The Overwatch 2 Halloween Terror event is nearly here and the new trailer gives players a look at what to expect, including some new spooky skins. But for some fans, the manner in which Blizzard is making the new content available confirms concerns over how Overwatch 2 will handle such releases going forward.
The annual Overwatch Halloween Terror event began with the original game in 2016 and brought with it a host of seasonal skins as well as other creepy cosmetics. It also presented fans with a new game mode, Junkenstein's Revenge. Previously, Blizzard announced that the event would be making its return this year from October 25 to November 8, and would be bringing players a new spin on the existing Junkenstein Halloween mode, called Junkenstein's Revenge: Wrath of the Bride, featuring an appropriately-dressed Sombra in the leading role.
Blizzard have now dropped a trailer, giving players a sneak peek at more of this year's content. The video features several characters sporting previous Overwatch Halloween skins, like Anna's Mummy outfit and Sigma's Flying Dutchman costume. Most importantly though, it gives fans a look at two new skins: Witch Kiriko and Executioner Junker Queen. Kiriko dons a classic witch's hat and carries what appear to be pagan spell-casting cards instead of her usual Healing Ofuda, while Junker Queen is decked out in all black spikes and an executioner's hood. It's worth noting that even though Overwatch 2 already has a witch skin with Mercy, hers is darker and more edgy while Kiriko's is a more playful take, making the two fairly distinct.
Along with the new skins, a Witch Kiriko bundle will be available to fans, as well as a few spooky sprays. In a post it made today on the game's official website, Blizzard went into more detail on the reveals. It mentioned the new co-op PVE challenge would be expanding the lore of the original Junkenstein mode, and discusses the rewards players can earn by completing the challenge, like a themed name card, weapon charm and battle pass XP. It also clarified that the Witch Kiriko bundle would be available to players in the shop.
Though the announcement and flashy new skins excited some, comments reiterated some points of contention surrounding much of the fan dissapointment over Overwatch 2. Players expressed distress over the monetization inherent to the game's free-to-play structure, which will most likely require players to purchase the skins with real money. Fans were also upset about the lack of more new skins and potential recycling of old PVE content, referencing the choice to release another Junkenstein event rather than something completely new.
Whatever the future holds, it appears Blizzard has a long road ahead when it comes to earning its fans' trust. The quality of content in this, Overwatch 2's first seasonal event, could very well signal to players whether the game will be worth their time or not.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.