Nier: Automata Teams Up with Overwatch for Exciting Collaboration

Overwatch is gearing up for an exciting crossover event, bringing the iconic characters from Nier: Automata into its vibrant hero shooter universe. Players can look forward to seeing Kiriko transformed into 2B, Vendetta as A2, and Wuyang stepping into the role of 9S. This collaboration kicks off on Tuesday, March 10.

The Overwatch x Project YoRHa collection will also introduce skins that reimagine Lifeweaver as Adam and Mercy as Commander White. While the character selections may not come as a shock—especially considering the frequent skin updates for popular heroes like Kiriko and Mercy—fans of both Overwatch and Nier might be left wondering about the absence of combos like Emil-Wrecking Ball or Pascal-Bastion.

On a brighter note, the Pods are getting some attention: 2B Kiriko and 9S Wuyang will be accompanied by Pod 042 and Pod 153, respectively.

Even those eager for more Nier representation can’t overlook the financial success of featuring beloved android 2B in a game, a trend supported by her previous guest appearances in titles like Soulcalibur 6, Fall Guys, Final Fantasy 14, and many others.

The collaboration will showcase five Legendary skins and a themed lobby co-created by Nier: Automata artists Kimihiko Fujisaka and Koda Kazuma, along with a dedicated event hub. Players can earn additional cosmetic rewards, including name cards, a player title, and a unique weapon charm by completing event challenges.

Overwatch has a history of crossovers, having previously collaborated with franchises like Street Fighter 6 and Persona 5, and it boasts a variety of skins inspired by Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo. The game has leaned heavily into anime, pop culture, and toy collaborations, with recent partnerships featuring Hello Kitty, Nerf, and G.I. Joe.

In related news, Nier: Automata has achieved impressive sales, with 10 million copies sold since its 2017 launch. Square Enix hinted at a continuation of the franchise, teasing, “Nier: Automata to be continued…” However, Yoko Taro, the creative mind behind Nier: Automata, is currently busy with a new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. Fans can only hope this collaboration leads to EVA-themed skins for the often-overlooked mechanized heroes in Overwatch.

And let’s be real—better save some Overwatch coins for the likely arrival of a Kiriko Rei Ayanami skin when the new Evangelion anime premieres.