Wall, Hazard is in a position to construct a wall that may block incoming attacks, but is just not as wide as Mei’s. It makes up for this with additional advantages, including a spiky surface that deals damage and pushes away enemies who touch it, and the flexibility to construct it on the edges of partitions. This gives him the flexibility to construct a wall in certain places that Mei cannot, and perhaps even knock an enemy off the side of the map should you can do it at the fitting time.

Completing all that is his ultimate, Downpour. This ability shoots purple spikes a good distance in front of Hazard, keeping enemies caught in the, er, downpour in place. Those affected can proceed to fireside their weapon, but will remain motionless for a brief time frame, leaving them open to a lethal shot.

Overall, Hazard seems to thrive when he gains space, and fragile heroes are unlikely to be thrilled along with his arrival. But I’m curious how players react to it after playing it, because each time a champion is released there are weeks of dialogue about how they ruined the sport or aren’t ok to maneuver the needle. Where will Hazard fall? We’ll see in the approaching days.