Overwatch 2 Collaborates with Gundam Wing for Season 16

Season 16 of Overwatch 2 marks a significant moment in the game’s history as it collaborates with the renowned Gundam Wing anime series. This collaboration, confirmed by both Blizzard, the game’s developer, and the social channels for Gundam, aligns with the 30th anniversary of the anime. The crossover is expected to bring new skins and themed cosmetics to the hero shooter game.

Confirmation of Collaboration

The collaboration was initially hinted at through the official Overwatch 2 X Twitter account, which congratulated Gundam Wing on its anniversary and hinted at a collaboration through cryptic emojis and comments engaging with game fans. Further indication came when dataminers discovered a hidden logo in the game’s files suggesting the collaboration. The confirmation concerning the collaboration was included in Blizzard’s announcements made just before the commencement of Season 16.

Expected Features

While not much has been shared concerning the content of the collaboration, it is tailored to the 30th anniversary of Gundam Wing, which first aired on April 7, 1995. Fans expect fresh skins, themed cosmetics, and possibly additional in-game events or modes.

The likely skins include those for characters reportedly themed around iconic Gundam mechs or characters, including Pharah, Genji, Ramattra, Echo, Reinhardt, Zenyatta, and others. Community enthusiasts are voicing their hopes for a “full mech takeover” with omnic heroes like Bastion, Echo, and Zenyatta anticipated to receive Gundam-themed skins.

This collaboration is set to launch within or soon after the start of Season 16, which begins on April 22, 2025. Additional content for Season 16 includes a new hero named Freja, a new competitive Stadium mode featuring a third-person perspective, DokiWatch skins, a Juno mythic skin, and a mythic weapon for Mercy.

How the Collaboration is Impacting the Community

The collaboration has received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans, both those nostalgic for Gundam Wing and those enjoying anime collaborations in gaming. This is not the first time such a collaboration has occurred in Overwatch 2, with previous crossovers with One Punch Man and Cowboy Bebop also being warmly received. Furthermore, this event is seen as a symbolic partnership considering that Bandai Namco’s short-lived game Gundam Evolution was once viewed as an Overwatch competitor.

New Features in Overwatch 2: Season 16

Apart from the Gundam collaboration, Season 16 of Overwatch 2 introduces several new features. Stadium Mode is a new competitive mode launching on April 22, allowing multi-round play, hero customization, and a third-person camera option. A new hero, Freja, a bounty hunter, is also joining the roster. Further collaborations have been hinted at, while a host of new cosmetic additions, including mythic skins, mythic weapons, hero and map bans, and DokiWatch cosmetics, are also being introduced.

Overwatch 2 x Gundam Wing Collab Overview

In conclusion, the Overwatch 2 and Gundam Wing collaboration in Season 16 is seen as a significant celebration for the 30th anniversary of the Gundam Wing series. The collaborative event comes with the introduction of themed skins and cosmetics that have sparked excitement among the game’s fanbase. The full detail of the collaboration will become clearer with or after the April 22, 2025 update. Until then, fans can bask in the anticipation of iconic mecha skins, creative hero adaptations, and the nostalgic celebration of two major franchises.