As if there weren't already enough reasons to be excited for Overwatch's first birthday, it seems that fans will be treated to three new arena maps as part of the anniversary celebrations. When the event launches next Tuesday, players will have access to new locations when it comes to 1v1 or 3v3 game modes.

At the moment, Overwatch fans can only play some modes on Ecopoint: Antarctica, the first-person shooter's only arena-type map. Now, according to a recent announcement from Overwatch's official Twitter account, there will be a total of four unique options to fight it out on, once the anniversary update goes live.

While the new areas aren't named, eagle-eyed fans of the title seem to have identified the stages as being set in Dorado, Temple of Anubis, and Eichenwalde. What appears to be Sombra's iconic hacking station is present in one of the stages, which was first seen in the character's surprise reveal. As well as this, the game's first active weather effects seem to have been implemented, in the form of a light rain in the German map.

These new releases could hint at a temporary arena game mode releasing as part of the anniversary celebrations next week, but the maps are likely to be sticking around full-time regardless. Many players will be thankful for the added variation brought to their arcade mode games, especially as they begin to start earning limited-edition anniversary loot boxes.

Overwatch Anniversary Event Logo blizzard activision

Gamers will be able to try these maps for free, even if they don't own Blizzard's latest title, thanks to the upcoming Overwatch free weekend that kicks off on May 26. It seems the developer is looking to recruit more heroes to the cause, in the midst off its long-awaited anniversary event.

This coming Tuesday may also see new additions coming to the game's base loot boxes, such as highly-requested emotes like Reaper's shrug or Sombra and Orisa's sitting pose. These drops won't be exclusive to the anniversary event, though they could release at the same time if they're ready.

Overwatch is available now for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

Source: OverwatchEU – Twitter