The 2020 rendition of Overwatch’s Halloween Terror is here - and that means it’s time to explore some fun, spooktacular events and themes; namely the exciting survival-mode romp, Junkenstein’s Revenge.
In addition to the new weekly challenges - which offer amusing and tough variants on this co-op challenge, Blizzard’s also thrown in a slew of neat Halloween-themed intros, sprays, and skins to show off.
This year, players are treated with a particularly strong and diverse lineup of Hero costumes, which number 8 in total. This includes 5 that can be bought with credits, along with 3 tantalizing skins that are rewarded after notching 9 wins each week (from October 13 - November 3, 2020).
This list will examine each of the new skins introduced this year and rank them according to their style, detail, and general Halloween sensibilities.
8 Dai-Tengu (Hanzo)
This intimidating skin, whose name translates to “greater tengu,” is based on a powerful deity from Japanese folklore. Considering they’re known for their pride, wisdom, and ruthlessness, this ominous theme certainly fits the sharp-shooting Hanzo like a glove.
Those not particularly well-versed in Japanese mythology may find themselves scratching their heads over this fairly ambiguous and obscure reference. But it still makes for a badass skin to flaunt, particularly for those who are privy to the lore of this region.
7 Karasu-Tengu (Genji)
Many unfortunate victims of the deadly DPS Genji tend to fear him already, with his speedy nature and offensive prowess. He can really be the part of a great team composition and even carry a team if he’s on.
So it definitely makes sense to compliment the Shuriken-flinging assassin with this dark, demonic skin. Like the previous entry, “Karasu-Tengu” refers to a god-like figure of Japanese folklore.
This demonic crow-like presence is known to taint the living by haunting them and whispering corrupting words to their prey. The creepy backstory surrounding this beast certainly fits the sensibilities of the swift, nimble Genji.
6 Ragdoll (Echo)
As films like Child’s Play and Annabelle have demonstrated, the notion of a haunted or killer doll has the potential to be quite creepy.
The Halloween skin for the robotic DPS Echo only reaffirms this notion, with its befitting vacant, lifeless appearance. It can be a spooky sight witnessing this large, decrepit ragdoll floating about as she readies her deadly Tri-shot or Sticky Bombs.
This skin is available during the 3rd and final week of the Halloween Terror 2020, and should make for an enticing final prize for notching 9 wins.
5 Stone (Brigitte)
Even after her nerfs, which has dialed back her shield potency, the mace-flailing Brigitte can be a defensive force to be reckoned with in the right hands.
It’s rather fitting, then, that her Halloween skin would entail a firey mound of solid stone. The golem-like texture, coupled with the glowing veins of magma, gives a look that’s both intimidating and badass.
This one should no-doubt have fans of this defensive healer clamoring to earn 9 wins for the final reward of Halloween Terror week 2.
4 Fantasma (Sombra)
This cool, clever allusion to ghostly spirits definitely meshes with the elusive hacker Sombra. This Fantasma skin cleverly conveys the technical nature of this computer whiz, while also adding an icy, ghastly twist.
Indeed, this tricky DPS already seems ghost-like with her ability to get around quickly and stealthfully; even vanishing into thin air and teleporting! This skin is simply awesome both thematically and in terms of its sleek color scheme.
3 Shin-Ryeong (D.va)
As is the case with the other Eastern-influenced Halloween skins, this D.va getup tends to be a bit more niche and unknown at least for the Western audience. The costume is fittingly inspired by Korean lore, specifically by the “shin ryeong” spirits that were said to haunt Korean homes.
Blizzard has cleverly decked out her mech to resemble a traditional Korean-style home or shrine. Meanwhile, the pro gamer herself is meant to represent the spirit - or the “Kumiho” which is a nine-tailed fox of Korean mythology.
Even when disregarding this neat and rich backstory though, this is a cool skin with its impressive detail and its ominous vibe befitting of Halloween.
2 Werewolf (Winston)
It doesn’t get much more “Halloween” than a howling, razor-toothed werewolf, and the ravenous ape-man Winston is the perfect Hero to pull off this classic horror-themed skin. Who wouldn’t be terrified after seeing this fanged, furry beast leaping several yards onto one’s payload or on the front lines of a contested point?
It’s true that Winston’s popularity as a go-to tank has dwindled of late - being the double-edged sword he is. Yet, this neat callback to old monster films certainly grants incentive to revisit this ape-tastic scientist.
1 Flying Dutchman (Sigma)
When it comes to spooky lore, there are few things more ominous and wondrous than the notion of a wandering ghost ship. And this is precisely where the name of this fantastical Sigma skin is derived.
Despite the effectiveness of this volatile shield tank, most would agree that this eccentric astrophysicist hasn’t exactly been graced with the most interesting skins - until now. And really, it’s tough to get much more awesome than a hulking pirate ghost.
NEXT: Cheers, Love!: Tracer’s 10 Best Overwatch Skins Ranked
