Overwatch 2 Soars with Gundam Wing Collaboration: A 30th Anniversary Tribute
Overwatch 2 is diving headfirst into mecha madness with a brand-new collaboration celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. The highly anticipated crossover, launching on April 29, 2025, transforms several of Overwatch's heroes into iconic Gundam Mobile Suits, much to the delight (and occasional frustration) of the game's dedicated fanbase. This isn't just a simple skin swap; Blizzard has meticulously crafted these transformations, even drawing inspiration from the popular Gunpla model kits.
The collaboration features four premium skins, each paying homage to a classic Gundam Wing Mobile Suit:
- Mercy as Wing Zero: This pairing seems a natural fit, given both characters' winged designs.
- Reaper as Deathscythe: A darkly appropriate match, bringing the edgelord Reaper into the terrifying Deathscythe armor.
- Soldier: 76 as Tallgeese: An unexpected but visually striking combination.
- Ramattra as Epyon: A fearsome transformation of Ramattra into the menacing Gundam Epyon.
However, the selection process wasn't without its challenges. According to art director Dion Rogers and associate director of product management Aimee Dennett, speaking to Polygon, some heroes almost made the cut but ultimately didn't quite fit. Ana was considered for Tallgeese, and Mauga was initially tested with Heavyarms, but these combinations didn't translate well in-game. As Dennett explained, "For Heavyarms, he was actually in the lineup...but once you see it on paper, it's not. Some don't look as great and some look absolutely amazing."
The Overwatch team went the extra mile to ensure authenticity. As Rogers stated, "On the actual models in-game, we tried to match pretty closely the skeletal work...the internal structure of the Gunpla, onto the actual hero." They even consulted with Bandai and incorporated Gunpla model kit sales data into their decision-making. A Bandai artist even contributed the lobby artwork!
Despite the enthusiasm, some players have voiced their typical complaints on additional Mercy skins, suggesting other airborne heroes like Pharah or Echo could have benefitted more from the Wing Zero treatment. However, the overall sentiment is one of excitement, as players marvel at the attention to detail and the seamless integration of Gundam Wing into the Overwatch universe.
The Overwatch 2 x Gundam Wing event also includes free Gundam-themed challenge rewards, plus unique Pachimari weapon charms to earn. Each skin bundle will cost 2,800 Overwatch Coins, while a mega bundle containing everything will be available for 5,900 coins.
This collaboration is more than just a skin release; it's a celebration of two iconic franchises and a testament to the passion of the developers involved. Are you excited to see these Gundam-inspired skins in action? Which other anime crossovers would you like to see in Overwatch 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
