Genji

Genji is a Damage hero in Overwatch.

Overview
Genji flings precise and deadly Shuriken at his targets, and uses his wakizashi to deflect projectiles or delivers a Swift Strike with his technologically-advanced "dragonblade" that cuts down enemies.

Strategy
Genji is a versatile flanker with very high mobility, boasting some of the best movement options of all the heroes. Genji is better suited for mid-range to make use of his mobility and Shurikens, but can still be formidable at range. Cyber-Agility makes Genji a difficult target and allows him to navigate the map with ease. Swift Strike allows Genji to engage, escape, or move between targets efficiently. The damage on Swift Strike is considerable for most heroes but is insignificant to a tank. As such, Genji should use Swift Strike to either maneuver around his enemies or deal small but quick and easy damage. Deflect allows Genji to turn enemies' damage back towards them and even allows him to turn around entire ultimate abilities. This allows for potentially lethal burst damage if it is timed properly and Genji is well-positioned. Be wary when estimating your own abilities as Genji, though; you are not the most agile hero, nor do you deal the most damage. Genji fills a middle ground when it comes to these factors.

Weapons & Abilities

 * Cyber-Agility (Passive): Genji gains two benefits from this passive. First, Genji is able to climb up flat, vertical surfaces by holding the jump button while next to them. Second, Genji is capable of performing a double jump by pressing the jump button while already in the air.
 * Almost any vertical surface can be climbed with Cyber-Agility. You can jump again at any time while climbing, allowing you to reach catwalks and other areas that don't have a direct, vertical path up to them.
 * You can change the direction Genji is jumping when using the double jump. Simply hold the direction you want him to jump towards while executing the double jump.


 * Shuriken: Genji's primary weapon. Primary fire will cause Genji to shoot three projectile shurikens towards his crosshair in a volley. Secondary fire will cause Genji to quickly throw three shurikens in a cone in front of him.
 * The shurikens from both the primary and secondary fire can headshot, and are not subject to damage falloff.
 * The secondary fire throws the stars at a much faster rate. Use the secondary fire at short range where accuracy is less of a concern and the primary fire for longer-range engagements.


 * Deflect: When activated, Genji assumes a defensive stance for several seconds, during which time he cannot attack. While in this stance, most enemy projectiles or hitscan weapons that hit him in the front will be deflected in the direction he is aiming in. Deflected attacks use the same damage numbers and effects as the original, and can affect the shooter and their team.
 * An immensely powerful ability. With a few exceptions, Genji is immune to frontal attacks while Deflect is active. Make sure you aren't being attacked from behind to get the full use out of Deflect.
 * Frontal melee attacks are blocked, but do not deliver damage back to the enemy. Roadhog's Chain Hook will also be blocked, but not reflected in any way (as if the hook had hit a wall).
 * The attacks that cannot be deflected or blocked include Winston's Tesla Cannon, Lúcio's Sound Wave, the primary firing mode of Symmetra's Photon Projector, Zarya's Particle Cannon, and Mei's Endothermic Blaster.


 * Swift Strike: When activated, Genji dashes straight forward a fixed distance, dealing damage to all enemies he passes through along the way. The cooldown on Swift Strike is reset whenever Genji scores an elimination.
 * Swift Strike is also useful as a way of traveling around the map, as well as an escape method. It can also be used as a finishing move, dealing a quick burst of damage to an opponent who's on low Health.
 * Because Swift Strike will reset whenever Genji gets an elimination, you can use it to quickly chain kills between multiple low-Health targets. Use it to dash through the first target to kill them, scoring an elimination, and then dash through another low-Health target. The elimination doesn't actually have to be made with Swift Strike; finishing a target through other means (or even getting a kill assist) also resets the cooldown.


 * Dragonblade (Ultimate): Genji's Ultimate ability. When activated, Genji unsheathes his ōdachi, disabling the use of his shurikens for the duration. His primary fire is replaced with a fast-swinging melee-ranged slash that hits all targets in a small cone in front of Genji, dealing high damage with every hit. Genji will sheathe the blade at the end of Dragonblade's duration, regaining the use of his shurikens.
 * Dragonblade is a high risk, high reward Ultimate. While Genji gains extremely high melee damage (beating even Reinhardt), he loses the ability to attack at range for the duration.
 * Remember that Cyber-Agility is still active when using Dragonblade. Use your double jump and wall climb to remain evasive so that you can get as many kills as possible.
 * The high damage from Dragonblade allows you to easily get eliminations. Remember to use Swift Strikes to deal more damage and close the distance with other enemies whenever you get a kill.
 * Activating Dragonblade also refreshes the cooldown of Swift Strike.

General Strategies

 * Genji is a deadly offensive threat, capable of easily sneaking behind enemy lines and harassing his opponents with constant volleys of Shurikens. You should always be taking side routes to flank the enemy team, as Genji contributes much less when he is merely hanging with his team. Remember, however, not get too far away from your team as Genji has much less capability to escape from bad engagements compared to Tracer.


 * Genji is usually better at fighting his enemies mid-range than up close. He lacks the evasiveness of Tracer and the damage/self-healing of Reaper, making him vulnerable to being killed if he opts to get too close to the enemy team. Only engage up close if either Dragonblade is up, or if the enemy you're fighting is vulnerable (such as a lone Widowmaker).


 * Deflect provides Genji with an incredibly high skill ceiling. It can be used to deflect everything from Pharah's Barrage, Tracer's Pulse Bomb, to McCree's Deadeye, allowing you to rapidly turn the tables on almost any engagement. Smarter enemies will usually wait for you to use Deflect before using their abilities, so don't use Deflect too early. Trick them into thinking that your Deflect is on cooldown, then use it at the right moment to send their most lethal attacks back at them.


 * A burst damage combo is to engage with Swift Strike, followed by a secondary fire at melee range and then melee attack. This combo requires a good precision on the landing point of Swift Strike.


 * The wall climb of Cyber-Agility has a variety of uses, even in combat. When fighting near a doorway, get your enemy to chase you towards the doorway, then utilize Cyber-Agility to climb up over the top of the doorway and ambush them.


 * You must choose the moment to use Dragonblade carefully. Genji is not any more durable than normal while using it, meaning that your enemies can easily knock you away and kill you at range if you use it inappropriately. Try to use Dragonblade when there are multiple enemies with low base Health (such as Symmetra or Mercy) within reach, as this will let you quickly kill them and chain your Swift Strikes to both eliminate more targets and remain evasive to survive longer. Make sure you're within melee range of your enemies before activating it.

Story
"Even if I sacrifice my body, I will never sacrifice my honor."

The cyborg Genji Shimada has made peace with the augmented body he once rejected, and in doing so, he has discovered a higher humanity. While wary of his past, he has acknowledged, and made peace with it. He (almost) constantly wears a mask, as, in his words, "I do not people to fear me...or pity me."

Genji's sword is a katana named Ryū ichimonji (竜一文字); he maintains it personally and has never allowed anyone else to examine or repair it. It is paired with a traditional wakizashi sheathed horizontally on his lower back.

Background
"I know what it is to leave behind a past you are not proud of."

- Genji

As the youngest son of Sojiro Shimada, the master of the Shimada ninja clan, Genji lived a life of luxury and privilege. He had little interest in the family's illegal businesses, and although he excelled at and enjoyed his ninja training, he spent most of his time pursuing a playboy lifestyle. He was trained in the ways of the sword by Asa Yamagami.

Many within the clan considered the carefree Genji to be a dangerous liability, and they resented his father for coddling and protecting him. He spent a lot of his time in an arcade in Hanamura, where he racked up numerous high scores on the arcade machines.

At some point, Sojiro called Genji "sparrow" as an insult. He would later come to adopt it as a nickname.

Overwatch
"Together we could've built an empire. That was your dream. Not mine."

- Hanzo and Genji

Following Sojiro's untimely death, the clan elders instructed Genji's older brother, Hanzo, to demand that Genji take a more active role in their late father's empire. Genji refused, enraging Hanzo. The tension between the brothers built to a violent confrontation that left Genji on the verge of death. Hanzo believed that he had killed his brother, but Genji was rescued by Overwatch and the intervention of Dr. Angela Ziegler. The global security force saw Genji as a potential asset in its ongoing operations to combat the Shimada clan. As Genji's injuries left him clinging to life, Overwatch offered to rebuild his body in exchange for his help. He was put through an extensive process of cyberization, which enhanced his natural speed and agility and augmented his superlative ninja skills. Transformed into a living weapon, Genji single-mindedly set about the task of dismantling his family's criminal empire. At some point he was stationed at Watchpoint: Gibraltar. As a member of Blackwatch, he had mixed views on fellow members Jesse McCree and Moira O'Deorain. He and Ziegler were close, having many late night conversations at Overwatch Headquarters.

Retribution
Eight years before the present day, Genji took part in a mission to Rialto in order to apprehend Talon member Antonio Bartalotti. The Blackwatch team arrived in a Venice safehouse and set up survaillance on the manor. They found Talon soldiers patrolling the grounds. When night fell, they infiltrated the manor. They made their way through its interior, killing and/or incapacitating numerous Talon guards. Upon reaching Antonio's office, they found him there, not surprised to see them. Nor was he intimidated, as he pointed out that Overwatch abducting a "respected businessman" would be a public relations nightmare. Furthermore, even if they did take him, his "friends" would have him released within a week. After some thought, Reyes said "you're right" and shot Antonio, the force of the blast sending him through his office window, setting off an alarm. Genji remained silent, even as they engaged in "Plan B"&mdash;fight their way out. During the escape, Genji voiced support for Reyes's actions, stating that the commander had found an "expedient solution." He noticed that McCree was uneasy about what had occurred, pointing out that they'd killed before. Reyes stated that what had happened was an execution. Genji simply responded "dead is dead." He further stated that he felt no sympathy for the Talon guards.

The team succeeded in exfiltrating the manor, but the existence of Blackwatch was revealed to the world, resulting in political and public fallout.

Uprising
Seven years before Overwatch's Genji was still a member of Blackwatch. While Null Sector carried out an uprising in King's Row, he trained with Lena Oxton. Genji would later comment that Tracer was "the only one I have trouble keeping up with."

Within a year after the King's Row Uprising. Genji would cut contact with his old team members.

Storm Rising
Six years before the present day, under the command of Sojourn, Genji took part in an operation in Havana consisting of himself, Mercy, Winston, and Tracer. Their objective was to apprehend Maximilien, who was travelling through the city in an armored convoy. The Overwatch team engaged, with Genji using his sword to disable Maximilian's vehicle, and his shuriken to destroy a pair of others. Maximilian fled on foot, but the team was able to catch up with him, Genji putting his sword to the omnic's neck. In exchange for leniency, Maximilian agreed to arrange a "meeting" with Doomfist, informing them that Talon's leader would be in Singapore in three weeks.

Doomfist
"Doomfist, you are truly a worthy foe. If we fight again, I can't promise you'll walk away this time. Nor can I."

- Genji and Doomfist reflecting on their battle in Singapore

Three weeks later alongside Tracer and Winston, Genji confronted Doomfist in Singapore. He initially attacked Doomfist with his shurikens, but the man either deflected them with his gauntlet, or utilized a powerful shield to keep them at bay. Doomfist slammed his gauntlet into the ground, sending pillars of earth upwards, forcing Genji to jump into the air for safety. It was the opening that Doomfist needed, as he jumped up and hit Genji with his gauntlet, sending him skidding along the streets and smashing into a car. Genji's cybernetic body began to give out, but luckily, Winston was able to defeat Doomfist shortly afterwards.

Inner Peace
"Genji, how'd you ever get used to...You know...It was hard enough for me and it was just the one arm. It was a long and difficult road, but now, I feel at ease in my own body."

- McCree and Genji discussing their cybernetics

As time passed, Genji felt increasingly at war with himself. He was repulsed by the mechanical parts of his body and could not come to grips with what he had become. When his mission was complete, he abandoned Overwatch and wandered the world in search of meaning. He drifted for many years before crossing paths with the omnic monk Zenyatta. Though Genji initially rejected Zenyatta's wisdom, the benevolent omnic would not be deterred. In time, Zenyatta became his mentor, and under the monk's tutelage, Genji reconciled his dual existence as both man and machine. He learned to accept that although he had a cyborg body, his human soul was intact, and he came to see his new form as a gift and a unique strength.

Now, for the first time in his life, Genji was free. Even he could not say where his path would ultimately lead.

Recall
When Winston issued a recall of Overwatch agents, Genji was seemingly in western North America.

Dragons
"Real life is not like the stories our father told us. You are a fool for believing it so! Perhaps I am a fool to think that there is still hope for you, but I do. Think on that, brother."

- Hanzo and Genji part ways

At some point after the recall, Genji headed to Japan to confront his brother. He contacted Angela Ziegler, informing her of his decision.

On the tenth anniversary of Genji's supposed death, as he had done every year, Hanzo broke into Shimada Castle and took down the guards before they could alert anyone. In the main room in front of the sword display he lit an incense offering and prayed to honor his brother. Genji had tracked him before he even set foot in the castle, and revealed his presence to Hanzo. The two sparred both physically and verbally, discussing Hanzo's assassination of his brother. Hanzo unleashed his Dragon Strike ability, but Genji was able to manipulate it, a feat that only a Shimada should be capable of. He took off his mask, revealing himself as Hanzo's very much alive brother. He told Hanzo that he had forgiven him, and now, Hanzo had to forgive himself. The world was changing, and they would have to pick sides. Hanzo wasn't swayed, but Genji told him that he still had hope for his brother. And with that, he disappeared into the night.

Reflections
At Christmas, Genji was with Zenyatta. He wrote a letter using a quill. The letter was possibly sent to Mercy, who received a letter with an identical quill (if not the same one) that Genji had used.

Zero Hour
"Hello Genji! Thanks for the help in Paris. I thought your hoodie was very stylish. Our paths cross for now. As to the future, we shall see."

- Genji and Mei after the battle in Paris

Sometime after Winston's recall, Genji arrived on location in Paris, where he aided former Overwatch members in repelling Null Sector's forces after the opposition began pushing them toward an early retreat. After playing a crucial part in crippling and taking down the terrorist organization's Titan, Genji rejoined Overwatch, alongside Reinhardt, Brigitte, Mercy, and Echo. He was willing to work with Overwatch, at least in the short term.

A New War
After Paris, Genji and the others traveled to Watchpoint: Gibraltar, which they used as their base of operations. As it turned out, Null Sector's attack on Paris was simply the prelude to a global invasion. Winston pointed out that Null Sector wasn't the only threat Overwatch had to deal with. He declared that they'd had to fight their way through one city at a time.

Note: The following events aren't necessarily in chronological order.

Rio
Genji and the rest of Overwatch deployed to Rio de Janeiro when it was attacked by Null Sector. They teamed up with Lúcio and were able to blunt the initial attack, though Lúcio warned that as long as Null Sector's command ship remained airborne, the omnics would just keep coming. Genji and Brigitte kept Null Sector busy, while Winston and Ziegler evacuated civilians, and the rest of the team assaulted the command ship. The plan was a success, and the command ship successfully destroyed.

Reunion
"I knew you would return one day. It has been too long, master."

- Zenyatta and Genji

After helping thwart Null Sector's attack on Paris, Genji returned to Zenyatta.

Trivia

 * Genji's name may be a reference to the main character in the Japanese classic novel, The Tale of Genji. Overwatch's Genji is described as a 'playboy', while the novel's Genji is heavily characterized by his relationships with multiple women. Similarly, both men experience being banished from their families.


 * In his youth, Genji's father Sojiro gave him the nickname "Sparrow." He appears to use the feather of a Japanese sparrowhawk as a calling card.


 * Genji and Hanzo were the first playable heroes in Overwatch to be related, followed by Pharah and Ana, and Torbjörn and Brigitte.


 * A giant action figure of Genji was put on display in Paris as part of a pre-release promotion for Overwatch.


 * Genji's sword was replicated by armory series Man at Arms.


 * Genji is the fourth playable Overwatch character in Heroes of the Storm. He is also a purchasable announcer.


 * Genji seems to be ambidextrous, as he throws shurikens and uses Dragonblade with his right hand, and sword for Swift Strike and Deflect with his left hand.


 * Genji used to have an exclusive skin (See Picture: Oni) only obtainable from doing the Nexus Challenge in Heroes of the Storm, it later returned again in the Nexus Challenge 2.0, along with an exclusive skin for D.Va. As of Patch 1.12.0.2, they were added to the classic lootboxes and can also be purchased for 1,000 credits.


 * The Japanese word bushin (武神, lit. "wargod") is written on Genji's chest, likely an homage to the Final Fight character Guy.

Merchandise

 * A Genji Figma statue was released in Q2 2018.


 * A Genji vs. Hanzo Nendoroid diorama is on sale.


 * A Genji-themed hoodie is available from JINX.


 * A Genji sword replica is available for pre-order from Blizzard's online store.


 * Genji will appear in multiple LEGO Overwatch sets.
 * As part of a set shared with D.Va.
 * As part of the Hanzo vs. Genji set, featuring a segment of the dojo where the two fought in Dragons.

Development
Genji and Hanzo were originally envisioned as a single cyborg ninja hero named Hanzo who wielded both a bow and a sword, used parkour, and had an assassinate ability, using artwork for the Assassin class from the cancelled Project Titan. They were split into two distinct heroes early in development. During development Hanzo was known as "Bow Ninja" and Genji as "Sword Ninja." Both Genji and Hanzo's kits drew heavily from an early version of Sombra that predated both heroes, which resulted in the Sombra concept being temporarily shelved.

Genji himself was originally conceived as a slow-moving stealth assassin with an ability that allowed him to trip an enemy, stunning them, and then instantly kill them with a sword strike "finishing move" if another enemy didn't interrupt the attack, but this design was found to be unfun. At one point he was also given an Ultimate that would allow him to instantly kill an enemy from behind, which would have had unique stealth kill animations such as stabbing them in the back or cutting their throat. The lessons learned from this iteration of Genji were taken into consideration when developing Sombra as a stealth hacker. Another early version of Genji was treated purely as a melee hero with his sword always drawn and the ability to stick to walls. Some of these abilities appear to be the basis for the Talon Assassin enemy unit that appears in the Overwatch Retribution event.

The concept for Genji's new design in Overwatch 2 originated from the first storyboards for the Zero Hour cinematic, which depicted Genji appearing in a hoodie to rescue Winston. In the original storyboards he was wearing only a hoodie, causing the art team to realize that Genji had been naked this whole time and decide that if he's going to wear a hoodie he should also put on some pants. Jungah Lee, a concept artist for the Story and Franchise Development team, took that idea and fleshed out the design for the cinematic, and the development team liked it so much that they decided to bring it forward as his new design.