It’s hard to believe that Overwatch only launched a year ago, because it feels like Blizzard’s team-based “Hero Shooter” has always been with us. But a year it has been, and Blizzard kicked off a massive in-game event today, Overwatch Anniversary, to celebrate.
Like previous seasonal events, players will be able to obtain more than 100 new Anniversary-themed items in special Anniversary Loot Boxes. These Loot Boxes will feature new Legendary Skins, as well as new Voice Lines, Sprays, Player Icons, and a series of “dancing” Emotes. You can get a look at the new Skins and Emotes (including a very smooth Winston shuffle) at PlayOverwatch.com.
Three new Arena Maps will also make their debut in the Arcade as part of the Overwatch Anniversay event:
New Arena Maps in Overwatch Anniversary
- Necropolis: Ana Amari has made Necropolis her personal hideout—and an impromptu field base where she can keep an eye on things. Head to Ana’s preferred vantage point at the top of the ruins, and use the high ground (and the element of surprise) against the enemy team. Or walk the stone corridors below, and take the fight to them directly—just watch out for pits!
- Castillo: Castillo is an old fort looking out over Dorado’s bay. It’s the location of Calaveras, a bar frequented by questionable patrons; a graffitied Los Muertos hangout; and Sombra’s hacking den. Test your skills against the enemy team throughout Castillo’s multiple levels, and use its winding stairs for cover and strategic advantage.
- Black Forest: On the outskirts of Eichenwalde, the misty Black Forest map wraps around a long-overlooked battlefield dotted with the wreckage of Bastion units.
Flank your opponents on pathways between the castle and woods, and use the wooden balconies to move between the second stories of houses throughout the forest.
Finally, Blizzard has uploaded new Patch Notes for Overwatch’s latest update, as well as a new trailer for the Overwatch Anniversary event and a new “Developer Update” video hosted by Director Jeff Kaplan. Both videos can be found after the break.
The Overwatch Anniversary event will end on June 12, but remember, fans who don’t already own the game can try it out for free this weekend on the PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
