Overwatch Characters: Which States Search for Your Favorite?

We’re thrilled to present an updated look at the most popular Overwatch characters in each state as of 2026. Our team, still passionate about the game, has delved into the data to find out which heroes resonate most with players across the United States.

After analyzing the results, one character emerged as the clear favorite:

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This popularity can largely be attributed to the augmented reality campaigns surrounding Sombra’s release—globally, the term “Sombra Overwatch” has been searched significantly more than any other character.

It’s clear that Sombra has captured the spotlight.

However, to keep things interesting, we aimed to identify which states, relative to their size, are searching for various characters the most. Here’s that map:

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With a relatively small number of characters in the game, some states appear multiple times, resulting in a unique mapping of character popularity.

Let’s dive into how we compiled this information.

Overwatch, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, evolved from its initial concept into a beloved multiplayer shooter that has maintained its relevance and popularity since its debut in 2016. Critics praised its character-driven narrative, vibrant sci-fi visuals, and an engaging blend of gameplay mechanics. Blizzard’s ongoing commitment to updates and balancing has kept the community engaged.

The Cultural Phenomenon

More than just a game, Overwatch has become a cultural phenomenon, largely fueled by the distinct personalities of its characters.

Though Blizzard has faced criticism for various social issues, including representation and character design, the company’s efforts to create a diverse and inclusive cast have received commendation. Characters like D.Va have become symbols of empowerment, particularly in regions like South Korea.

Curious about regional preferences, we at Zippia explored whether certain characters are more popular in specific states across the U.S.

The answer is a resounding yes. Particularly in Hawaii, where Overwatch enjoys immense popularity—it leads the list for five characters and ranks highly for several others. More on that shortly.

How We Figured This Out

Using Google Trends, we compared the popularity of search terms associated with Overwatch characters across different states. To ensure accuracy, we modified common character names (like Reaper and Mei) with the game’s title to distinguish them from unrelated searches. Others, such as D.Va and Soldier: 76, were unique enough to stand alone.

With this methodology, we compiled a list of characters and the states that search for them most disproportionately. Notably, some states appear multiple times for different characters.

Below is our list, but first, we want to highlight our official career guide pages, particularly for Programmers and Animation Artists. Whether you’re interested in Game Design or any other career, we provide valuable insights for job seekers navigating interviews, resume writing, and more.

Now, without further ado, here’s the list!

The List: Overwatch Characters and the States that Google ‘Em

All character biographical information is sourced from the Overwatch Wiki on Gamepedia and Blizzard’s official Overwatch website.

Overwatch Characters: Which States Search for Your Favorite?

The Cultural Phenomenon

How We Figured This Out

The List: Overwatch Characters and the States that Google ‘Em

Ana

Bastion

D.Va

Genji

Hanzo

Junkrat

Lucio

McCree

Mei

Mercy

Orisa

Pharah

Reaper

Reinhardt

Roadhog

Soldier: 76

Sombra

Symmetra

Torbjörn

Tracer

Widowmaker

Winston

Zarya

Zenyatta