Blizzard has rolled out the Overwatch Season 5 midseason update, bringing the year-long Reign of Talon storyline closer to its conclusion alongside a new collaboration with EVE Protocol, a Mythic Roadhog skin, additional Loot Box events, and several other rewards for players to unlock.
The update also introduces changes to the Drives system, a Black Friday cosmetics sale, and special activities surrounding the upcoming Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) World Finals. With Season 5 approaching its conclusion, there’s quite a lot happening in Overwatch throughout November and early December.
Reign of Talon storyline reaches its final confrontation
The biggest update is the Taking Reign event, which brings together several storylines that have been developing throughout the year.
After Vendetta seized control of Talon, Doomfist’s return and the emergence of Doctrine from Grímsvotn have set the stage for a major confrontation. The action now moves to Rialto, where Doomfist and Overwatch will attempt to put an end to Vendetta’s ambitions. The Taking Reign event runs from 3 November to 7 December 2026 and features 24 tiers of rewards that players can unlock by playing matches and completing challenges.
Players following the free reward track can earn an Epic Sigma skin recolour, while the Premium Event Pass costs 1,000 Overwatch Coins and offers additional rewards, including the Legendary Resurgence Doomfist skin and Vendetta’s new Legendary Weapon.
Overwatch teams up with EVE Protocol
There’s also a new Overwatch x EVE Protocol collaboration (check my review on Stellar Blade), running from 3 November to 17 November. The crossover introduces five character-inspired skins based on SHIFT UP’s futuristic action universe, pairing familiar Overwatch heroes with characters fighting for humanity’s survival.
Widowmaker takes on the appearance of EVE, while D.Va receives a Lily-inspired Ultra skin which includes premium cosmetic details, custom elimination effects, reactive elements in both first-person and third-person perspectives, and a unique Hello emote. D.Va’s mech, Tokki, also receives a makeover inspired by Providence, the final boss from EVE Protocol. Freja transforms into Raven, Vendetta takes on Tachy’s appearance, and Soldier: 76 receives an Adam-inspired skin.
Roadhog gets the Mythic Necrotic Knight skin
Roadhog is receiving his Mythic skin, Mythic Necrotic Knight Roadhog, available from 3 November. The eSports Midas skin has always been my favourite but it might be time for a fresh change now. For Roadhog players, this is certainly one of the more visually distinctive cosmetic additions in the midseason update. The different helmet designs and effects should also provide a decent amount of flexibility for players who enjoy customising their favourite heroes.
More opportunities to earn Loot Boxes
Blizzard is bringing back the Excavation Initiative, offering players more opportunities to collect Loot Boxes simply by playing the game.
Running from 3 November to 7 December, the event allows players to complete three digs each week to earn a Loot Box, with additional rewards including standard, Epic, and Legendary Loot Boxes available through continued participation.
Junkrat’s Loot Hunt will also return from 20 November to 23 November, although Blizzard has made an adjustment to how its challenges work. Rather than relying on daily resets, players can complete a challenge by finishing five games and repeat the process up to nine times during the event. This means players can potentially earn nine Loot Boxes without having to log in every day.
Double XP will also be active throughout Junkrat’s Loot Hunt, giving players another reason to jump into a few matches over the weekend.
Competitive and Quick Play Drives receive separate reward tracks
Another notable change arrives in December, when the Drives system expands to support both Competitive and Quick Play. Previously, players primarily associated Drives with Competitive play, but the upcoming event will introduce separate progression tracks for the two modes.
Competitive Drives will offer up to 3,000 Competitive Points and a Signature, while Quick Play Drives will reward players with up to 3,000 Legacy Weapon Points. Players who enjoy both modes can participate in both tracks to maximise their rewards.
Blizzard is also expanding Signature customisation. Reaching the fourth checkpoint this season will allow players to equip eligible Signatures earned during previous events. Meanwhile, reaching the fourth checkpoint in the latest Team Drive will unlock additional Player Card Frame customisation.
Both Competitive and Quick Play Drives will run from 3 December to 7 December.
Opening Drives to Quick Play players is another positive change. Competitive matches aren’t for everyone, and offering progression rewards outside ranked play gives more players a reason to participate without feeling pressured to enter Competitive mode. We had this discussion years back but glad that it has finally reached this point.
The Overwatch Season 5 midseason update is now live, with additional events scheduled throughout November and early December 2026. For the complete details, visit Blizzard’s official Reign of Talon Season 5 midseason announcement.
