Since its 2016 launch, Overwatch has been a cornerstone of the hero shooter genre, combining dynamic team-based gameplay with a diverse cast of characters. Its unique mix of fast-paced action, strategic team compositions, and an emphasis on each hero’s distinct abilities helped set it apart from other shooters. Despite Overwatch 2 facing its share of controversies, the franchise remains a major influence on the genre.
In line with its enduring popularity, although the Overwatch League has officially concluded, its skin variants continue to be highly sought after. With the introduction of a new esports program called OWCS, designers have not yet released any team-based skins. This could be due to the new format; however, players currently have the chance to complete their Overwatch League collections with the available and upcoming bundles in the Shop.
Purchasing Overwatch League Skins Will Soon Be a Rare Opportunity
The History of Overwatch League Skins
In 2018, Overwatch became a major force in esports with the creation of the Overwatch League, commonly referred to as OWL. The league brought industry-changing innovations, such as city-based teams, top-tier production, and a strong focus on diversity. This also included the introduction of team-specific Overwatch League skins, which could primarily be purchased using Overwatch League Tokens.
Regardless of controversies that led to the abandonment of player-specific skins, such as the controversial Zarya Alien skin originally intended to honor Jay “Sinatraa” Won after the 2019 Overwatch League season, team skins have persisted. Skins like the Hangzhou Spark’s Home cosmetics have been praised for their pink design, and bundles like the Atlantic and Pacific All-Stars have become highly sought after. However, since the Overwatch League was shut down, opportunities to obtain these vaulted skins have been limited, as they are not often included in the Shop’s rotation.
Overwatch 2 Is Offering Players a Chance to Complete Their OWL Collections
Fortunately, Blizzard is responding to long-time fans’ concerns about completing their Overwatch League collections by holding a team inventory sale on skins and OWL Tokens. From September 10 through October 15, 2024, new and Legendary cosmetics will be available. This event marks the largest unvaulting of items in Overwatch 2 to date.
From September 10 through October 15, 2024, new and Legendary cosmetics will be available.
Notably, the upcoming skins aren’t limited to league teams. The release will also feature Overwatch Contenders Home and Away skins, along with other in-game items including Weapon Charms. Currently, the schedule includes the following, though this list is not fully comprehensive:
- September 10 – September 24: All-Stars Unvault Bundle featuring All-Star Mercy, All-Star Reinhardt, All-Star Lucio, and All-Star D.Va.
- October 1 – October 8: Overwatch League Legends Mega Bundle with All-Star Tracer, All-Star Genji, Zen-Nakji Zenyatta, and Good and Evil Echo.
- October 8 – October 15: Overwatch League 2022 Tournament Bundle including Luchador Reaper, Royal Knight Mercy, Happi Genji, and Clockwork Zenyatta.
Users should refer to the Overwatch League In-Game Shop during the sale for the full list of available skins.
For players who have been collecting rare OWL skins over the years, this sale provides the perfect opportunity to complete their collections. Additionally, some fans are hopeful that popular skins like 2020’s Goat Brigitte and the 2021 Legends Bundle 2 Haroeris Ana and Pirate Bastion will be included later this year. This optimism stems from Blizzard’s statement on its official website: “After the conclusion of the OWL Team Inventory Sale, [it will] unvault additional non-Team branded Legendary Overwatch League skins that will be exclusive to the Overwatch 2 Main Featured Shop.”
Sadly, this sale marks the end of Overwatch League Tokens, which will be retired from the game on December 10 of this year. While they are expected to be converted into a different in-game currency, Team 4 has yet to confirm any further details. As a result, the Overwatch League team inventory sale will be the last chance for players to acquire most Overwatch League skins and cosmetics with team branding, as well as other Overwatch League and Contenders-branded items.