Overwatch 2 features a whole bunch of characters from all over the world. And as such, seeing a new hero gives players a look at another culture. Illari is the newest of the bunch and wears her culture on her armor. So what is Illari’s ethnicity and where is she from?
What is Illari’s history?
Illari is from Runasapi, Peru according to Blizzard Entertainment, making her the second South American hero (Lúcio is from Brazil). She was training to become an Inti Warrior, a clan of protectors who harness the power of the sun. Right as she was about to join their ranks, the ceremony went awry and wiped out the other Inti Warriors. Blizzard released a short animatic about the new hero detailing some of her backstory, but has yet to speak to how she plays into the modern day version of Overwatch.
Her Peruvian descent is on display in some of her costumes. Llamas are often associated with the country, and Illari’s Llama Pajamas skin shows that bond. The colors of some of her other costumes are in Quechua, a language spoken in Peru, and translate directly to said color. Her background on the main title screen, as shown by the picture at the top of the article, also seems to show the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world that runs through Peru, behind her.
Who is the Overwatch 2 Illari voice actor?
The Overwatch 2 Illari actor is Myriam Andrea Cisneros Linares, as confirmed by Blizzard Entertainment’s narrative designer Joshi Zhang and Linares herself. Linares was born and raised in Peru and is mostly known for her music and being the lead singer of Andre.
OW2 Illari Ethnicity and Nationality FAQ
A: Illari is the newest hero introduced in Overwatch 2 and hails from Runasapi, Peru. She trained to be an Inti Warrior, a group of protectors that utilize the sun’s power. However, a catastrophic event during her initiation ceremony led to the loss of the other Inti Warriors. While her role in the current Overwatch narrative hasn’t been fully revealed, her Peruvian heritage is evident in her costumes, such as the Llama Pajamas skin. The backdrop in her title screen appears to depict the Andes mountains, which run through Peru.
A: Illari’s design showcases her Peruvian heritage. One of her skins, Llama Pajamas, represents the strong association llamas have with Peru. Additionally, the colors in some of her other costumes are named in Quechua, a language indigenous to Peru, and these names directly translate to the respective colors.
A: Illari’s voice in Overwatch 2 is provided by Myriam Andrea Cisneros Linares, a Peruvian artist renowned for her musical talent and for being the lead singer of Andre. This casting choice was confirmed by Blizzard Entertainment’s narrative designer Joshi Zhang and Linares herself.
