After six years, Overwatch is finally abandoning loot boxes sales and while we’ve known this’ll happen for sometime, we’ve now got a confirmed end date.
As Blizzard prepares for Overwatch‘s transition into Overwatch 2, it’s kicked off one last event for the original game. Calling this ‘Overwatch Anniversary Remix: Vol.3’, that’s running from August 9 until August 30. While you can earn ‘Anniversary Loot Boxes’ for taking part, Blizzard issued this disclaimer:
“Loot Boxes will no longer be available for sale after the end of the Anniversary Remix Vol. 3 event on August 30.”
However, loot boxes can still be earned via other means. You can still earn these loot boxes through other means, like levelling up and playing the Arcade mode, sure. When the sequel launches on October 4, this system’s being replaced by a new Overwatch 2 battle pass, so any unopened loot boxes will be automatically opened and added into your inventory.
The end is in sight
It’s been several years since Overwatch 2’s reveal at Blizzcon 2019, but we’ve only truly learned more about it in these last few months. Blizzard’s been clear Overwatch 1 has no future after Overwatch 2‘s launch when it releases this October, and the sequel essentially arrive as a major update, rewriting the original release entirely.
As such, we’re in the middle of a long goodbye for Overwatch 1 and thanks to two public Overwatch 2 beta tests, we’ve got a great idea of what to expect. Maps like Temple of Anubis and Hanamura won’t be in regular rotation — only available via custom games — matches are switching from 6v6 to 5v5, and there’s three new heroes at launch, including Sojourn and Junker Queen.
Still, if you’re looking to celebrate Overwatch 1 before October 4 rolls around, the Anniversary Remix Vol. 3 is your best chance. Overwatch Archives Missions and Challenge Missions, there’s a new set of legendary skin recolors, and all the old seasonal events are also coming back one last time. It’s a fitting farewell for Blizzard’s original hero shooter.