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Doctrine Trial Opens Ahead of Overwatch Season 5
By GamesHub
Blizzard has unveiled Overwatch’s newest Support Hero, Doctrine, in a story trailer released as part of BlizzCon 2026. The trailer, titled Breakout in the official IGN listing, was published on September 12, 2026 and introduces the character ahead of an official roster release with Season 5.
Doomfist’s Mission Sets Up Doctrine’s Arrival
Breakout follows Doomfist and his allies as they work to free Doctrine from the depths of Watchpoint: Grimsvötn. The trailer establishes a connection between Doomfist and Doctrine while using the escape from the facility to introduce the new Support Hero.
The reveal places Doctrine at the centre of Overwatch’s next hero rollout. Blizzard’s trailer description identifies him as the game’s newest Support Hero and says players can try him during a limited-time Hero Trial before his Season 5 arrival.
How to Play Doctrine Before Season 5
Doctrine’s limited-time Hero Trial runs from September 12 through September 14, 2026, according to the official trailer listing. The trial arrives before his official release with the launch of Season 5.
| Milestone | Window | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hero Trial | September 12–14, 2026 | Limited-time opportunity to play as Doctrine |
| Official release | With Season 5 launch | Doctrine joins the roster |
An exact launch date for Season 5 has not been announced. Overwatch is free to play on PC and console, with Nintendo Switch 2 included among the platforms named in the official listing. The listing does not specify platform-by-platform access terms for the Hero Trial.
Overwatch’s Expanding Hero Roster
Doctrine’s reveal was part of a broader set of Overwatch announcements at BlizzCon 2026. PC Gamer reported that Blizzard also teased reworks for Sombra and Roadhog during the opening ceremony. Specific details were not shared, though the report said Sombra is set to become a Support character and Roadhog is intended to be less frustrating to face.
PC Gamer also reported that the game’s new act will add a map called Grímsvötn, while the next Overwatch Spotlight is scheduled for February 2027. Those updates sit alongside Doctrine’s introduction as Blizzard outlines what is next for the game.
The Hero Trial Comes First
For players interested in trying Overwatch’s newest Support Hero, the immediate opportunity is the September 12–14 Hero Trial. Doctrine’s full roster debut is scheduled to follow with Season 5, while Blizzard has yet to announce the season’s exact release date.
