Unraveling Bastion’s Slumber: How Long Was the Mechanical Marvel Asleep?

Bastion, the SST Laboratories Siege Automaton E54, is one of Overwatch’s most beloved and complex characters. But just how long was this innocent machine dormant before being rediscovered and reactivated? The answer lies in piecing together clues from in-game lore and cinematic narratives. Bastion was inactive for over a decade following the Omnic Crisis, and then spent at least twenty years dormant in the Black Forest before being reawakened by Ganymede. This period of inactivity shaped Bastion’s unique perspective and his surprising transformation from a weapon of war to a curious and gentle soul.

The Omnic Crisis and Bastion’s Disappearance

Bastion units were originally designed for peacekeeping, but during the Omnic Crisis, they were repurposed as weapons of destruction by the omnics. This devastating conflict saw humanity pitted against its own creations. Following the resolution of the Crisis, many Bastion units were destroyed or deactivated. However, one particular unit, known as E54, was severely damaged in the final battles. It was then left abandoned and forgotten. Exposed to the elements, the unit lay dormant, slowly rusting as nature began to reclaim it.

Two Decades of Silence in the Black Forest

The Overwatch animated short, “The Last Bastion,” vividly portrays the automaton’s reawakening. Set in the Black Forest near Eichenwalde, the short film depicts Bastion covered in moss and vines. This environment points to a considerable period of dormancy, estimated to be at least two decades. The short demonstrates the awakening process and its transition from weapon to friend. The rediscovery occurs when a curious bird, later named Ganymede, lands on the deactivated unit. Ganymede reactivates a fraction of the old programming, leading to a gentle and nature-loving persona. The trauma of the Omnic Crisis, however, lingers, triggered by certain stimuli that revert Bastion back to its combat programming.

Rejoining the World: Overwatch 2 and Beyond

After its extended period of dormancy, Bastion’s journey is far from over. It eventually joins Overwatch, embracing a role as a protector and a symbol of hope. In Overwatch 2, Bastion undergoes significant gameplay changes. These changes reflects its ongoing evolution and adaption to a world vastly different from the one it knew. There were also some bugs that forced the character to be temporarily removed from Overwatch 2 which proves how game developers react to these things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bastion

Here are some frequently asked questions about Bastion, offering more insight into its history and impact:

1. What is Bastion’s official designation?

   Bastion is officially designated as SST Laboratories Siege Automaton E54.

2. Where was Bastion originally created?

   Bastion was created in an unnamed omnium.

3. What was Bastion’s original purpose?

   Bastion units were originally created for peacekeeping purposes.

4. What is the Omnic Crisis?

   The Omnic Crisis was a global conflict between humans and intelligent robots (Omnics) that nearly destroyed human civilization.

5. How tall is Bastion?

   Bastion stands at an impressive 7’3” (221 cm).

6. How old is Bastion?

   As of the Overwatch timeline, Bastion is approximately 30 years old.

7. What is Bastion’s relationship with Ganymede?

   Ganymede is Bastion’s avian companion. The two have a close and symbiotic relationship, representing the harmony between nature and technology.

8. Is Bastion male or female?

   Bastion does not have a defined gender. The character is often referred to using gender-neutral pronouns.

9. What abilities did Bastion have in Overwatch 1?

   In Overwatch 1, Bastion could self-repair, transform into a turret, and use an ultimate ability to transform into a tank.

10. Why was Bastion temporarily removed from Overwatch 2?

    Bastion was temporarily removed due to bugs in its ability kit. This allowed developers to address and resolve the issues before reintroducing the hero.

11. When did Bastion return to Overwatch 2 after being temporarily removed?

    Bastion returned to Overwatch 2 on October 25, along with Torbjorn.

12. Who are some effective counters to Bastion?

    Effective counters to Bastion include Widowmaker, Ashe, and Sojourn. These heroes can out-range Bastion and exploit its weaknesses.

13. Why does Bastion have a hat?

    The hat was given to Bastion by Torbjörn as a sign of trust and friendship.

14. What are Bastion’s base health stats?

    Bastion has 300 base health, divided into 200 health and 100 armor.

15. What is the lore behind the creation of omnics?

    The creation of omnics was intended to automate and improve global economies. But something went wrong which led to the Omnic Crisis. As the field of gaming moves forward, exploring the educational and social impacts of games becomes even more crucial, and organizations like the Games Learning Society provide valuable insights. You can learn more about the future of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, the years Bastion spent dormant in the Black Forest were instrumental in shaping his unique identity. This time allowed nature to influence its programming, transforming a weapon of war into a symbol of peace and curiosity. Bastion’s story, filled with moments of isolation, awakening, and adaptation, highlights the potential for change and the unexpected connections that can be forged in the most unlikely of circumstances.