Echo is the 32nd hero joining Overwatch.
No further details were given other than a little backstory. In an official Overwatch tweet, Echo was described as "An evolutionary robot programmed with a rapidly adapting artificial intelligence, Echo represents the cutting edge of technology."
Introducing Echo.
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) March 18, 2020
An evolutionary robot programmed with a rapidly adapting artificial intelligence, Echo represents the cutting edge of technology. pic.twitter.com/aStyP5F4Al
This is not the first time Overwatch fans have seen Echo. The character was seen as part of the animated short "Reunion" released in November 2018, which involved McCree and Ashe. McCree found Echo and sent the hero to help the new Overwatch. Echo was also in the Overwatch 2 announcement.
From a lore perspective, Dr. Mina Liao, who is the scientist that created the omnics, also created Echo (who is also an omnic). The hero is in fact the doctor's "Echo", as noted in the trailer. Echo is a member of Overwatch.
Overwatch League pros and talent were excited for the new hero.
"I think she has a cool design and story!" Overwatch League caster Matt "Mr. X" Morello told ESPN. "It will be interesting to see whether she's a support or DPS, by story and look feels like support which we do need a new one."
"Really excited to see her moveset, thematically she seems like an interesting hero," Houston outlaws Assistant Coach Chris "Dream" Myrick told ESPN. "My guess is that she's a support that enables or buffs teammates similar to Mercy or an enchanter in [League of Legends]. "
"I'm pumped, looks like a super exciting hero," current Overwatch League caster and former pro Jonathan "Reinforce" Larsson told ESPN. "I'm hoping it's a support hero with maybe some unusual support abilities, a lot of healers provide sheer healing, but a robot like this, maybe we'll see some buffs or debuffs, or maybe she'll utilize shields similar to how Torbjörn supplies armor. Nonetheless, looks awesome, can't wait for her to be in the game!"
"Hope she's a support," joked Atlanta Reign flex support player Dusttin "Dogman" Bowerman to ESPN. "I'm excited to see her before OW 2 for sure, she seems like she could be a fun mobile support." Dogman plans to deep dive into the hero on his stream at a later date.
This is the first hero to be added to the game since Sigma was added last July, and the longest span of time in between the release of heroes since the game's launch. Echo is said to be "coming soon" in regards to her release date.