When did Overwatch Season 5 start?

October 6, 2026. The season is called Reign of Talon - Season 5: A Grim Doctrine.

Who is the new Overwatch hero?

Doctrine, a vampire-themed support hero who is playable from Season 5.

When does the Halloween event end?

Mystery Madness: Graveyard Games runs from October 6 to November 2, 2026.

When does Season 6 start?

Not announced as of October 9, 2026.

Overwatch Season 5: A Grim Doctrine - New Hero, Map and Events

Overwatch Season 5, called "Reign of Talon - Season 5: A Grim Doctrine," began on October 6, 2026. It is the fifth chapter of Blizzard's yearly story. This article covers the main changes. Dates can change, so check the in-game news too.

Key takeaways

New support hero: Doctrine, a vampire-themed healer who also deals damage.
New Escort map: Watchpoint: Grimsvotn, the first new Escort map in years.
Sombra moves to Support and Roadhog gets a rework.
Halloween event Mystery Madness: Graveyard Games runs October 6 to November 2.

Overwatch – Season 5: A Grim Doctrine Launch Trailer · YouTube

Doctrine and the new map

Doctrine was revealed at BlizzCon on September 12, 2026, and had a short trial weekend. Blizzard describes him as a support who heals allies and hurts enemies with his scepter and bat-like drones. His Ultimate redistributes health between the two teams. He is linked to Doomfist in the story. The map Watchpoint: Grimsvotn is an Escort map set in an Icelandic volcanic fissure.

Hero changes

Sombra: moves from Damage to Support, with reworked abilities and perks.
Roadhog: a new Scrap Gun and a new ability, Trash Compactor.
Smaller balance changes hit D.Va, Domina, Bastion, Cassidy, Emre, Genji, Shion, Ana and Lucio.

Images are provided by Steam and belong to their publishers.

Events and cosmetics

What	Dates (2026)
Mystery Madness: Graveyard Games	October 6 to November 2
Shadow Monarch collaboration	October 6 to 19
Tech Witches collection	October 9 to 26
Team Drives	October 29 to November 1

In Graveyard Games you respawn with random powers. Unvaulted Passes also return, letting you play revised Battle Passes from Seasons 1 to 15. Cosmetics are optional and cost money or in-game currency, so set a budget first.

Why is it not "Overwatch 2" anymore?

In February 2026 Blizzard dropped the "2" and said it would keep the game as one ongoing service instead of numbered sequels. Seasons now run as a yearly story, with ten new heroes planned across 2026. We found no announced date for Season 6 yet.