Why Reinhardt Is Jeff Kaplan’s Favorite Overwatch Hero—and the Surprising Game That Inspired His Charge Ability
Even though he isn’t the face of the franchise like Tracer, Reinhardt has become one of the most recognizable characters in Overwatch. The heavily armored tank hero was part of the game’s original roster and has remained a fan favorite since launch.
Interestingly, Reinhardt was also the go-to hero for former Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan. During a recent interview with Lex Fridman, Kaplan revealed that Reinhardt was the hero he played most often.
According to Kaplan, the character was largely shaped by the work of former lead hero designer Geoff Goodman, who envisioned Reinhardt as a towering armored protector. The concept was intentionally simple: give players a massive shield and they instinctively understand their role—protect the team.
This straightforward design philosophy helped make Reinhardt one of the most approachable heroes in the game.
The Shield That Influenced Modern Hero Shooters
One of Reinhardt’s defining mechanics is his massive energy barrier. The shield allows teammates to fire through it while staying protected from incoming damage.
This mechanic became so effective that it influenced game design across the genre. Kaplan noted that similar shield systems have since appeared in many hero shooters—and even some non–hero shooter games.
The design worked because it clearly communicated the hero’s purpose. Reinhardt isn’t just a tank; he’s a frontline guardian whose entire kit revolves around protecting allies and pushing forward.
The Unexpected Inspiration Behind Reinhardt’s Charge
While Reinhardt’s shield defines his defensive role, his Charge ability is where things get risky—and sometimes hilarious.
Kaplan revealed that the idea actually came from Left 4 Dead 2. In that game’s versus mode, players can control special infected enemies, including a powerful zombie called The Charger.
That character’s attack involved sprinting forward uncontrollably, smashing into survivors.
Kaplan loved the idea because of its commitment. Once you activate the ability, there’s no turning back—you’re essentially a runaway train. That same high-risk, high-reward concept became the foundation for Reinhardt’s charge.
And as many Overwatch players know, the results can be spectacular—or disastrous. Watching a Reinhardt charge straight off the map has become a classic moment in the game’s history.
Kaplan even joked that the ability is what separates a skilled Reinhardt player from a terrible one.
Why Reinhardt Battles Are So Strategic
Despite Reinhardt’s simple abilities, high-level play reveals just how much strategy is involved.
His charge can pin enemies against walls for an instant elimination, but it also leaves him vulnerable if he misses. When facing another Reinhardt, the stakes rise even higher because both players can counter each other’s moves.
These tank-versus-tank battles often turn into tense mind games, embodying the rock-paper-scissors gameplay that helped define Overwatch’s competitive scene.
Jeff Kaplan’s Design Philosophy: Simplicity Wins
Kaplan has long believed that great hero design doesn’t require complexity. In fact, he prefers characters that are easy to understand but still rewarding to master.
He pointed to Cassidy as another example of strong, simple design.
Cassidy’s toolkit is straightforward: shoot enemies, dodge danger with a quick roll, and unleash his ultimate ability at the right moment. Yet mastering that simplicity still requires skill and timing.
Kaplan sees this balance—easy to learn but difficult to master—as the key to successful hero design.
The Legacy of Overwatch’s Early Hero Design
When Overwatch launched nearly a decade ago, most of its heroes were intentionally uncomplicated. Instead of complex individual abilities, the game focused on how different characters interacted with each other during matches.
This design philosophy made teamwork and strategy the real source of depth.
Reinhardt remains one of the best examples of that approach. He’s simple, powerful, and perfectly captures the fantasy of a fearless knight leading the charge on the battlefield.
And judging by Jeff Kaplan’s own gameplay preferences, that design clearly succeeded.