The General Intel tab of the Intel Database includes information about various factions in the universe of Overwatch. It introduces the name, motives, members, and impact of each faction by using excerpts from in-universe media and manual entries from different Overwatch members.
General Intel is accessible through the Story Missions playlist in the Overwatch 2 game menu. Currently, the General Intel tab displays 39 pieces of intel on 6 different named factions, and one miscellaneous category.
Overwatch: International Task Force[ | ]
Overwatch[ | ]
>Excerpt from the Overwatch Museum Guide
A WORLD IN CRISIS
When the Omnic Crisis began, humanity was unprepared. The overwhelming robotic armies of the rogue God Program "Anubis" were more than any one nation could face. Some held out against invasion by creating unique task forces, such as Germany's Crusader initiative and the United States' soldier enhancement program. As the war continued and humanity struggled to survive, the United Nations began to discuss a more global solution.
THE WORLD COULD ALWAYS USE MORE HEROES
Overwatch was created to be a global task force with one singular goal: save the world from the omnic threat. The United Nations pulled together a group of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities--the best every nation in the world had to offer. These heroes were tasked with waging asymmetrical war against Anubis' relentless army. Overwatch led the global counterattack against the omnics, and with the world at their side, the Omnic Crisis eventually came to an end. Celebrated as saviors, Overwatch enjoyed a meteoric rise in power, prominence, and funding, and their research led to an era of countless technological and medical advancements.
THE END OF OVERWATCH
Though Overwatch outlasted the war and brought hope and liberty to many nations, years of controversy and allegations of corruption tarnished Overwatch's bright legacy. After a series of high-profile mission failures, charges of corruption and political meddling, and the discovery of the infamous covert-op division Blackwatch, the world turned against Overwatch. A series of hearings and devastating testimonials by former agents precipitated the end of an era. The U.N. made the decision to disband Overwatch, and former agents were forbidden from any unsanctioned "peacekeeping" activities.
Null Sector: Militant Organization[ | ]
Null Sector Faction Overview[ | ]
Excerpt from an opinion piece: "Another Crisis is on Our Doorstep"
Their leaders are anonymous. Their motives seem clear, yet they move in the shadows. What is the greater mission of the organization known as "Null Sector"? Though they claim their membership spans the globe, and they have eyes on all injustice perpetrated against their kind, none have stood up to reveal themselves. Advancing the fight for "omnic rights" is a clear call to action, but not just for omnics. Humanity barely survived the Crisis, and since, we have given the minds behind Null Sector every reason to strike us from the face of the Earth.
Transcribed from a Null Sector Propaganda Message prior to the Uprising: "Our name represents who we are. We have no home, and should our cause prevail, we will have no masters."
UPRISING
>Excerpt from the book "Crisis in King's Row: The Omnic Uprising"
Following the Omnic Crisis, the task of rebuilding the UK fell largely on the backs of the newly sentient omnic population. Though these omnic laborers performed many menial and dangerous tasks, the UK government denied them basic rights and citizenship. This unfair treatment drove many omnics to seek support elsewhere. Null Sector seized this opportunity to recruit new followers, making promises of freedom from a life of human exploitation.
Their ideology spread like wildfire, creating further unrest in London, and culminated in a violent attack in King's Row. Null Sector invaded the streets with a legion of mindless drones, not unlike the units created to wage war during the Omnic Crisis before the Awakening.
To this day, it is still unclear why more omnics didn't take part in the attack on King's Row. Only one member of Null Sector, an unidentified omnic, was killed in the fighting. Where were Null Sector's fiercest fighters? Why did they choose to abandon the omnics of London?
OMNIC SUBJUGATION DURING THE NULL SECTOR INVASION
>Excerpt from an article: "Null Sector Attacking Omnics"
...during their global attacks on major population centers, Null Sector robots have specifically hunted omnics, clamping a device onto their head, and rendering them catatonic. With this fact in mind, we can speak with certainty: Null Sector's primary goal is no longer focused on ensuring the freedom of omnics.
Debrief: Nulltroopers
>Submitted by: Athena
This report details observations following a second encounter with Nulltroopers in Rio de Janeiro. The Nulltroopers demonstrate a low level of situational awareness but concerning levels of simulated determination. These units pursue their targets relentlessly, despite facing significant resistance. Agents have reported sightings of an Elite variant of the Nulltroopers, recognizable by its black and gold armor. This variant has proven to be deadlier than its counterpart, as it is capable of engaging at an increased range.
DETERMINATION
>Submitted by: Reinhardt
Back in my day, all it took was one hard swing of my hammer to decommission these mindless drones. But these newer ones just keep coming! Smash their gun arm and they come running with a blade. Destroy their legs and they crawl at you. But if they think they can outlast me, they thought wrong! I won't stop until the world is free of these stubborn little robots!
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
>Submitted by: Winston
Debrief: Jumpjets
>Submitted by: Athena
An upgraded Null Sector unit was spotted for the first time during the assist mission in Rio de Janeiro. These flying units possess a cannon that delivers a volley of projectiles from the air or a single fire missile on the ground. Upon destruction, they emit a sonic blast, dealing medium damage to any target within its radius.
FLIGHT PATTERNS
>Submitted by: Tracer
These Jumpjets sure are pesky! Their flight patterns are all over the place. I was dashing around, trying to land my Pulse Bomb but they're fast and nimble. Like me! Maybe that's why Winston won't let me try his jet pack. As a pilot, I was trained to anticipate the enemy's next move, but it was clear that these Jumpjets are simply programmed to move randomly and how do you predict that? Guess I've just got to be sharper and quicker than them. Can do!
MYSTERIOUS JET FUEL
>Submitted by: Echo
Debrief: Artillery Unit
>Submitted by: Athena
The Artillery unit easily relocates to optimal striking locations without assistance from other enemy units, and shifts smoothly between short, medium, and long-range attacks.
PROPOSED STRATEGY FOR ARTILLERY TAKEDOWN
>Submitted by: Sojourn
The missiles on these siege units have deadly explosive range and don't need to be accurate. Their landing is pretty brutal and they're as heavy as they look. To beat them, you have to push through their barrage and advance quickly. They're weak close-range. Dismantle their cannons before they try to reposition again, and we got them. I'll debrief everyone on this strategy before the next mission, so Reinhardt has no excuses.
MASS-SCALE PRODUCTION
>Submitted by: Brigitte
Debrief: Charger Unit
>Submitted by: Athena
The Charger unit was first identified protecting the core in the Null Sector carrier over Rio. It is capable of entering an invulnerable state to repair itself. The Charger's speed and armor make it one of the deadliest Null Sector ground units in the field.
NULL SECTOR PHILOSOPHY
>Submitted by: Genji
Debrief: Stalker Unit
>Submitted by: Athena
The Toronto mission revealed a new Null Sector unit the team has named Stalker. Its key characteristics are its extreme aerial agility and its ability to use gravitational bending to pull its target from medium range for a fatal attack.
TEAM STRATEGY
>Submitted by: Sojourn
You'll need speed and mettle to take a Stalker down. It's fast and creepy, but if you remain calm they pose less of a threat than you think. Keep your ears open for its signature cackle. That'll help you locate it. Don't try to take this one down alone. If it's pulling you in, you've only got seconds before it's over. And I don't need to attend any more funerals in my lifetime.
STALKER ORBS
>Submitted by: Torbjörn
Debrief: Subjugator Unit
>Submitted by: Athena
Identified in Toronto, the Subjugator unit uniquely targets omnics and effectively renders them comatose via the application of what agents currently describe as a helmet. What happens during and after subjugation is still unclear. The helmets' effect on omnics is currently incurable, and the helmet cannot be removed without damaging the host.
Fallen omnic
>Submitted by: Zarya
Null Sector claims they fight for omnics, yet they attack their own kind. Or maybe this is a trick? Are they trying to distract us form their true goal? How dishonourable, but I would not put it beneath them. Maybe Null Sector is not so different from humans after all, if they are capable to such treachery.Debrief: Vulture Unit
>Submitted by: Bastion
-Opening file "Vulture Analysis"
--Weapon type: Directed-energy laser weapon
----Add .mp9 media attachment "combatGothenburg"
--Weapon 2 type: contained electromagnetic pulse detonator
----Add .txt file "combatlogGothenburg"
--Observed weaknesses: 2 "Hover Pads" located on right and left prongs of frame
----Add .dwg file "VultureSchematics"
-Opening properties for file "Vulture Analysis"
--Size: 92 GB
-Compress file "Vulture Analysis"
--Compressing.. 100%
----File size: 2 GB
-Submitting file "Vulture Analysis"
-Upload complete
-Notification: New message from Torbjörn Lindholm
--Opening message
----"That was fast. Thanks"
Vulnerable
>Submitted by Brigitte
I hate those Vultures. I feel so vulnerable when I'm trapped in its EMP barrier or worse, when I see somebody else trapped in there, It just reminds me this war is real and it's getting worse by the day. I have to be strong enough for everyone. I can't let my guard down. I won't let these Vultures-or any Null Sector robots-get me or anyone else.Debrief: Slicer Unit
>Submitted by: Athena
Slicers are a high-speed Null Sector unit that ignore all threats and destroy its targets with a high-damage directed-energy laser weapon.
Laser Puppies
>Submitted by: Reinhardt
Winston keeps telling me I'm not allowed to call these things laser puppies. He mentioned making them cute will make it harder for us to neutralise them. But they are very cute! At least when they aren't destroying infrastructure. Agent Zaryanova agrees with me too. Although she thinks they look more like rabbits and I don't see Winston correcting her! Frankly, I think she makes him nervous.Debrief: Breacher Unit
>Submitted by: Athena
The Breacher is a low mobility unit with a single offensive method: Self-Detonation. Removing its legs is the most effective way to neutralize this unit with minimum casualties.Debrief: Titan Unit
>Submitted by: Torbjörn
The hull on this Titan's been coated with frostphobic lubricant, like it was operating in sub-zero climates. Other then that the insides are completely different from my original schematics. Feels like whoever is created this Titan is mocking me, using my designs as they please. But I can't control what others do wit my creations. I can only move forward and stay one step ahead of their evil intentions. The Omnic Crisis taught me that.Talon: Criminal Organization[ | ]
Main article: Talon
Talon[ | ]
"Our future will be forged in conflict."
A secretive worldwide army of mercenaries, amoral scientists, spies, and assassins led by Akande Ogundimu (known now to the world as Doomfist). In Overwatch's absence, their power and influence has spread unchecked through the nations of the world.
Their goals remain a mystery.
Vishkar: Multinational Corporation[ | ]
Main article: Vishkar Corporation
Vishkar Corporation[ | ]
"The future is here."
A multinational corporation infamous for its mastery - and ruthless protection - of its proprietary hard-light technology used to rebuild many nations after the Omnic Crisis. Though they have largely been driven out of Rio, they maintain a domineering presence in many cities around the globe.
The Shambali: Monastic Order[ | ]
Main article: Shambali
The Shambali Monks[ | ]
Dwelling in the Shambali Monastery high in the mountains of Nepal, these omnic monks study the mysteries of the Iris and teach peaceful coexistence between omnics and humans.
Aurora[ | ]
The first sentient omnic, created by Doctor Mina Liao. With the help of Overwatch, Liao and Aurora devised a way to grant sentience to the rest of the omnics on the planet - at the cost of Aurora's life - in the hopes of bringing an end to the devasting Omnic Crisis.
This sacrifice broke Anubis's control over the omnics fighting humanity, essentially ending the Crisis. But when Aurora died, the Iris - an inexplicable glowing aura at the heart of the Shambali Monastery - was born.
The Iris[ | ]
The Iris's very existence is a mystery that defies description. It came into being at the exact moment of the Awakening, the event that gave omnics sentience.
The Shambali believe it connects all living things, but even that may be an oversimplification.
Tekhartha Mondatta[ | ]
Mondatta was a leader of the omnic monks at the Shambali Monastery. He championed peaceful coexistence between omnics and humans and attended countless outreach events before he was assassinated a few years before the return of Null Sector.
His killer has never been brought to justice.
Tekhartha Zenyatta[ | ]
Zenyatta was brought to the Shambali Monastery by the omnic known as Ramattra. There, studying under Mondatta and spending countless hours discussing the dangers facing their people, the two became as close as brothers.
Some years after Ramattra left the monastery, Zenyatta did as well, traveling to nearby Suravasa to work closer to humanity. There, he met Genji Shimada, and slowly helped the young man find the peace he so desperately sought.
Ramattra[ | ]
Made by the rogue god program Anubis, Ramattra was among many Ravager units designed to lead omnics into war. Once granted sentience by event known as the Awakening, he was tormented by his role in the Crisis and struggled with the concept of sentience as a "gift". He buried his guilt and anger deep, striving to understand and follow Mondatta's teachings, hoping to suppress the darkness within him.
As a monk, Ramattra went out into the world to promote the Shambali monks' message of peace between omnics and humans. During one of these pilgrimages, he found the omnic Zenyatta and returned with him - after a dangerous journey - to the Shambali Monastery. There, the two studied under Mondatta, and became close.
Over time, Ramattra became frustrated with the restrictive teaching of the Shambali, believing they weren't doing enough to protect omnics around the world. He left the monastery... and his brother, Zenyatta.
Ironclad Guild: Research Group[ | ]
Ironclad Guild[ | ]
Before the Omnic Crisis, leading engineers across Europe founded the Ironclad Guild with a strictly altruistic mission: crafting inventions to improve the world, then making those inventions available to everyone - without restrictive patents.
Though the Guild saved many lives during the Crisis, some of their technological advancements-like the massive skyscraper-building robot known as the Titan - were repurposed as weapons by Anubis, prompting a fair amount of soul-searching after the war.
Miscellaneous[ | ]
"The lesser-known people and groups who populate the world of Overwatch."
Claire Hopper[ | ]
Claire's first year in war-damaged Toronto was not an easy one. As one of Wilcox Engineering's omnic laborers, Claire sheltered in the very subway tunnels she was helping rebuild, hiding from the angry mobs of humans above.
As Toronto healed from the Crisis and sentiment towards omnics changed, Claire sought employment with the city. When Mayor Charon discovered Claire's aptitude for programming, engineering, and automation, she hired the omnic on the spot.
Today, Toronto boasts one of the largest and most efficient automated transit systems in the world, and Claire Hopper is enormously proud to have been part of that achievement.
Reggie Buckworth[ | ]
Celebrity Encyclopedia Entry - Reggie Buckworth
SUMMARY
Who hasn't heard of Reggie Buckworth, attorney at law?!
ED: Do not ask questions in these articles. Also, please see the Punctuation Policy.
As a top of the line ULTRA-999 Omnica Corp Litigation Bot
ED: This is not an existing Omnica Corp model.
Reggie Buckworth
ED: This person may not be significant enough to warrant their own article.
was DESTINED for greatness.
ED: See Neutrality Policy, Text Formatting Policy
One of the first omnics to gain sentience
ED: Citation needed.
Reggie travelled the world
ED: Citation needed, relevance?
before returning to Toronto to create the first Omnic Law Firm
ED: Citation needed...
specializing in JUSTICE FOR THE OPPRESSED.
ED: See Advertising Policy.
With a win rate of 99%
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Torontans
ED: I believe the word is "Torontonians." Based on your IP address, you should know this.
trust Reggie to handle their every legal need.
ED: See Unsupported Attribution Policy, Advertising Policy. This is ridiculous.
CONTROVERSIES:
Reggie Buckworth has never been involved in any controversies.
ED: Then why did you create this section?!