Overwatch 2 is getting ready to launch its eighth season, which will introduce a new game mode, a new map, a new tank hero, and a new set of weapon skins inspired by the popular Monster Hunter franchise. In this article, we will take a look at the details of the upcoming season, the new weapon skins, and how to obtain them.
Overview of Overwatch 2 Season 8
Season 8 of Overwatch 2 will start on December 5, 2023, and will bring a lot of new content and changes to the game. Here are some of the highlights:
- New weapon skins inspired by Monster Hunter: The developers have collaborated with Capcom to create a set of weapon skins that pay homage to the iconic monsters and weapons of the Monster Hunter series. These weapon skins will have custom effects and animations, and will be available for a limited time during the season.
- Retail patch notes: The retail patch notes for Season 8 will include a general change to the amount of ult charge retained when swapping heroes, reducing it from 25% to 15%. This is intended to reduce the incentive to counter-swap upon dying, and encourage more strategic hero choices. The patch notes will also include balance changes for several heroes, such as Doomfist, Winston, Sombra, and Roadhog.
- Hero updates: Season 8 will introduce a new tank hero, Mauga, who has been teased for a long time by the developers. Mauga is a former Talon operative who wields two massive chainguns, Cha-Cha and Gunny, and has a variety of abilities that allow him to deal damage, absorb damage, and grapple with enemies. Mauga will join the hero roster along with the new weapon skins, and will be available for free for all players.
Introduction of New Weapon Skins
The new weapon skins for Season 8 are based on the Monster Hunter series, which is a popular action role-playing game that involves hunting and slaying giant creatures. The weapon skins are designed to resemble the weapons and monsters from the game, and will have unique effects and animations that match their themes. Here are some of the weapon skins that will be available:
- Rathalos Rocket Launcher: This weapon skin for Pharah is inspired by the Rathalos, a fire-breathing wyvern that is the flagship monster of the Monster Hunter series. The rocket launcher has a red and black color scheme, with scales, spikes, and wings that resemble the Rathalos. The rockets also have a fiery trail and explosion, and the weapon makes a roaring sound when fired.
- Diablos Hammer: This weapon skin for Reinhardt is inspired by the Diablos, a horned and armored beast that burrows underground and charges at its prey. The hammer has a brown and white color scheme, with horns, spikes, and a tail that resemble the Diablos. The hammer also has a sandstorm effect and a rumbling sound when swung, and the weapon makes a snarling sound when hitting enemies.
- Nergigante Claws: This weapon skin for Genji is inspired by the Nergigante, a ferocious elder dragon that has regenerating spikes and a voracious appetite. The claws have a black and purple color scheme, with spikes, scales, and teeth that resemble the Nergigante. The claws also have a dark energy effect and a slashing sound when used, and the weapon makes a growling sound when deflecting projectiles.
Pricing, Availability, and Ongoing Evolution of Cosmetics
The new weapon skins for Season 8 will be available for a limited time during the season, and will have different ways of obtaining them. Here are some of the details:
- How to obtain the new weapon skins: The new weapon skins will be divided into two sets, each containing six weapon skins for different heroes. The first set will be available through the Season 8 Battle Pass, which is a free progression system that rewards players with cosmetics and currency as they play the game. The second set will be available through the Season 8 Event Pass, which is a premium progression system that costs 1000 credits and offers more exclusive cosmetics and currency. Players can choose to purchase the Event Pass at any time during the season, and will receive all the rewards they have unlocked retroactively.
- Pricing details: The Season 8 Battle Pass and Event Pass will have 100 tiers each, and will require players to earn experience points by playing the game, completing challenges, and participating in events. Each tier will unlock a reward, such as a weapon skin, a spray, a voice line, or a credit. The weapon skins will be distributed across different tiers, and will have different rarities, ranging from common to legendary. The common weapon skins will cost 75 credits, the rare weapon skins will cost 225 credits, the epic weapon skins will cost 750 credits, and the legendary weapon skins will cost 3000 credits. Players can also choose to skip tiers by spending credits, at a rate of 150 credits per tier.
- Availability in game: The new weapon skins will be available for use in all game modes, except for competitive mode, where only the default weapon skins will be allowed. The new weapon skins will also be compatible with the existing hero skins, and will not affect the gameplay or performance of the heroes. The new weapon skins will be visible to other players and spectators, and will add more variety and flair to the game.
- Future updates and additions to weapon skins: The developers have stated that they plan to continue adding new weapon skins to the game, based on different themes and collaborations. They have also hinted that they are working on a system that will allow players to customize their weapon skins, such as changing the colors, effects, and sounds. The developers have also said that they are open to feedback and suggestions from the community, and will make adjustments and improvements to the weapon skins based on the players’ preferences and experiences.
Conclusion
Overwatch 2 Season 8 is set to be an exciting and rewarding season, with a lot of new content and changes to the game. The new weapon skins inspired by Monster Hunter are one of the highlights of the season, and will offer players a chance to show off their style and fandom. The new weapon skins will be available for a limited time during the season, and will have different ways of obtaining them. The new weapon skins will also have custom effects and animations, and will be compatible with the existing hero skins. The developers have also promised to keep adding and updating the weapon skins, and to listen to the community’s feedback and suggestions. Overwatch 2 Season 8 will start on December 5, 2023, and will be available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, PS5, and PS4.
