Every Overwatch Character’s Backstory

Zarya

Aleksandra Zaryanova is a soldier with the Russian Defense Force in Krasnoyarsk Front, Russia. Once a celebrated athlete and one of the world’s strongest women (in case you couldn’t tell by her arms), Zarya sacrificed “personal glory” to protect her family, friends, and country in a time of war.

The Omnic Crisis initially sparked her interest in weightlifting and bodybuilding. The remote Siberian village she was born in was destroyed by the conflict, and as she grew older, she swore that she would gain the strength to help her people recover.  When it was attacked by the long-dormant Siberian omnium, Zarya joined the war to protect those around around.