Overwatch 2 Anniversary 2023 event: Start date, new skins, returning game modes, more

Overwatch 2’s 2023 Anniversary event is now live in Season 6 so here is all you need to know about its key dates, thematic skins, returning game modes, and more. 

Overwatch 2 is now in the mids of its very first Anniversary event since the shift from Overwatch 1, and to celebrate the occasion, devs have introduced a wide range of returning content, including a plethora of skins and modes alike.

As per usual, past game modes are back for a limited time, and event skins can be earned by completing challenges. 

So before you jump into this year’s already controversial event, here is all you need to know about Overwatch 2’s 2023 Anniversary celebration.

The Overwatch 2 Anniversary event is LIVE NOW, and you’re invited 🥳

💥 Returning Game Modes
🛍️ Limited-time Anniversary Shop
💰 More ways to earn Overwatch Credits

Learn more: https://t.co/iagKiw3bTx pic.twitter.com/ZtZwy1wYBm

— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) September 19, 2023

Overwatch 2 Anniversary 2023: Start date

Overwatch 2’s 2023 Anniversary event kicked off on Tuesday, September 19, and runs through until Tuesday, October 3.

This gives players a few weeks to grind through the latest challenges and earn all the exclusive rewards on offer.

Overwatch 2 Anniversary 2023: Returning Game Modes

No different from usual with the Anniversary event, a number of other seasonal modes will be making a return. Three in particular are set to feature in this year’s celebration, as devs look to spotlight most of OW2’s more recent additions.

The returning modes in the 2023 Overwatch 2 Anniversary event are as follows:

• Battle for Olympus (Week 1)
• Starwatch (Week 2)
• Mischief and Magic (Week 3)

Overwatch 2 Anniversary 2023: New skins and Challenges

With the new anniversary comes challenges for players to complete, with the challenges rotating every week as the event goes on.

Below are the challenges for each week:

Week 1

• Let the celebration begin: Complete 3 Overwatch Anniversary 2023 Event challenges
• Party Patron: Complete 10 Games. Wins grant double progress.
• Festivity Follower: Complete 20 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Celebration Superstar: Complete 40 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Winter Warm-ups: Complete 3 games in Winter Brawl modes. Wins grant double progress.
• Divine Festivities: Earn 12 final blows in team or FFA Battle for Olympus.

Week 2:

• The party goes on: Complete 3 Overwatch Anniversary Event challenges.
• Gala Goer: Complete 10 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Jubilee Jester: Complete 20 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Commencement Captain: Complete 40 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Return-a-mari: Score or deny 20 points in Roadhog’s Catch-a-mari.
• Return to the Galactrius: Complete 3 games of Starwatch: Galactic Rescue. Wins grant double progress.

Week 3:

• Can’t stop! Won’t stop!: Complete 3 Overwatch Anniversary 2023 Event challenges.
• Anniversary attendee: Complete 10 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Revelry regular: Complete 20 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Festival fan: Complete 40 games. Wins grant double progress.
• Winston’s beach buddy: Score a total of 8 assists, saves or goals in Winston’s Beach Volleyball, Lucioball, or Lucioball Remix.
• Mischief returns: Complete 5 games of Mischief and Magic. Wins grant double progress.

For a limited time, the Anniversary event is bringing back skins from previous seasons. And just for the event, skins from Season 2’s Battle for Olympus and Season 4’s Starwatch are up for purchase.

And that is all there is to know of the Anniversary event. If there are any changes, we will make sure to update you here.