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身を捨てても、名利は捨てず。
Even if I sacrifice my body,
   I will never sacrifice my honor.

Genji is one of the heroes in Overwatch. He is a cyborg ninja who has freed himself from his criminal past and the war with his cybernetic body.

Genji flings precise and deadly Shurikens at his targets and uses his technologically-advanced wakizashi to deflect projectiles or deliver a Swift Strike that cuts down enemies.

Bio[]

The cyborg Genji Shimada has made peace with the augmented body he once rejected, and in doing so, he has discovered a higher humanity.

As the youngest son of 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. Many within the clan considered the carefree Genji to be a dangerous liability, and they resented his father for coddling and protecting him. Following the clan leader's untimely death, Genji's older brother, Hanzo, demanded 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 dying.

Hanzo believed that he had killed his brother, but Genji was rescued by Overwatch and the intervention of Dr. Angela Ziegler. The global 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.

But 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 is free. Even he cannot say where his path will ultimately lead.

Abilities[]

IconShuriken
Shuriken
30 rounds per clip
1-second reload
Primary fire: Successive Throwing Stars
Burst fire linear projectile type
28 damage per shuriken
  3 shuriken per shot
  Max 84 bodyshot damage
1 burst per second
3 rounds per burst
60 m/s projectile speed
✔ Can headshot
Secondary fire: Fan of Blades
Shotgun linear projectile type
28 damage per shuriken
  3 shuriken per shot
  Max 84 bodyshot damage
1.47 shot per second
3 rounds per shot
60 m/s projectile speed
✔ Can headshot

Genji looses three deadly throwing stars in quick succession. Alternatively, he can throw three shuriken in a wider spread.
Primary Fire Key: (PC LMB, PS R2, XB RT)
Secondary Fire Key: (PC RMB, PS L2, XB LT)


IconSwiftStrike
Swift Strike
Damaging movement type
50 damage
15 m range
37 m/s movement speed
Lasts ~0.4 seconds
8-second cooldown
✘ Cannot headshot
Genji darts forward, slashing with his wakizashi and passing through foes in his path. If Genji eliminates a target, he can instantly use this ability again.
Default Key: (PC LShift, PS L1, XB LB)
IconDeflect
Deflect
Ranged counterattack type
Lasts 2 seconds
8-second cooldown
With lightning-quick swipes of his sword, Genji reflects any oncoming projectiles and can send them rebounding towards his enemies.
Default Key: (PC E, PS R1, XB RB)
Genji cyberagility
Cyber-Agility
Non-damaging movement type
Thanks to his cybernetic abilities, Genji can climb walls and perform jumps in mid-air.
Default Key: (PC Space, PS X, XB A)
IconDragonblade
Ultimate Ability: Dragonblade
Transformation ultimate type
Melee ability type
1.17 swings per second
120 damage per hit
5 m range
8 m/s movement speed
Lasts 6 seconds

Genji brandishes his katana for a brief period of time. Until he sheathes his sword, Genji can deliver killing strikes to any targets within his reach.

Default Key: (PC Q, PS Tri, XB Y)
"龍神の剣を喰らえ!"

Besides these abilities, Genji is able to jump, crouch, reload (only when his ammo is not full), and perform Quick Melee. However, when he activates his ultimate ability, Genji cannot crouch, reload, or perform Quick Melee.

Unlocks[]

All seasonal event items, which are marked with special event icons (Summer Games Item IconHalloween Terror Item IconWinter Wonderland Item IconYear of the Rooster Item IconUprising Item IconAnniversary Item Icon), are only available to be unlocked either through their respective Loot Boxes or by Credits within the event's duration. During the event, newly-introduced event items cost three times as much as non-event items of the same rarity, while returning seasonal items are unlocked at the regular price.

Skins[]

For all of Genji's skins and weapons, see Genji/Skins and Weapons.
Common
Rare
Epic
Legendary
Note:
The Oni skin was originally obtained by completing the Nexus Challenge, which was playing 15 Heroes of the Storm games with a friend between November 15, 2016 and January 4, 2017.[3]. It could be obtained again by completing the first-week quest of the Nexus Challenge 2.0, which was playing 5 Heroes of the Storm games with a friend between April 25, 2017 and May 23, 2017. It was made available to all on June 20, 2017.

Emotes[]

Common
Epic
Note:
a This emote, after activating, will remain in its animation until the player inputs other actions to interrupt it.

Victory Poses[]

Common
Rare

Voice Lines[]

Ryūjin no ken o kurae-龍神の剣をくらえ[]

Normal
▪ A Steady Blade (default)
"A steady blade balances the soul."
▪ Come On! (Credits 25)
"Come on!"
▪ Damn! (Credits 25)
""
▪ I Am Prepared! (Credits 25)
"覚悟!"
▪ Let's Fight! (Credits 25)
"いざ、尋常に勝負!"
▪ Measure Twice, Cut Once (Credits 25)
"Measure twice, cut once."
▪ My Soul Seeks Balance (Credits 25)
"我が魂は均衡を求める"
▪ Not Good Enough (Credits 25)
"まだまだ"
▪ Simple (Credits 25)
"Ha! Simple"
▪ Yeah! (Credits 25)
"よし"
▪ You Are Only Human (Credits 25)
"You are only human."
Event
I Was Hoping For A Challenge (Summer Games Item Icon)
"I was hoping for a challenge."
Touché (Summer Games Item Icon)
"Touché."
▪ Happy Halloween (Halloween Terror Item Icon)
"良いハロウィンを。"
▪ My Halloween Costume? (Halloween Terror Item Icon)
"My Halloween costume?... Cyborg ninja."
▪ Merry Christmas! (Winter Wonderland Item Icon)
メリークリスマス!
▪ To Know Yourself (Year of the Rooster Item Icon)
"To know yourself is to be at peace."
▪ Another! (Uprising Item Icon)
"替え玉!"
▪ Life And Death Balance (Uprising Item Icon)
"Life and Death balance on the edge of my blade."
▪ I'm Not Impressed (Anniversary Item Icon)
"I'm not impressed."
▪ You Seem Nice (Anniversary Item Icon)
"You seem nice, I hate to kill you."

Sprays[]

For Genji-specific sprays, see Genji/Sprays.

Highlight Intros[]

Common
Epic

Weapons[]

One purchase of an alternate weapon skin will apply to the Shuriken, Wakizashi, and Dragonblade of all unlocked skins when equipping it.

Default
Alternate

Achievements[]

Theirownworstenemy
Genji pixelb
Their Own Worst Enemy

Kill 2 enemies with a single use of Genji's Deflect in Quick or Competitive Play.
Reward: Pixel Spray

Sliceanddice
Genji cute
Slice and Dice

Kill 4 enemies with a single use of Genji's Dragonblade in Quick or Competitive Play.
Reward: Cute Spray

Story[]

Younghanzogenjiphoto

A photo of young Genji and Hanzo in Nepal.

Genji was born into the Shimada Empire as the second child of Sojiro Shimada, who is the master of his clan, three years after his brother Hanzo[2]. As the younger child, Genji inherited the clan's wealth and power without any responsibilities. His body, which was small and diminutive, earned him the nickname of "Sparrow" from his father.[2] Though he was trained in sword fighting, Genji was able to enjoy a frivolous lifestyle.

Most of the clan saw Genji's carelessness as a liability, but his father didn't mind. When their father died, Hanzo's first action as its new head was to convince Genji to take more responsibility in the clan. Genji refused, and a fight broke out between the two that left Genji injured, scarred, and on the verge of death. He was secretly rescued by Overwatch agents and nursed back to health by Dr. Angela Ziegler, a.k.a. Mercy.

Overwatch's doctors and scientists developed cutting-edge prosthetics for Genji that enhanced his natural speed, agility, and reflexes. As a member of Blackwatch division of Overwatch, Genji began to dismantle the Shimada Empire.[1] It seems that after the The King's Row Uprising Genji transferred to Overwatch and became one of the members of its new-strike team along with Tracer, Mercy, and Winston and participated in the capture of Akande Ogundimu a.k.a Doomfist in Singapore and the capture of Maximilien Talon's head financier in Havana, Cuba. As time went on, however, Genji felt repulsed by his mechanical half and left Overwatch when the Shimada Empire finally fell.

Genji had wandered around the world for many years, and spent an amount of time with the Bedouins, trying to come to peace with his cyborg body.[4] After drifting for many years, Genji met Zenyatta, a member of the Shambali that helped Genji to come to terms with his new existence. Genji moved into their monastery in Nepal with Zenyatta as his mentor.

At the time of the Overwatch recall, Genji had returned to Japan. Genji came to Hanamura on the day of his supposed "death" to confront Hanzo, who did not recognize him. The two fought, and Genji came out on top with the opportunity to kill Hanzo. He did not, instead revealing his identity, forgiving Hanzo, and giving him some words to ponder before vanishing, that the world was once again changing and it's time to choose a side.[5]

Sometime after his confrontation with his brother, Genji met up with Tracer, Mei, and Winston in Paris, saving the scientist from sacrificing himself to Null Sector so that the others could getaway. He used his sword to great effect in deflecting the giant omnic's cannon shots before slashing off its fingers to enable Tracer to plant her makeshift bomb that snap froze the titan. After the battle he is seen with the others when Winston announces Overwatch's return, seemingly agreeing to rejoin the organization.

Appearance[]

Genji is a young man with a diminutive body, light skin, spiky black hair, and thick eyebrows. After being saved by Overwatch, Genji now has a brown cyborg body with white plating and armor on top, neon green accents, and a silver helmet with a glowing green line on the front and a long piece of fabric tied on the back. He has two blades hanging on his back.

In Overwatch 2, Genji now dons a gray hoodie with white and green accents, and dark sweatpants. His hood also has a green line that can intersect with the line on his helmet when the hood is on. He maintains his usual cyborg body and blades.

Personality[]

In the past, Genji was a playboy that had been more content with enjoying life than running his family's criminal empire. After his near-death experience, Genji dedicated himself to demolishing his former consortium. However, he began to have an existential crisis and self-loathing regarding his cybernetic state after his mission. It was not until he encountered Zenyatta that he made peace with himself.

Genji is a faithful and tolerant idealist, forgiving Hanzo for leaving him on the verge of death and still having hope that he can change himself for the better. At times he shows wisdom, picking up some of the things that Zenyatta has taught him.

Despite his hardships, Genji maintains a sense of humor, jokingly calling himself "Green Cyborg Ninja Dude". He also seemed to enjoy arcade games and ramen before he became a cyborg, as shown by his dialogue at Hanamura.

Merchandise[]

Tips[]

For more detailed tips as well as hero matchups, see Genji/Strategy.
  • As Genji is a ninja, be a ninja. He is best used as a loner who backs up the team from afar or a flanking angle, but can pick off and distract opposing team trumps and major players. His attacks, though lacking damage, are best for ensuring direct single kills, and advanced players can tactically use his shuriken spread and Swift Strike to annihilate teams with utmost precision outright.
  • Genji is meant to be a fast and mobile character who can easily pop in and out of combat. Know who to target in a fight, who to attack first (usually supports like Mercy or Zenyatta), and when to retreat/run away. His playstyle is somewhat similar to that of Tracer.
  • The key to playing Genji properly is maximizing damage output. The popular combo is to throw the shurikens, Swift Strike, use the Fan of Blades, and melee. The total damage output, if all shots are landed, should deal a minimum of 248 damage, enough to take out most "squishy" heroes and deal devastating damage to heroes like Reaper and Mei.
  • Use Genji's mobility to your advantage. Climbing walls and double-jumping can sometimes throw off your opponents' aim, and you can send back damage while jumping.
Swift Strike
  • Genji's Swift Strike is not subject to gravity and can be used to cross gaps or shoot yourself into the air quickly.
    • Note when using your Swift Strike, you are still susceptible to damage.  Dashing into an enemies attack while low on health can still kill you.
  • Getting an elimination recharges Swift Strike, allowing him to retreat or go to another target. Activating Dragonblade does this as well.
  • Using Swift Strike as an escape move can be very effective. He can quickly evade enemy attacks and dash out of a fight.
  • Using Swift Strike during a fight can confuse an enemy. Swift Strike behind the enemy, and then double jump over them again, and they should be looking around for you, allowing you to spam Shurikens to finish them off.
  • Sometimes it can be useful to confuse the enemy by using Swift Strike onto the ground at their feet. This will still deal damage, and won't send you past them like they would normally expect. From there, you have many options of attack, but act quick, especially if you're going against a Junkrat or McCree.
  • A lesser-known animation-canceling technique involves Swift Strike. Dash at a person's feet while holding down secondary fire and use quick melee. The three shurikens are successfully fired and the animation is canceled almost instantaneously by using quick melee.
Deflect
  • Use Deflect to turn the power of enemy attacks against them by deflecting all projectiles and even some ultimates. Look at the ability interactions chart for a better understanding of what can be deflected.
    • Deflect is more than a method for shrugging off projectiles. Use the enemy's fire against them and focus it on lower health targets and/or priority targets like healers.
    • Deflect can be deadly to enemy heroes with high burst damage. An example is Tracer, her pulse shots easily can be her own curse if a Genji deflects her shots.
    • Good heroes to use Deflect on are Reaper (up close), Roadhog (up close and against Chain Hook), Tracer, Bastion (depending on how low on health he is), Hanzo (at close ranges), Junkrat (close range), Orisa, McCree, D.Va (up close), Widowmaker (if you can see her), and Zenyatta (if he charged all five orbs).
    • Try to predict when people might fire their weapons. This tip is useful if trying to deflect McCree's Flashbang, Soldier: 76's Helix Rockets, or even ultimates like Tracer's Pulse Bomb and Zarya's Graviton Surge.
  • It is possible to earn Ana's "Naptime" achievement as Genji by deflecting an enemy Ana's Sleep Dart into another enemy using their ultimate. The same goes for an enemy McCree's Flashbang and his "Whoa There!" achievement.
  • Genji's Deflect is a strong counter to Bastion's Turret Mode but risky due to its short duration.  Try flanking and injuring him first to maximize the chance of getting the kill.
  • Using Deflect while an enemy Soldier 76 has Tactical Visor is not recommended for taking him down. Deflect is used better as a chance to buy time in this scenario. Otherwise, the two seconds will be wasted.
  • Deflect can also send Moira's Biotic Orb back into the enemy team, eliminating low health enemies or lowering their HP to make for a better chance to claim an objective.
Cyber-Agility
  • Genji is a nimble, offensive hero that can leap, climb walls, perform double jumps, and dash in and out of combat.
  • In combat, keep moving to throw off the enemy's aim, and be careful so you can evade damage while dishing it out.
  • Be sure to note where health packs are so you can leave a fight and heal quickly before being gunned down.
Dragonblade
  • Don't use his ultimate while cornered in a fight as a backup plan, as it will only waste it. Use it before entering a fight or while behind cover to surprise the enemy and quickly kill them.[6]
  • When Genji unsheathes his Dragonblade, his strikes deal massive damage in a generous cone at close range. His Dragonblade is best used in combination with Zarya's Graviton Surge, Mei's Blizzard, Ana's Nano Boost and/or Reinhardt's Earthshatter.
  • Genji's Dragonblade can damage multiple targets with a single slice.
  • Alternate between Swift Strike and Dragonblade swing (if possible) to stay mobile while dealing damage.
    • If Dragonblade runs out after you use Deflect, the ability will be canceled.
  • Deflect and Swift Strike can still be used while Dragonblade is active.
  • Do not go after enemies in multiple positions, or if they are scattered. Use it as a way to scare enemies off an objective or to simply eliminate them entirely. However, take advantage of Swift Strike's cooldown reset to go after enemies quickly.
  • Genji should have a backup, like Zarya's Particle Barrier or Lucio's Sound Barrier, before entering with Dragonblade, as it will usually save Genji's neck. Transcendence can help too, as you will usually be the center of attention if Dragonblade is active in an intense match.
  • Dealing damage alone with Dragonblade usually isn't enough. Focus on one target at a time. If you can strike multiple, however, go for it.
  • The small cooldown in between swings can be canceled by using Swift Strike. A strong and effective combination is to swing the blade first. As soon as the blade connects, use Swift Strike, turn around quickly, and swing again. This works extremely well on squishy targets.

Trivia[]

Genji Concept-0

Hanzo's concept art later became the design for Genji and Hanzo

  • Genji was announced on November 6, 2015, alongside D.Va and Mei. He was added to the closed beta three days later on November 9.
  • Hanzo's original concept was a cyborg assassin brandishing a bow and arrow. The character had the same mask as Genji; he also carried a neon green, glowing sword. His suit had the style of old samurai armor and there was a shimenawa rope around his waist. Later, the concept was split into the design for Genji and Hanzo.[7]
  • Genji's Agent ID is 3945_49.[8]
  • In addition to Ryu-Ichimonji, Genji also carries a traditional wakizashi by his side, which he uses to deflect and perform a Quick Melee.[9]
  • Genji's nickname "Sparrow" was one of the names used in development before a name was officially settled upon. [10]
  • Almost all of Genji's non-legendary skins have the kanji "武神" on his chest plate, except for the Chrome skin, which has the kanji "銀狼" on its place, and the Summer Games skin, Nihon, which has the kanji "日本".
  • Although his Sparrow and Young Genji skins change his appearance to be more human, his voice remains slightly robotic.
  • In his Sparrow and Young Genji skins, his shurikens bear a striking resemblance to the insignia of "Mira's Marauders" from the Starcraft series. Whether this is intentional or not is not known.
  • In Open Beta, Genji had four Voice Lines, which has since been removed:
    • On the Edge of My Blade (Life and Death balance on the edge of my blade!)
      • This voice line was used later as one of Genji's Uprising exclusive voice lines but under a different name.
    • The Dragon and I (The Dragon and I are one!)
    • To Know Yourself (To know yourself is to be at peace.)
      • This voice line was used later as Genji's Year of the Rooster exclusive voice line.
    • Revenge... (Revenge... takes only the one who seeks it.)
  • In the Summer Games, Genji's signature sport is fencing. This sports theme obviously refers to his ultimate ability.
  • If Genji has the Blackwatch skin equipped, he gains grunting noises for his Swift Strike which sound considerably deeper and angrier than his usual tone.
  • Genji's design, name, and Sentai skin may have also been inspired by Capcom character, Kenji. Despite Genji lacking the elemental abilities and ninjutsu Kenji possess, the former's physical attacks are of similar caliber to the latter.

Cultural References[]

  • Genji shares the name of the titular character from The Tale of Genji. Like Genji, the main character in the tale was famous for living a playboy lifestyle and for being considered the outcast of his affluent family.
  • Genji shares many similarities with Raiden, the protagonist of the game Metal Gear Rising, by Konami:
    • Both are cybernetic-enhanced ninjas.
    • Both were severely injured by a samurai character and had to go through a heavy recovering surgery with cybernetic prosthetics, although Raiden was already enhanced in many aspects while Genji was fully human prior to his downfall.
    • Both fight with Katanas, although while Genji wields a wakizashi and shurikens, Raiden is limited to one single sword (not counting the game's additional weapons).
    • Both have their design reminiscent of muscle tissue among platings;
  • The quote "My name is...Green cyborg ninja dude!" could be a reference to Michael Chu calling Genji "Green cyborg robot ninja dude" on Twitter when he, D.Va and Mei were announced.[11]
  • The Chrome skin may be a reference to Gray Fox of the series Metal Gear. Both Genji and Gray Fox are named 'cyborg ninja', and the Chrome skin heavily resembles Gray Fox's design. The special characters "Silver Wolf" may be a nod to the name "Gray Fox".
  • The Bedouin and Nomad skins are based on traditional Bedouin clothing.
    • The Bedouin and Nomad skins may reference the assassins who originate from the Levant and are compared to the Japanese Ninja due to the similar techniques of stealth and silent kills used by both groups.
    • The Bedouin and Nomad skins may also be a play on words; in Japanese, the word for 'wanderer' or 'nomad' ('流人', usually pronounced 'ronin') can also be pronounced as 'ryuujin', which is also the word meaning 'dragon god' ('竜神')
  • The Nihon skin's name means 'Japan' in Japanese, referencing his origins.
    • His Oni skin's weapon could be an allusion to the tale of Masamune and Muramasa, two legendary swordsmiths. His katana (the big sword) has the kanji 村正 on the blade, while his wakizashi (the small sword) has the kanji 正宗 on the blade.
    • The tale goes as Muramasa challenged his teacher, Masamune, to see who was able to make a finer sword. When suspending in the water, Muramasa's sword cut through everything, leaves, fishes, even the air currents, while Masamune's sword only cut the leaves, but the fishes were left unharmed. Masamune was content with the result, but his student heckled him for the impotent sword. A monk, who had observed from the beginning, deemed Muramasa's sword the finest, but also an evil and bloodthirsty sword, and praised Masamune's sword as "by far the finer of the two, as it does not needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving."
    • The tale fits into the use of Genji's sword: he mainly uses the katana ("Muramasa's sword") to bring down enemy heroes during his ultimate, while the wakizashi ("Masamune's sword") is usually used to deflect oncoming attacks.
  • His Sentai skin is a reference to a series of shows in Japan collectively known as "Super Sentai", many of which were adapted for American television as Power Rangers.
    • The skin closely resembles characters from the "Kamen Rider" series. The kanji on the Sentai suit 変身 means 'Transform', the common phrase of the Kamen Riders before they change into their superhero or in some cases super villain forms.
    • Some of his phrases reference both series, with some of them being from the Engine Sentai Go-Onger and Juken Sentai Gekiranger Super Sentai seasons. (Ex. "Unbreakable Body" is the roll call phrase of GekiRed from Gekiranger.)
    • Genji's Kiai cry of "TOH!" is used in the older seasons of Kamen Rider when the hero is about to execute a jump, strike or hit or use their signature attack: The Rider Kick.

Patch changes[]

For changes made to Genji's abilities, see Shuriken, Swift Strike, Deflect, Cyber-Agility, and Dragonblade.


References[]

Genji Navigation
General MainQuotesGallerySkins and WeaponsSprays
Abilities ShurikenSwift StrikeDeflectCyber-AgilityDragonblade
Lore Organizations Shimada EmpireOverwatchBlackwatch
Character relationships HanzoMercyGabriel ReyesMcCreeMoiraZenyatta
Locations HanamuraNepalRialto
Media Animated Shorts We Are OverwatchDragonsDoomfist Origin Story
Comic Shorts Retribution
Overwatch Navigation
Members Founders Jack MorrisonGabriel ReyesAna AmariReinhardt WilhelmTorbjörn LindholmMina Liao
Agents MercyWinstonTracerGérard Lacroix
Blackwatch McCreeGenjiMoira
Other MeiDirector PetrasMirembeKimikoSinghBaylessAl-FaroukSoundquakeFusionator
Media Shorts Cinematic TrailerRecallKing's Row Uprising Origin StoryDoomfist Origin StoryRise and ShineHonor and Glory
Comics LegacyJunkensteinUprisingRetribution
Articles Fading GloryOverwatch is Back
Lore Bases Swiss HeadquartersWatchpoint: GibraltarEcopoint: AntarcticaWatchpoint: Grand Mesa
Vehicles MV-261 OrcaOSS-7 Aurora
Enemies Omnic Rebel ArmyTalonNull SectorShimada ClanDeadlock Gang
Missions Omnic CrisisUprising
Heroes in Overwatch
TankIconTank
OffenseIconDamage
SupportIconSupport
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