Gamers on PS4, Xbox One and PC have been surprised today with the launch of the Overwatch Summer Games event.
The returning game celebration is available to play right now and requires that you download a new build of Overwatch.
Blizzard had warned they would be launching the event earlier in 2019 but didn’t give much notice with the release date.
Overwatch fans can look forward to earning new skins, playing LucioBall again and the added bonus of Weekly Challenges.
“This year, we’re challenging Summer Games participants to win games in Overwatch and earn weekly rewards, including athletic new skins for Reaper, Mei, and Reinhardt,” a message from Blizzard reads.
“We’re also adding leagues of other new seasonal items, available alongside our growing collection of summer gear from previous years, and bringing back Lúcioball!”
This is a new way for fans to download and earn Overwatch Skins, which have mostly been attached to Loot Boxes.
During the Summer Games, fans can win games in Quick Play, Competitive Play, or the Arcade to unlock sprays, icons, and epic skins for Reaper, Mei, and Reinhardt.
Each week brings new rewards to earn, with a total of three weeks of content planned.
And like with past events, Overwatch fans will have the chance of earning older skins alongside the new ones that have been added in 2019.
The usual loot boxes will also be available to claim, with Blizzard adding: “Celebrate another season of thrilling competition with Summer Games Loot Boxes, brimming with new skins, player icons, voice lines, emotes, victory poses, and more. Items from previous years’ Summer Games events are also available.
“Don’t wait too long—like any vacation, the Overwatch Summer Games will be over before you know it!”
Today’s update also includes a range of bugfixes and changes to the Overwatch Workshop, although Blizzard has not made any hero changes this time around.
A new hero is expected to be released soon but will not be part of the Overwatch Summer Games event in 2019.
More about Lucioball in Arcade Mode can be found below:
LÚCIOBALL
Lúcioball, Overwatch’s futuristic spin on soccer, is back!
HOW TO PLAY
Team up to boop the ball into the opponent’s goal. The team that scores the most points before time runs out wins the game.
COPA LÚCIOBALL
Sate your competitive appetite with skill rating, leaderboards, and the toughest opponents Lúcioball can offer.
INTERNATIONAL ARENAS
Test your skill in Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful Estádio das Rãs, the scenic Sydney Harbour Arena, and the striking Busan Stadium.