Echo was the last hero added to the original Overwatch. Blizzard introduced her as the game’s 32nd hero in March 2020, and she became available to all players on April 14, 2020.
Echo is a highly advanced female omnic created by scientist Dr. Mina Liao. Liao designed her as part of the Echo Project, hoping to create an artificial intelligence capable of helping humanity. After Liao’s death during an attack on Overwatch headquarters, Echo was placed in quarantine and later reactivated by Cole Cassidy.
Echo had actually appeared earlier in the animated short “Reunion,” released alongside the reveal of Ashe, Overwatch’s 29th hero. That early appearance led fans to speculate about her identity and eventual role. She was ultimately classified as a Damage hero, despite originally being considered for a Support role. Ashe, Baptiste, and Sigma were added before Echo, which is why Echo—not one of those heroes—holds the final position in the original roster.