Reinhardt Fan-Wiki

Biography of Reinhardt Wilhelm

Reinhardt Wilhelm, a larger-than-life figure, was a decorated Crusader known for his chivalrous ideals of honor, justice, and valor. Raised in Stuttgart, Germany, his early life was spent dreaming of knights and adventure, which led him to join the German Armed Forces. His passion for glory was evident, though he often clashed with his superiors over orders that conflicted with his principles. Eventually, he joined the Crusader Initiative, becoming a lieutenant under the mentorship of Balderich von Adler, who taught him the deeper meanings of duty and sacrifice.

When the Omnic Crisis broke out, Reinhardt's boldness became both his greatest strength and his greatest flaw. In the crucial Battle of Eichenwalde, he fought valiantly beside Balderich, but his reckless pursuit of glory led to tragic consequences. Ignoring orders to stay with his unit, Reinhardt charged ahead, only to be critically injured by an advanced OR14 unit. Balderich, sacrificing himself to protect Reinhardt, left a lasting impression on the young Crusader. Before Balderich's final moments, he entrusted Reinhardt with his Overwatch medal, urging him to uphold their shared ideals as the team's shield.

Scarred by the loss of his mentor, Reinhardt joined Overwatch, where he became a pillar of the original strike team. His charismatic leadership and unwavering morals quickly earned him a reputation among his comrades. Despite multiple opportunities for promotion, Reinhardt stayed true to his belief that a real hero belonged on the frontlines. His bravery was tested during numerous missions, including pivotal battles in Darkhan, Shenzhen, and Kyoto, where he led from the front and embodied the very spirit of Overwatch’s mission.

Not long after the Omnic Crisis, Reinhardt took part in Operation White Dome in Istanbul, a dangerous mission to eliminate remaining omnic forces. It was here that he saved the life of his longtime friend, Torbjörn Lindholm, at great personal risk. Severely wounded, Torbjörn lost his left arm, but Reinhardt’s intervention ensured his survival. As the two warriors recovered in Gothenburg, their bond deepened. Reinhardt’s constant presence at Torbjörn's side led to a jesting agreement: if Reinhardt could stay quiet, he would be allowed to name Torbjörn’s newborn daughter. Keeping his word, Reinhardt named her Brigitte, and from that moment, he became a close figure in the Lindholm family, telling Brigitte stories of the Crusaders and teaching her the ways of honor.

After the Omnic Crisis, Reinhardt and other Overwatch members, including Morrison, Vivian Chase, and Jesse McCree, help Canadian citizens devastated by severe flooding, especially in Vancouver, by providing rescue and evacuation assistance.

Years later, Reinhardt joins an unsanctioned mission in King’s Row authorized by Commander Morrison to quell an uprising by Null Sector omnics. Here, Reinhardt greets newcomer Lena Oxton (Tracer) and takes part in an intense battle through the streets, facing Null Sector forces to complete the mission. This event becomes classified in Overwatch's records.

At one point during his time in Overwatch, Reinhardt spends time stationed at Watchpoint: Gibraltar, where he even gets a tan. He also shares a lighthearted moment with Ana Amari, dancing until dawn, and later participates in a mission in Prague, where his lack of stealth causes some unintended setbacks.

As Overwatch faces challenges and scrutiny, Reinhardt is dispatched on a critical mission to Asunción, Paraguay, to address a hostage situation during the Global Energy Summit. When his superiors order him to wait for negotiators, Reinhardt disobeys, seeing it as the only way to save hostages threatened by a terrorist named Hivemind. His bold actions save 47 lives, though Hivemind escapes with valuable data. While viewed as heroic by some, Reinhardt faces reprimands from the military and Overwatch leadership for disobeying orders. Forced to retire, Reinhardt leaves in frustration, feeling he’s given everything to Overwatch only to be cast aside.

In retirement, Reinhardt faces despair but soon finds a new purpose. He travels to Sweden to stay close to the Lindholms and eventually reclaims his Crusader armor to travel across Europe, defending the innocent alongside his squire Brigitte, who helps him maintain his armor and keep up his morale.

As global conflicts escalate, Winston calls for Overwatch’s reformation. Initially hesitant, Reinhardt ultimately chooses to return, motivated by his memories of Overwatch’s ideals and a visit to Eichenwalde, where he reflects on his fallen mentor, Balderich. Rejoining Overwatch in Paris, Reinhardt, Brigitte, Mei, and Winston work together to repel Null Sector’s assault, demonstrating his continued leadership and combat prowess. Over the following missions in cities like Rio de Janeiro and Toronto, Reinhardt commands a team, helping to save civilians and battle Null Sector forces. However, he grows troubled by the growing threats and the unsettling tactics used by Null Sector, particularly their subjugation of omnics.

During this new chapter of conflict, Reinhardt and Brigitte seek out Torbjörn in Gothenburg, bringing with them an omnic affected by Null Sector’s mind-control devices. Torbjörn, now cautious, refuses to rejoin Overwatch, instead prioritizing his family and home defense. Their reunion is briefly interrupted by a Null Sector attack, which they successfully repel. Through this encounter, Torbjörn shows Reinhardt that he has changed, while Reinhardt’s persistence reflects his unyielding sense of duty and desire for justice, even as the world around him evolves.

As the team continues their struggle against Null Sector, Reinhardt grapples with the changing nature of warfare and heroism. Despite his age and past setbacks, he remains steadfast in his commitment to Overwatch’s ideals, fighting alongside a new generation and seeking to inspire hope in the world once more.