By Dexerto | Created at 2026-06-04 10:50:06 | Updated at 2026-06-07 17:13:55
3 days ago
Overwatch is getting a new collaboration featuring travel-themed hero artwork, collectible merch, and exclusive rewards that can only be unlocked while riding a train.
The “Payload to Osaka” event is a partnership between Blizzard, Japanese bullet train operator JR Central, and anime merchandise chain Animate.
According to the press release, the unique collab will run from July 17 right through to September 23, 2026, giving fans the chance to bag exclusive rewards, themed artwork, and limited-edition merch.
Alongside exclusive goodies, commuters who hop on the bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka will be able to take part in special OW-themed quizzes and unlock themed wallpapers.
Overwatch gets Tokyo train collab
Fans riding the bullet train during the event can access a dedicated website to complete quizzes while onboard. Successfully clearing the challenges rewards players with a series of smartphone wallpapers, while travelers can also unlock exclusive PC wallpapers and claim physical rewards through participating stores in Osaka.
The collaboration will also bring a range of limited-time merchandise to the anime store Animate, where OW players can pick up holographic character badges featuring new artwork, as well as an Overwatch-branded hat. After all, you’ll need to keep cool when travelling between the two cities.
That’s not all, as the biggest highlight is a new set of character illustrations that reimagine several Overwatch heroes as tourists exploring Japan. It’s all rather wholesome stuff, and you don’t need to be tearing through Tokyo via bullet train to enjoy it (a bonus for those who don’t have a trip scheduled).
So, which lucky characters get to enjoy their trip to Japan? Judging from the image, we have D.Va carrying boxes of regional snacks, Wrecking Ball munching on some Osaka specialty takoyaki, Hanzo snacking on a bun, Kiriko kitted out with a cute stationmaster fox mascot, while Genji has ditched his sword for a cup of coffee.
There’s also Mercy in the back, ready to take some holiday snaps, and Jetpack Cat is, well, he’s just being a regular cat. So, if you happen to be in Tokyo or Osaka between July 17 and September 23, 2026, then you might want to consider booking an Overwatch-themed day trip.
This isn’t the only train collab that has made headlines this year, as back in March, Tokyo Metro turned trains purple for a Ditto-themed Pokopia collab. Even legendary anime Haruhi Suzumiya celebrated its 20th anniversary in style, with a train-only story that featured the original anime cast.
