Overwatch Archives 2021: Complete guide to weekly challenges, legendary skins, and PVE strategies
Archives Event Overview
The annual Overwatch Archives event returns in 2021 with enhanced PVE content and a completely redesigned progression system. From April 6 to April 27, players can revisit classic cooperative missions with fresh challenges and rewards.
This year’s Archives introduces a star-based reward system that replaces the traditional win requirements, allowing players to earn cosmetics through consistent participation rather than just victories.
The event features three iconic PVE missions: Uprising (2017), Retribution (2018), and Storm Rising (2019). Each week focuses on a different mission with escalating difficulty modifiers that dramatically alter gameplay mechanics.
Weekly Challenges Breakdown
Each week of the Archives event introduces unique gameplay twists that require strategic adaptation:
Uprising Week
- Molten Cores – Defeated enemies leave damaging lava pools (positioning becomes crucial)
- Glass Cannon – High risk/reward mode with 50% health but increased damage output
- Bulletproof Barriers – Enemy shields cannot be destroyed (requires flanking strategies)
Pro Tip: For Glass Cannon, consider heroes with self-sustain abilities like Reaper or Mei who can capitalize on the damage boost while mitigating the health penalty.
Retribution Week
- Surgical Strike – Only headshots deal damage (precision heroes recommended)
- Close Quarters – Damage only works at close range (shotgun heroes excel)
- Sympathy Gains – Damaging enemies heals their allies (requires focus fire)
Legendary and Epic Skins
This year’s Archives introduces five stunning Legendary skins:
- Mousquetaire Widowmaker (French musketeer theme)
- Soldier: 1776 (Patriotic Soldier: 76)
- Bushi Genji (Samurai warrior)
- Subaquatic Zenyatta (Deep sea diver)
- Camouflage Mercy (Military specialist)
Three additional Epic skins (Corredor Lucio, Subaquatic Zenyatta, and Camouflage Mercy) can be earned by completing weekly star challenges, while the Legendary skins are available through Archives loot boxes.
Pro Tip: Focus on completing 30-star challenges each week to guarantee earning the Epic skins, as loot box drops are random.
Advanced Strategies
Optimal Team Compositions
For most Archives challenges, consider:
- At least one shield tank (Reinhardt/Orisa) for bulletproof barrier weeks
- Self-sufficient damage dealers (Soldier: 76, Reaper) for weeks with healing restrictions
- Mobile supports (Lucio, Moira) when facing area denial effects
Challenge-Specific Tactics
- Molten Cores: Use high-ground positions and ranged heroes to avoid lava
- Blood Moon: Prioritize heroes with self-healing or lifesteal abilities
- Storm Raging: Focus fire on enraged enemies to prevent rage spread
Common Mistake: Avoid stacking multiple glass cannon heroes – the health penalty makes team wipes too likely.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Overwatch Archives 2021 event: Legendary skins, weekly challenges, more Overwatch Archives 2021: Complete guide to weekly challenges, legendary skins, and PVE strategies