Fans React to the Conclusion of the Overwatch Anran Redesign, with Mixed Feelings
On April 6, a fresh redesign for Anran was unveiled, one of the new heroes introduced in February during the game’s pseudo relaunch. This update comes after fans expressed dissatisfaction with her initial look, claiming it strayed too far from earlier depictions in Overwatch media. Many pointed out that she fell victim to the game’s ongoing “same face” issue, drawing comparisons to characters like Kiriko and Juno. Blizzard has now shared a video showcasing the differences between the new and old designs. While there are some significant updates, some fans still feel the changes don’t go far enough.
In Season 2, Anran is getting a revamped appearance. The initial design didn’t quite capture the fiery essence of Wuyang’s sister as intended. With this update, the team aimed to enhance her overall presence, reflecting both their creative vision and the care taken in developing the character. Players can witness her transformation when Season 2 kicks off on April 14.
Starting with the positives, Anran does appear more distinct in her new design. The round, youthful face has been replaced with sharper features, giving her a more mature look compared to Kiriko and Juno. Subtle adjustments, like a straighter posture in the hero select screen, also convey her more serious demeanor. Overall, it’s a step in the right direction, but a major point of contention remains: her longer nose, as seen in the animated cinematic “Elemental Kin,” is still absent from the in-game model.
Some fans have noted that these changes align her more closely with her appearance in the Overwatch comics, where she originally debuted. In this context, the longer nose from “Elemental Kin” seems to be an outlier in her portrayal across various media.
However, not everyone is unhappy with the redesign. There’s a fair amount of support for the subtle changes. One user remarked on Reddit, “I know it’s very subtle, but tweaks in her face and posture CHANGE her demeanor massively. Her aura just gives off YES, she is Wuyang’s older sister, and even if they have the same essential body, the pose gives off a more muscular athlete rather than petite and lean. It’s actually extremely impressive how they kept her fundamentally the same yet changed her substantially at the same time.”
Another user added, “She looks similar but more mature. Definitely an improvement.”
Comparing the two designs side by side, I find myself more satisfied with the current version. She no longer fits the cutesy/playful mold of characters like Kiriko and Juno, though I do share the disappointment that her nose didn’t make a comeback after all the discussion. While some fans may continue to voice their discontent, the mixed reactions suggest that Blizzard is unlikely to make further changes to her design.
Anran’s redesign will officially launch next week with the start of Season 2 on April 14.
