Overwatch Players Upset Over High Prices of New Skins

Overwatch has transitioned to a free-to-play model, which means the developers are constantly exploring new avenues for monetization beyond the usual skins, battle passes, and cosmetics. One of the latest additions is a new tier of skins called Ultra. These skins come with unique sound effects and visual enhancements akin to customizable Mythic skins, but they lack options for color changes or certain outfit modifications. While this sounds intriguing, fans are understandably curious about the price tag, and it seems Blizzard has landed on a figure that many consider excessive.

The first two Ultra skins are themed “Nyan Cafe” skins for Kiriko and the new character Sierra, each priced at 3500 Overwatch Coins, which translates to $35. For context, Legendary skins, previously the highest tier, typically cost 1900 coins or $19. Ultra skins retain the silhouette-altering features of Legendary skins, but the main selling point is the added visual and sound effects triggered when eliminating an enemy. Blizzard appears to believe this justifies nearly doubling the price.

Both skins can also be purchased as part of bundles that include additional items like emotes and a highlight intro (though the highlight intros seem to be just cinematic versions of the emotes). These bundles are priced at $45 individually or $69 for both Kiriko and Sierra. There’s also a themed bundle that includes Nyan Cafe skins and emotes for Orisa, Reaper, and Ashe, priced at $99. If you were to buy everything separately, it would total $199, making the bundle seem like a deal—sort of.

While the cat cafe-themed cosmetics are undeniably cute, many fans feel that charging $35 for individual skins is excessive, arguing that the enhancements don’t warrant such a price hike. Comparisons to previous event skins, like the Le Sserafim collaboration, and the number of cosmetics available in the $40 seasonal Ultimate Battle Pass are not helping the Ultra skins’ case. Some players have even noted that certain Legendary skins for Kiriko already feature visual effects that the Ultra skins lack, albeit on the outfits rather than in kill animations.

The pricing for these Ultra skins has sparked significant debate within the community.

Ultimately, I’m personally safe from purchasing these since I don’t play Kiriko or Sierra, but I’m curious to see if Blizzard will continue this pricing strategy based on the sales performance. Despite the backlash, some Kiriko mains have already jumped on the bundle, which isn’t surprising given her popularity since her introduction in 2022. Interestingly, pop star Doja Cat has also expressed her enthusiasm for the skins after starting to play the game earlier this year.

On another note, the new Nyan Café bundle has been a highlight for many players, with some expressing sheer excitement over the quality of Sierra’s skin.