Cole Cassidy

Armed with his Peacekeeper revolver, the outlaw Cole Cassidy doles out justice on his own terms.[1] At times, he has missed his old farm boy life.[2] He enjoys liquor with "bite" to it,[3] along with cookies.[4] He refuses to eat pork.[5]

Cassidy is an ace shot,[5] and is known for staying cool under fire, and his charm, and adaptability.[6] He prefers revolvers to rifles. While the latter may have improved accuracy, he prefers revolvers for their rate of fire, and one's ability to shoot from the hip.[5] He prefers "traditional armaments" rather than more advanced weaponry, though has never used a bow.[7] By his own admission, Cassidy is not a soldier, and has little enthusiasm for traditional military hierarchies/modes of operation.[8] Cassidy has an adversarial relationship with Stone Anthony via events in Tucson; voice lines in Overwatch 2 indicate (but don't confirm) that this was while Cassidy was part of the Deadlock Gang. Cassidy's Peacekeeper revolver was built by a legendary gunsmith and fires custom high-caliber ammunition with technological enhancements, while his flashbangs are custom non-lethal grenades that were once used by Overwatch.[9] The name "Peacekeeper" is likely a reference to the colloquial nickname of the Colt Single Action Army revolver, which was popularly known as the Colt "Peacemaker". In Overwatch, in an interaction with Orisa, it is mentioned that there is a $60 million bounty is on Cassidy's head.[3] In Overwatch 2, an interaction with Baptiste confirms that Talon has a bounty on Cassidy's head, and is lower than the one on Ana's. It is not clear if these bounties are one and the same. Cassidy appears to be aware that Baptiste is attracted to him.[7] Cassidy's favorite animal is the Tapir, described to have the following characteristics—half black, half white, with a dangly nose, a "fancy jungle pig"/jungle animal with a "funky snout."[7] At some point, Cassidy had cactus spines in his rectum. He carried out an Internet search on how to get rid of them.[7] Cassidy knows how to play poker.[5] There is circumstancial evidence that Cassidy was a fan of the Pachimari character/franchise at some point. By adulthood however, the affection had apparently worn out.[7] He has a mixed view on Helix.[7] Cassidy has refused upgrades for his cybernetic arm, as he prefers it "old school."[7] Cassidy grew up on a farm[2] in Texas.[3] He learnt how to shoot from a young age.[5] Sometime in his youth, he hotwired a motorcycle and was arrested for it. He wrote a lengthy piece for submission to the parole board.[8]

At some point, Cassidy started going by the pseudonym of "Jesse McCree," apparently as part of an effort to run from his past.[10]

As a young ruffian,[11] Cassidy spent his time drifting from one job to the next. One of his jobs was at a pork processing plant, where he had an experience that put him off eating pork for life. Eventually, he arrived at Bellerae. He spent two months working on the Ace Valentine megafarm, a job that wasn't the best in the world, but not nearly as bad as some of the others he'd had. He became friends with Julian, who was the one who talked the megafarm's foreman into giving him a job. Julian often saved Cassidy a spot in the chow line, and made sure they didn't get the beds with bedbugs.[5]

While at the megafarm, Julian bet the other farmhands that Cassidy could shoot a playing card from fifty yards. Julian won the bet, but the farmhands took umbrage at losing, and a fistfight broke out. Cassidy dove into the brawl to protect Julian (getting a bruised eye in the process) before Sheriff Carson arrived, arresting Cassidy, and taking his revolver.

Inside the Bellrae prison, he had a chance encounter with Elizabeth Ashe, who had also been arrested. He told her about what had happened, and his plans to move to the west coast to work in security, but not before getting his hands on a new firearm, given how dangerous it was to travel through the American southwest these days. The two hit it off, before Ashe was released due to her parents.

The following day, Carson released Cassidy from the cell, but refused to return his revolver. Cassidy returned to the megafarm but was fired; despite the circumstances of the earlier brawl, he'd put three farmworkers in the med clinic. Doherty revealed that Julian had been fired as well, pointing out that there was no shortage of workers lining up to take their positions. He was even refused his week's wages. However, Ashe had come to the farm in her family car, and offered him a ride. Cassidy accepted, and discovered that Ashe's home was Lead Rose Manor. Cassidy was taken aback—he'd figured Ashe was rich, but not this rich.

Ashe got down to business, taking Cassidy to a hill by the estate, and giving him an Arbalest revolver. He proved that he could shoot as well as he said against the targets she had set up. Returning to the estate, Ashe revealed her situation—in three months time, she'd turn eighteen, and when that happened, her parents would cut her off completely. She intended to spend those three months performing heists against her parents' company; stealing goods, selling them, and leaving with enough money to go and do whatever she wanted. She wanted Cassidy's help, as she figured he could use the money, and he was a good shot. Cassidy 'negotiated' his cut to 20% (not knowing that Ashe would have accepted 30%) and agreed to join her.[5] The duo's first target was Arbalest Fulfillment Center Beta-3. Due to having access to the schematics, getting into the facility was relatively easy. Cassidy cautioned her against the heist, pointing out that her parents might reconsider disinheritance in a week or so, but Ashe refused. They made it inside the facility and used a cargo elevator to arrive at its lower level. They found multiple black crates, but using a drone (and a tablet she'd stolen from her parents), four crates of Seraphim rifles were obtained. They loaded the crates onto the cargo elevator and returned to the main level. However, a proximity warning was triggered on the way up, as the crates had gone outside their intended storage location. Furthermore, the crates would detonate if the correct code wasn't entered. Cassidy took a pair of rifles and the two climbed up the shaft, with B.O.B. pulling them up from the blast.

They'd been saved from the fire, but not the security drones that were closing in on them. They ran to their truck, with Cassidy driving, and Ashe using the rifle to fire against the drones. The two managed to escape, but at the cost of the truck's destruction, and a long, slow walk across the desert before B.O.B. picked them up.[5]

Cutthroat Trout's Back at Lead Rose, Cassidy wasn't as eager to get back into the fray as Ashe was—they'd nearly lost their lives, and all they had to show for it was a pair of rifles. Ashe, however, wasn't dissuaded, despite Cassidy's continued unease, and her plans to bring in help—a hacker, and someone good with demolitions. She offered him a chance to quit, to take the rifle, but pointed out that the rifle would only sell enough to cover him for a few months. Ten rifles, however? Power cells? Sniper scopes? If he left now, he'd forsake the chance of getting a bigger score. Cassidy commented that there was more to life than money, but as Ashe pointed out, it was easier to live life with money than without it. Finally, Cassidy relented, and suggested that they track down Julian, since he was familiar with demolitions. He suggested that they could find him at Cutthroat Trout's; a bar out of town that he'd already frequented. Ashe told him to set up a meeting with Julian for tomorrow night, while she continued to work on finding a hacker.

Along with B.O.B., the two arrived at tomorrow sunset, though had to walk a fair distance, since Cassidy wisely suggested that they keep Ashe's family car out of sight. Arriving in the bar, they met with Julian, and were joined by Frankie; the hacker that Ashe had managed to contact. Ashe lay out the basics of her plan, but Cassidy wasn't convinced that Frankie could be trusted, since Frankie was part of the Diamondbacks. Frankie corrected him, saying that she'd worked for the gang, but wasn't a member herself. Frankie, in turn, was skeptical, given Ashe's lack of resources. On that note, Julian headed off, before returning to the table saying that he'd made a bet. Ashe would race Dezba on the Trout's hovercycle racetrack. If she won, they'd get four hovercycles. If they lost, Dezba would get B.O.B.

Ashe was enraged, and Cassidy, while less so, pointed out that it was illegal to wager omnics these days. However, no-one in the Trout cared about the law, and since Julian had already made the wager, if Ashe backed out, Dezba would win B.O.B. by right of forfeit. With no other options, Ashe took part in the race, and won, much to Cassidy's relief.[5] The group returned to Lead Rose, but operated from an old barn on the estate's grounds. Ashe's next heist was to attack an Arbalest automated transport convoy. Cassidy was uneasy, fearing that she was rushing into things, and hadn't forgotten what had happened last time. Ashe hadn't forgotten either, which was why they were going to prepare for the plan with every hour they had, and do so properly. Which in this case, meant a visit to Fort Starr, to pick up ammo. While there, they had a run-in with the Diamondbacks, who were less than enthused to see Frankie working with another group.

The confrontation ended without incident, but Cassidy could tell that Frankie was shaken. She explained that she hadn't left the gang on good terms. They returned to Lead Rose, and Cassidy noted that Ashe was intent on fixing her hoverbike—the one she'd wrecked on the racing track at Cutthroat Trout's. He told her that it was best to put the bike to burial, but Ashe refused to give up.

The day came when they attacked the convoy. In what would later be reported as the Brisco Incident, the plan was for Frankie to hack the main transport vehicle, at which point Ashe and Cassidy would engage the convoy directly, firing from their hovercycles. They'd board the vehicle and steal its schematic drive. Julian would then use his explosives to cover their retreat. The plan went awry from the start however, as there was more than one main transport vehicle, so it would take longer for Frankie to find which one had the schematic drive they were after. Ashe refused to abort, and she and Cassidy began firing. The heist succeeded.

The group returned to their base of operations, basking in the success of their heist. Cassidy was no exception, commenting that, in light of his take of the profits, it was like "seeing the end of a long, dark tunnel." Julian and Frankie reminisced on their experiences in the Omnic Crisis, but Cassidy remained silent, not wanting to discuss his past. He confided with Ashe that the 'light' at the end of his 'tunnel' was to have a piece of land of his own to work on, much to her amusement at his lack of ambition. When he asked her what she planned to do after her 18th birthday however, Ashe didn't have an answer. The group retired for the evening, Cassidy refusing to play cards with Julian due to his terrible poker face.[5] Over the next two months, Cassidy and the gang pulled off nearly a dozen successful heists against Arbelest and other companies. By this point, Cassidy was insisting that their gang take on an actual name, pitching terms such as "The Vultures," "The Copper Coyotes," and "The Shadow Bats." Ashe refused each of his names, but noted that over the last two months, Cassidy had become more at ease, laughing far more than he used to. Regardless, they set off for a rendezvous with their latest client at The Hopper. Their client, Liu, arrived, but double-crossed the gang, having sold them out to the Diamondbacks.

Marco forced them to lower their masks, in do so establishing that he knew Ashe was the one conducting the heists. He stated that they'd made their last heist, that they'd got too greedy, having come into competition with the Diamondbacks. Julian tried to intervene, but Marco punched him. Cassidy almost dove in, but Ashe held him back. The Diamondbacks sped off.

Cassidy gave Julian some comfort, reassuring them that no, his nose wasn't broken, and that they could patch him up at Lead Rose. Ashe, for her part, refused to be cowed by the Diamondbacks, and told the gang that they could squeeze in a few more jobs, and that it was time for the big score.[5]

The gang carried out a heist on an Arbelest train shipment, carrying a weapon known only as "Siren." The train had yet to depart when they infiltrated the train yard. Cassidy found the cargo crate holding the weapon, but Julian triggered a motion sensor, which alerted the yard's security drones to their location. They managed to escape, but upon opening the crate, found only standard-issue rifles.

Ashe's 18th birthday arrived, but was still hung up by her mistake in their former heist. Cassidy consoled her, pointing out that they were loaded with the money they already had. He also gave her a birthday gift—a key chain for her hovercycle. Touched, Ashe commented that it was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her. That wasn't all though, as the gang headed for Cutthroat Trout's for her birthday party...or not, as they instead headed into the manor, where the patrons of Cutthroat Trout's had come to her instead. Cassidy told her that they believed that they'd broken into the manor to celebrate "Calamity's" birthday, not Elizabeth Ashe's.

Unfortunately, the Diamondbacks weren't fooled, and peeved that Ashe had carried out a heist despite their warning, tried to burn the manor down. At this point, Julian approached Cassidy, revealing that he was in league with the Diamondbacks. He suggested that Cassidy allow himself to be ransomed so that Ashe would pay for his release. In essence, the profits from her heists would go to the Diamondbacks. Cassidy refused, and tried to warn Ashe, but was captured, beaten, and taken to the gang's hideout at Deadlock Gorge.[5]

At the hideout, it was revealed that Julian was in league with the Diamondbacks Ashe and the gang made an attempt to save Cassidy, but their plan failed, as they'd been ratted out by Julian. Frankie, however, was able to get the Diamondbacks to scatter by simulating a police raid. Taking Julian captive, they had him lead them to Cassidy's cell. Cassidy walked out of the cell and gave Julian a broken nose. They began to make their way out, but were attacked by the Diamondbacks, who'd since wised up to Frankie's deception. In the ensuing salvo, Ashe was wounded, and they took cover.

Cassidy suggested shooting their way out, but Ashe refused—they were both injured, and even if they used B.O.B. as a shield, it was too risky. Ashe offered herself up to the Diamondbacks in exchange for letting her friends go, much to Cassidy's protestations. They headed off on Ashe's hovercycle, but she was able to turn the tables, bringing the Diamondbacks to her side. She sent Bez to find them and bring them back.[5]

Ashe took the Diamondbacks' former hideout as her own, and with Cassidy, finally came up with a name for her gang—the Deadlock Rebels. Their heists continued.[5] Over their time in the gang, neither Cassidy nor Ashe dated;[12] possibly part of the reason was that according to Cassidy, Ashe was never his type due to her wealthy background.[2]

Cassidy's time in the Deadlock Gang came to an end when he and his associates were busted in an Overwatch sting operation. With his expert marksmanship and resourcefulness, he was visited by Gabriel Reyes, the head of Overwatch's Blackwatch covert ops division. Reyes gave him the choice between rotting in a maximum security lockup or joining Blackwatch. Cassidy chose the latter.[1][14]

When Reyes brought Cassidy in, he was noticed by Ana Amari. She noted at the time that Cassidy had great instincts, talent, and the ability to stay cool under fire. He also had charm, adaptability, and potential. However, she also suspected that Cassidy had felt trapped by the life he'd been living.[6]

Although he was initially cynical, he came to believe that he could make amends for his past sins by righting the injustices of the world. Cassidy appreciated the flexibility afforded to the clandestine Blackwatch, unhindered by bureaucracy and red tape.[1] He was given instruction by Reyes, and was given some pointers in shooting by Ana Amari.[3] He had a mixed relationship with fellow Blackwatch members Genji Shimada and Moira O'Deorain.[15] He thought that the hiring of O'Deorain was a mistake.[3]

At some point, Cassidy met Fareeha Amari. The two became friends.[16] A lot of Cassidy's missions ended in disaster. At some point, he requested Torbjörn Lindholm to create him a robo-horse, but the engineer refused. He took part in an operation in Hanamura, as Overwatch struck against the Shimada clan. Years later, Cassidy regretted his actions there, maintaining that like the Shimada, Overwatch had been criminals.[7]

At some point during his time in Overwatch, Cassidy was assigned to the Echo Project in Oslo, in order to help keep it secret.[17][8] Under the orders of Reyes,[18] he was assigned to protect its head researcher, Dr. Mina Liao.[17] Liao was initially wary of him, given his status as a Blackwatch agent. However, Cassidy was willing to keep Liao's research "between us," and also intuitively understood what Liao was trying to achieve with the project.[18] Liao showed Cassidy the robot she was working on prior to assembly, and explained her desire to create something better than the world had ever seen before.[8]

One day, when in the testing area, he saw Echo undergo a field psychology test. During the test, Echo eliminated the wrong target and exhibited external signs of distress. Though he was not meant to interact with her, Cassidy deescalated the situation, saying it was just a mistake and she’d get it right next time. Echo’s response was that she was not supposed to make mistakes; he laughed and assured her that everyone made mistakes, but what mattered was how one made their way through the world. Echo thanked him for his reassurance, and the two exchanged jokes, causing Echo to laugh for the first time.[18]Cassidy became friends with both Echo[18] and Liao.[17] At some point, Echo saved Cassidy's life.[19]

However, at some point after the King's Row Uprising,[20] Liao's lab was attacked, and the doctor killed. The project was terminated, and Echo herself put into quarantine.[17] Eight years before Winston's recall order, Cassidy was with Reyes and Gerard Lacroix in the Rome Blackwatch facility. Overwatch was being attacked by Talon, but Lacroix had tracked down one of their associates—Antonio Bartalotti, whose compound in Venice was a hotbed of illegal activity. Cassidy was up for a "road trip" to apprehend him, but Lacroix pointed out that Bartalotti was too well connected with the Italian government. Instead, he planned to go after Bartalotti's employees, to bring charges against them, and thus disrupt Bartalotti's cash flows. Thus, Bartalotti would be less able to purchase "friends in high places," and as such, Overwatch could go after him. Satisfied with the plan, Cassidy and Reyes left the building. Seconds later, it was destroyed in an explosion, courtesy of a bomb set by a Talon agent. Cassidy and Reyes rushed in, and were able to save Lacroix, but many other Overwatch members weren't as lucky.

A while later, at Overwatch Headquarters, Reyes asked Cassidy if he was still up for the "road trip" he'd proposed. Cassidy was, but was disheartened to learn that the operation was simply apprehending Bartalotti. Reyes assured Cassidy that the info they got from Bartalotti would allow them to hit Talon harder next time. Thus, they headed for Venice alongside Shimada and O'Deorain.[21] The Blackwatch team arrived in a Venice safehouse and set up surveillance on the manor. They found Talon soldiers patrolling the grounds. When night fell, they infiltrated the manor.[22] 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, and triggering an alarm. Cassidy was outraged, pointing out that this wasn't the plan. Reyes casually suggested that they go with "Plan B"—fight their way out, guns blazing. As they exfiltrated the manor, Genji asked about Cassidy's unease, pointing out that they'd killed before. Cassidy pointed out that what had happened was an execution. Genji simply responded "dead is dead." Regardless, the team succeeded in escaping, with all four Blackwatch agents making their way out despite the hordes of Talon soldiers that came their way. However, the incident was reported in the press, and Blackwatch's existence was revealed to the public.

Back at HQ, Reyes was debriefed by Jack Morrison, Ana Amari, and a recovered Lacroix. Cassidy watched the interrogation from behind a one-way mirror.[23] After Reyes was debriefed, Morrison asked if Cassidy had anything to add, to which Cassidy asked where Morrison wanted him to start. [22]Cassidy gave his account of events.[24] Much later, Cassidy reflected that while Antonio had got what was coming to him, it still didn't seem right. He also reflected that this was "where it all started to go wrong," as not only had Blackwatch been revealed, but individuals within Talon emerged to fill the void Bartalotti's death had made.[23] Seven years before Winston's recall order, Blackwatch and its agents were placed under suspension, as the division came under investigation. This same year, the King's Row Uprising occurred. Cassidy was present in London, and while there, he reported to Jack Morrison and Reyes on the developing hostage situation on the ground. He signed out as he came under attack by a Null Sector omnic, but took it out. Officially, no Overwatch agents were allowed in England due to the prime minister's orders. When Morrison accused Reyes of breaching protocol, Reyes suggested that Cassidy was merely there "on vacation."[20]

After Ana Amari disappeared while taking part in an operation in Poland, Reyes assigned Cassidy to find her. However, Ana wasn't to be found.[26]

At some point after the King's Row Uprising, Cassidy had his left arm replaced with a cybernetic graft,[27] though it took a while to get used to. This caused him to reflect on how much more difficult it must have been for Genji.[3]

As Overwatch's influence waned, rogue elements within Blackwatch sought to bring down the organization and turn it to their own ends. Wanting no part of the infighting, Cassidy set off alone and went underground.[1] After the destruction of Overwatch Headquarters, Athena lost all trace of him.[8] He remained haunted by his actions as a Blackwatch agent for years after leaving the organization.[7]

Cassidy resurfaced several years later as a gunslinger for hire. While Cassidy's talents were sought after by parties great and small, he fought only for causes he believed were just.[1] Cassidy operated as a bounty hunter during this period. They paid the bills, but he felt unfulfilled by it, as in his words, "huntin' ain't always helpin'."[7] Most, if not all of his bounties were carried out within the United States.[8]

Cassidy caught a ride on a hypertrain headed for Houston.[28] Caught a ride, as in, sitting on top of the train as it barreled along, for, in his words, "they don't sell folks like me a ticket." Nor did hypertrains make it easy for soldiers to rappel down from helicopters onto, but that's what started happening, as Cassidy observed such an action taking place. He noticed the Talon soldiers were using Blackwatch tactics. Staying out of sight, he could tell that the operatives weren't after him, but he was concerned. First, the operatives (or at least their method of insertion) were operating in a manner similar to Blackwatch. Secondly, if Cassidy's face was spotted, he knew that he'd take the heat for whatever was about to go down. Making a decision, Cassidy vaulted into a train car and quickly dispatched a number of the operatives. He told the stunned passengers to stay in their seats, and that things would be over shortly. Moving on, Cassidy saved one of the train staff from being executed, as he didn't know a set of codes. Apparently the soldiers were after something at the back of the train, so Cassidy headed that way. He dispatched the enemy soldiers there, but only after hearing one of their number call for backup. Reaching the device at the back, he tossed it off the train, content that the operatives would go after it and leave the train itself alone. His face now out in the open, Cassidy settled down to enjoy the ride, only to learn via a news report that the robbery had indeed been laid on him, and from a steward, learnt that the train would arrive in Houston in three minutes. He asked that the truth of what happened be relayed to the police, and that the arrival time be "fudged," in order to give him time to make his exit.[29] Cassidy made an appearance as a vigilante, thwarting a robbery attempt of a ramen shop. The media mainly focused on his "anachronistic fashion sense," though pundit Joel Morricone espoused the belief that Cassidy's vigilantism should be welcomed, given the high crime rate in the area.[30] When Winston issued a recall of Overwatch agents, Cassidy was in the eastern United States.[31] He decided to activate Echo in his stead.[32] After the recall, he travelled all over the world.[8] During Christmas, Cassidy was drinking at the bar of Calaveras in Mexico.[33] After the recall order initiated by Winston, Cassidy learned that Echo was being transported[34] aboard a military freight train, along with weaponry. He anonymously tipped off the Deadlock Gang that a train full of military ordnance would be crossing Route 66 at 11:55 AM, knowing Ashe wouldn't be able to resist following up on it.[17] Before setting out, he received an anonymous note stating "charmer. Time to talk," followed by coordinates that he identified as Cairo. Cassidy realized instantly it was Ana Amari, as she was "one of the few people in this world could ever draw a bead on me."[6] Regardless, he headed off to retrieve Echo first. Cassidy relaxed with a slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee at the nearby Panorama Diner while waiting for the heist to go down. Sure enough, the train was passing by overhead right on time when it was derailed by an explosion, destroying the bridge and sending the train cars crashing down onto the road. Leaving payment for his meal, Cassidy walked out into the cloud of dust to greet Ashe. Their reunion was cordial, if tense. At Ashe's suspicion that his presence was not a coincidence, Cassidy confirmed that he had sent the tip, and all he wanted was the specific crate that had just been loaded onto their hover dolly—in return, the gang was free to help themselves to everything else. Opening the crate and seeing what was inside, however, to Cassidy's disappointment Ashe decided it was very much her business, especially when he refused to tell her what the device was. What followed was a standoff, and come the stroke of noon, a gunfight.

Despite being outnumbered, Cassidy was able to turn the tables on his attackers, incapacitating all of them with a belt of grenades. Having removed what military ordnance had already been loaded on the Deadlocks' hover dolly as Ashe had turned down his offer, he tied the unconscious gang members to it, separated B.O.B.'s head and limbs from his body (making sure to set the omnic's bowler hat back in the right position), and sent it down the highway, telling Ashe to "say high to the gang for me" while ignoring her angry screaming. Turning his attention back to the crate, revealed to be Echo's quarantine container, he reopened it and reactivated her. He told her about the recall order, and that while he'd been the one to receive it, she was the one that Overwatch needed. Asking Echo to pass along his greetings to Winston the two parted ways, as Cassidy drove off on Ashe's hoverbike saying that he had some business to attend to. Further down the road, he drove past the gang, upsetting Ashe once again when she recognized her bike.[27]

Shortly after reactivating Echo, Cassidy debated whether he should respond to a meeting request from Ana regarding Winston's recall, or simply "ride off into the sunset" now that his job was done. Recognizing that the world was on the brink of some sort of crisis, he ultimately decided that he wasn't the kind of man who ran from trouble, and traveled to Cairo.[6] Somewhere along the way, he abandoned Ashe's bike.[7]

There he reunited with Ana and caught up over drinks. The conversation soon turned to Talon's recent activity hunting former Overwatch agents using the data Reyes stole from Watchpoint Gibraltar. Though Cassidy encouraged her to return and help lead the group, Ana expressed reluctance, wondering if her generation should step aside to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Their conversation was then interrupted by a Talon ambush. The two fought their way through the market and slipped into one of Ana's many secret hideouts. Inside she supplied him with information on several possible new recruits, including D.Va, Zarya, and her daughter Pharah, successfully convincing him that he should bring together a new generation of heroes and help lead the organization.[6]

At, or by this point, Cassidy stopped using the pseudonym Jesse McCree. To make this new Overwatch better, to make things right, he had to be honest with his team and himself. Thus, the cowboy he'd been rode off into the sunset, and Cole Cassidy faced the world at dawn.[10]

Cassidy changed his attire, and a few days later,[6] met with Pharah outside a burning warehouse, where she and her fellow Helix troopers had destroyed a Talon hideout. They headed to Helix's Cairo base, where Cassidy finally asked if Pharah was ready to talk. She explained that Winston's recall order had already been forwarded to her by others, and her answer to Cassidy was the same—her place was here, with Helix. Cassidy told her that he wasn't asking her to abandon her mission of making Egypt safe, but asked if this was where she was most needed. Pharah replied that it was.

Cassidy took Pharah to see Ana. The Amaris had a strained reunion, but it was interrupted by a Talon attack. Pharah took to the skies, while Cassidy and Ana fought their way along the ground. At Ana's suggestion, Pharah led the Talon forces out into the open, where she could take them out all at once. In this, she succeeded, but not without being wounded. Cassidy looked on as Ana treated her daughter's injuries, and the two made amends.

Afterwards, Cassidy made his offer to Pharah again. She remained mum on the subject, telling Cassidy that it wasn't a decision she could make lightly. Cassidy accepted this, and told her that she knew how to reach him. The two shook hands and Pharah flew off into the night sky. Afterwards, he talked with Ana, telling her that given the devastation their battle with Talon had unleashed, her cover had been blown. He asked if she needed help getting settled, but she didn't answer, and Cassidy realized that she didn't need help. The two parted ways, with Cassidy telling her that he had his eye on someone "up north." He headed off, not noticing Baptiste watching him from the shadows.[16] Cassidy made his way across Europe to reach Russia. At some point, he realized that he was being trailed by someone, who was utilizing Talon tracking tactics. He changed trains three times, made his way into Sofia, and doubled back to a train station in Bucharest. Inside the train station, he made his move, suddenly slipping into the crowd. This caused his stalker to make his move, but Cassidy gained the upper-hand in a maintenance area, drawing his revolver on the man. The man claimed that he didn't want to hurt Cassidy, but he punched him, saying that he recognized Talon's tactics when he saw them.

The two briefly fought, but Cassidy regained the upper-hand. The man introduced himself as Jean-Baptiste Augustin, and claimed that he was a former member of Talon, who'd been hunting him ever since he left the organization. He stated that he'd discovered that Talon had a list of Overwatch agents that they were hunting, and that Cassidy's name was on the list. The meeting was interrupted by a Talon strike team who entered the station. Cassidy believed that Baptiste was working with them, and had lead them to him, but Baptiste still insisted that he wasn't a Talon member. That if anything, it was more likely they were hunting him rather than Cassidy. Not sure if he believed him, Cassidy agreed to work with Baptiste. They escaped the tunnel, with Cassidy briefly stunning the Talon troopers with a flash grenade.

Talon agents still lurked inside the station. Cassidy suggested that they catch a train out, but they had to make their way through their enemy. They made a break for it, with Baptiste destroying their security drone. Cassidy climbed on top of the train, while Baptiste held the Talon forces off. One of them got the jump on him, but before he could fire, Cassidy shot the trooper, and then pulled Baptiste atop the train beside him. The two climbed inside as it departed the station. Taking their seats, Cassidy commented that if Baptiste was smart, he could have set all of this up so he'd end up owing him. Regardless, he told Baptiste that he had business to settle, and in the meantime, to stay out of reach until he contacted him. He'd have someone check if Baptiste was legit. The two shook hands, as Baptiste agreed to Cassidy's terms.

A few hours later, the train reached the Russian border. Cassidy snuck off the train at the station, eluding the RDF inspectors.[35]

Commandeering a truck, Cassidy drove to the Novanskoye Forward Base, where he met Zarya. The base had been evacuated as RDF forces pulled out, but he drove Zarya to Novanskoye, which was under attack by omnics. She revealed that she knew Cassidy was ex-Overwatch, but insisted that she didn't need his help. She told him to drop her off at the town, then to drive west. He seemingly obliged, but as Zarya was overwhelmed by the omnics, he drove the truck into them, smashing them to pieces. Fighting back to back, they defeated the initial group of omnics. He let Zarya find her family and her fellow villagers, while he cleared the village of the remaining omnics.

In the aftermath, Cassidy requested that Zarya join Overwatch. He pointed out that the RDF wouldn't miss one soldier, but with Overwatch, she could make a difference. Zarya accepted his offer. Afterwards, the pair joined Zarya's family as they watched an Atlas News report on Null Sector's attack on Paris.[36]

Sticking with Zarya, the pair were eventually joined by Baptiste. They appropriated an MV-261 Orca from a Talon base in Mongolia. At some point afterwards, Pharah rejoined the group.[37] Cassidy and his teammates flew the Orca to Busan, which was under attack by Null Sector. Operating on the ground, Cassidy liaised with Captain Myung and the MEKA Squad. She ordered Overwatch to clear an evacuation route while the MEKA Squad concentrated fire on the command ship. Null Sector was forced to retreat, and Overwatch and the MEKA Squad returned to MEKA Base.

At the base, Cassidy met pilot Hana Song, and revealed that they'd come to Busan to see if MEKA was interested in working with them. Song was given permission by Myung, assigning her to be a liaison. Cassidy gave Myung a data chip containing information on the threats his group had been monitoring. When asked how she could repay him, he told her to "consider it a gift from the old guard to the new." Later, as the Orca was loaded with supplies, he watched with pride over the new team he'd formed.

The following day, the Orca left Busan, headed for Watchpoint: Gibraltar.[37] The Orca travelled for hours to Gibraltar, with Cassidy, Pharah, and Baptiste inside the cockpit, with Pharah and Cassidy talking, and Baptiste remaining quiet. After hours of flight time, Cassidy left the Orca's cockpit to get some rest.[38] Cassidy and his crew arrived at Watchpoint: Gibraltar while Winston and his reformed Overwatch unit were in (or returning from) Rio de Janeiro. He announced his presence to Winston's group when they returned. The arrival bolstered Overwatch's numbers, as well as its morale, but while Cassidy was ready to take the fight to Null Sector, Winston urged caution, stating that Null Sector's forces were too many to take on directly. Instead, they needed a tactical approach. If that was the case, as Cassidy pointed out, they needed to recruit Vivian Chase.[39]

After the initial meeting, Cassidy reunited with Echo. They reminisced on their time with Dr. Liao, and Echo asked Cassidy if he believed she'd achieved Liao's dream of being "better than anything the world had seen before." Cassidy told Echo that Liao would be proud, but as Echo pointed out, that wasn't a proper answer. He smoothed things over, pointing out that answers weren't always easy to find, and attempted to make a joke, though Echo didn't find it entertaining.[8] Overwatch headed to Toronto, which had been under assault by Null Sector for days. The team reunited with Sojourn, who explained that Null Sector was rounding up the city's omnics. Under Sojourn's direction, Overwatch split into three teams to evacuate the city. While Toronto ultimately fell to Null Sector, a number of civilians were able to escape safely. The team's shuttle landed on a barge outside the city, where Cassidy overheard Sojourn and Winston arguing. Sojourn insisted that they needed Morrison rather than her, but Cassidy explained that Morrison was pursuing his own agenda. Sojourn reluctantly agreed to rejoin Overwatch, but pointed out that its predecessor had been shut down for a reason, and that it was time to move on. Cassidy and Winston exchanged an uneasy glance.[40]

Post-mission, Cassidy admitted that he was surprised that the situation in Toronto was even worse than he had expected, considering that he was usually the pessimist around Overwatch, along with his confusion about what Null Sector was hoping to achieve with the use of Subjugators. He also admitted that while he missed Overwatch in the years after it fell, after being back for five minutes he remembered why he left in the first place; because he was never a soldier, and as such never feel like he fit in. He cited his lack of experience with writing post-mission logs as an example of this lack of fitting in with Overwatch. However, he lamented that he'd hang around for now, as he couldn't quite bring himself to turn tail and run, given the state that the world was in. He ended the log, requesting Winston to bury him with his Peacekeeper if he didn't live long enough to write his next entry.[8]

When Efi Oladele and Orisa were recruited into Overwatch, Cassidy was among the members in the group photo to celebrate said recruitment.[41] At Christmas, Cassidy and the rest of the Overwatch team made preparations. He helped prepare dinner with Baptiste and Genji. As Tracer passed through, he asked her for help, claiming that nothing was spicy enough for Baptiste's tastebuds. He later had Christmas dinner with the rest of Overwatch and the visitors at Watchpoint: Gibraltar.[42]

After Null Sector's apparent retreat, a quiet pall descended over Watchpoint: Gibraltar. Cassidy talked to Sojourn, who admitted she was unconvinced the fighting was over.[7]

After Null Sector's retreat, Overwatch prepared to welcome two new recruits (Anran and Wuyang Ye). Juno Teo Minh was put in charge of getting Watchpoint: Gibraltar ready for the festivities. Cassidy spent his time lounging around, but overheard Hana Song ask in jest why she hadn't got a t-shirt (like the new recruits would) when she'd joined. Cassidy pointed out he'd given her a handshake and a welcome. He further commented that in Overwatch's 'golden era,' not all of them had been recruited into the organization through conventional means, recalling how Gabriel Reyes had recruited him into Blackwatch. Genji backed him up, pointing out that Overwatch under Winston was different from the old one. Winston jumped in, defending the original Overwatch's record, but Cassidy shut him down, pointing out how Lena Oxton still suffered from chronal disassociation, and Winston himself had only become a member after escaping Horizon Lunar Colony. Song, losing patience, exclaimed that she should be greatful she'd got a handshake.[43] Not long after the exchange, Watchpoint: Gibraltar was attacked[43] by Talon. Hours after the initial attack,[44] Cassidy found an unconcious Juno. He and Baptiste tended to her while Genji and Reinhardt Wilhelm battled the attacking Talon troopers. Juno thought Null Sector was attacking, but Cassidy and Baptiste explained it was Talon, and gave her the footnotes version of the long, antagonistic history between Talon and Overwatch. However, as Cassidy pointed out, Talon hadn't been this bold in awhile, and this kind of head-on attack wasn't their usual M.O. Furthermore, the troopers were equipped with shield technology, so while Reinhardt and Genji were able to deal with them, Reinhardt was left fatigued by the effort.[45]

Genji explained that the base's defense systems had been compromised, hence why Talon had made it in so quickly. Furthermore, comms were down, and they couldn't contact Athena. Baptiste suggested they head to the command center to assess the damage. At Baptiste's request, Juno used her pulsar torpedoes to blow down a door. She declared it "all clear," and the group headed outside. However, a horde of Talon troopers awaited them, and two Talon dropships descended from above. An irate Cassidy told Juno to check they weren't surrounded before giving an all clear.[45]

Despite their best efforts, the base's defenses were overwhelmed, causing them to make a tactical retreat to Gothenburg. While en route, Ana informed everyone that Doomfist had been overthrown by Vendetta as leader of Talon. Cassidy and Genji reacted with surprise upon hearing Vendetta's true name, Martzia Bartalotti, and proceeded to explain Overwatch's history with her father, Antonio, and the botched arrested by Blackwatch.[46][47] As Overwatch settled into the Lindholm residence, Cassidy asked Sojourn if she had a new plan. After brief hesitation, Sojourn told everyone to get some rest and that they'll reconvene in the morning. Cassidy stated he didn't feel like resting, so Sojourn told him to help her set up the new command center.[48]

The next morning, as Overwatch was gathering around the breakfast table, Cassidy violently slammed his tray on the table to shock Sojourn awake. He then sat down next to her as Sojourn briefed everyone on the recent Talon attacks and vowed that Overwatch will rise to meet them.[49] He would later accompany Lúcio, Zarya, Pharah, and Sojourn on a mission to Watchpoint: Grand Mesa, to stop Talon and the Deadlock Gang's heist of the weapons vault. While the other Overwatch agents assisted the Helix soldiers against Talon, Cassidy directly confronted Ashe and her gang.[50][51]

During their showdown, Ashe called Cassidy out for abandoning her and the Deadlock Gang to become a member of Blackwatch, when in truth, Cassidy believed that giving himself up would keep them safe. When Cassidy claimed that she and her gang never looked back when Cassidy got captured by Overwatch, Ashe told him that they tried their best to find him despite the risk of getting caught, only to find that it didn’t matter. An explosion from behind managed to stun Cassidy long enough for Ashe and the Deadlock Gang to escape with the weapons, leaving Cassidy to believe that she lied to take advantage of him, only for him to realize that Ashe has never been one to bluff.[50]

Cassidy then met up Sojourn, telling him that their intruders that invaded the base were former Overwatch agents, Freja Skov and Emre Sarioglu. Cassidy seeing how both they and the Deadlock Gang got away Sojourn then introduced him to a new ally, Sierra Woods who would be joining Overwatch in their fight with Talon. Cassidy then reflected upon what Ashe said, questioning if they really did some good to offset the bad.[50] As they watched Sierra integrate with the other agents, Cassidy could not help but reflect on how both he and Genji were forced into Blackwatch and how Gabriel Reyes dirtied their hands. It was Ana who inspired him to answer Winston's recall and guide Overwatch in a different direction, but after what's happened at Gibraltar and Grand Mesa, he has to wonder if the old generation has to give way to the new one.[52]

Cassidy then joined Sojourn, Tracer and Mercy as Mercy recounted how Juno and Wuyang set up the romantic dinner for Reinhardt and Ana. Suddenly, Genji asked to speak with Sojourn. In response to Tracer's inquiry, Cassidy explained that Genji wanted to take the fight to the Hashimoto in Tokyo, but Sojourn was remaining cautious on where they deploy.[52]

A week later, Cassidy joined Sojourn, Tracer and Mercy as they discussed Genji's depature. While Cassidy understood his comrade's desire to protect his hometown, Sojourn argued they had to see the bigger picture. She reminded that Freja and Emre - both former Overwatch agents - showed up at Grand Mesa and were likely working for Talon, meaning the IJC would be scrutinizing Overwatch's every move. She recalled what she said during the last hearing with the IJC, about how the new Overwatch is different, something she would never have done unless she believed it and how it's up to the senior agents to guide the new guard. And Genji goes AWOL at the worst possible time is comparable to what got Overwatch shut down the first time, when what was needed was both precision and time. Cassidy argued he wasn't saying they should be running wild, but recent events have made it clear that they're just reacting to the enemy. If they want to turn the tables on Talon, they're gonna have to anticipate their next move, even if it means skirting the edge of the law.[53]

Suddenly, they are summoned to the command center, where they receive a distress call from Kiriko, alongside Hanzo, explaining that Genji had been captured by the Hashimoto. Sojourn then ordered Cassidy to assemble a team for Tokyo.[53]

You have recently joined Overwatch and arrive at Watchpoint: Gibraltar as its newest member. While exploring the base and getting settled in, you meet Cole Cassidy, who introduces himself with his usual laid-back charm. He welcomes you to Overwatch, teases you about being the new recruit, and offers to show you around if you ever need help. Your first encounter leaves you feeling like joining Overwatch might not be so intimidating after all.