The Archives event in Overwatch has returned this year, offering players a chance to play through several co-op missions and earn some brand new Legendary and Epic skins as well. For those looking, here’s every new skin in Overwatch‘s Archives 2021 event.
This year, Blizzard introduced a few changes to Archives, which means unlocking weekly challenge skins is slightly different too. Through April 27, players can participate in Arcade co-op missions to get the new available skins. Each new skin is based on that character’s cultural history, playing into the themes of the past that Archives always brings into Overwatch.
In the Archives event this year, there are a total of eight new skins available. Three of these are Epic skins that are unlocked by playing through the weekly challenges. Five of them are Legendary skins that can be unlocked either by opening Archives loot boxes or by purchasing them for 3,000 gold each in the Hero Gallery.
Overwatch Archives New Epic Skin – Camouflage Mercy
Admittedly, Mercy’s skins in previous Overwatch events have been a mixed bag. The new Epic skin for Archives 2021 can be earned during the third weekly Archives challenge. With a new hair color and an outfit that looks less flashy than usual, Mercy’s new Archives look many end up being pretty divisive with fans.
Overwatch Archives New Epic Skin – Corredor Lúcio
As part of the first weekly challenge in Overwatch‘s Archives event this year, Lúcio’s Corredor outfit has a fiery aesthetic that conveys speed. This, combined with the darker helmet and shirt, gives Lúcio a pretty tough look.
Overwatch Archives New Epic Skin – Subaquatic Zenyatta
Zenyatta’s new Archives 2021 skin appears to be inspired by deep sea divers. The gold and aquamarine combination looks pretty nice, although it’s not nearly as hilarious as Zenyatta’s Nutcracker skin. Still, people who love Zenyatta will definitely want to grab this new Overwatch skin by completing the second weekly Archives challenge.
These are the only three new Epic skins available during Archives 2021. However, players will have a chance to get five new Legendary skins in loot boxes or the Hero Gallery until the event ends on April 27. Here are all the Legendary skins available in Overwatch‘s Archives 2021 event.
Overwatch Archives New Legendary Skin – 1776 Solider: 76
The new Epic skin for Solider: 76 fittingly calls back to Colonial times. American history buffs (or fans of Hamilton) should love it, and it also gives Soldier: 76 a chance to look a little more colorful than some of his past skins.
Overwatch Archives New Legendary Skin – Bushi Genji
Genji’s new Legendary skin for Archives 2021 puts him in a full samurai outfit. With a new golden crown and some ancient-looking katanas, Bushi Genji may be one of the coolest skins the character has ever gotten.
Overwatch Archives New Legendary Skin – Cavalry Tracer
Keeping up with the historical theme, Cavalry Tracer has a patriotic look inspired by Britain’s flag. Perhaps even more interesting is that Tracer’s pistols now look like Revolutionary War-era revolvers. Fans who love Tracer will definitely want to grab this new skin before Overwatch‘s Archives event ends.
Overwatch Archives New Legendary Skin – Mousquetaire Widowmaker
Widowmaker has a lot of cool designs, which is why a lot of fans have cosplayed Widowmaker over the years. Since Archives 2021 is all about history, and Widowmaker has French heritage, her newest skin is made to resemble Mousquetaires, or French musketeers, from the 1700s.
Widowmaker’s new look gives her a Mousquetarie’s hat with a flowing red feather. Her royal blue tunic has France’s iconic fleur de lis, as well. Overall, it’s a pretty cool new look for the popular character.
Overwatch Archives New Legendary Skin – Polyanitsa Zarya
With chainmail armor and braided hair, Zarya’s new Legendary skin looks like something straight out of a Viking game like Valheim or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The red flourishes are a nice addition as well, and the Polyanitsa skin might just be one of the coolest Zarya’s ever gotten.
While some fans may be frustrated by the changes Blizzard has made to Archives this year, the new Epic and Legendary skins look pretty great. Overwatch fans should definitely try to get as many as possible before the Archives 2021 event ends.
