If you’re a Genji main or just a fan of cool, rare Overwatch cosmetics, you’ve almost certainly come across the Oni Genji skin at some point. With its menacing red and black samurai design, glowing mask, and custom dragon blade effect, it’s one of the most iconic legendary skins in the entire franchise. A question almost every new Overwatch 2 player asks when they first browse Genji’s cosmetic collection is can you get Oni Genji in Overwatch 2. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the skin’s history, current availability, and what you can do if you don’t have it yet.
What Is Oni Genji, and Why Is It So Sought After?
Oni Genji first launched back in 2016 as part of a cross-promotion between the original Overwatch and Blizzard’s MOBA title Heroes of the Storm. To unlock it, players had to team up with a friend and play 15 matches of Heroes of the Storm, no purchase required. The skin is based on traditional Japanese oni folklore, with a horned mask, tattered black robes, and fiery red visual effects for all of Genji’s abilities. Oni Genji was one of the first cross-promotional skins released for the original Overwatch, so it’s become a sort of status symbol for long-time players. I’ve been a Genji main since 2016, and I still get random compliments on my Oni skin in almost every lobby I join, even years after I unlocked it. It’s far more recognizable than most other Genji skins, and its dark, edgy design fits really well with Genji’s fast, aggressive playstyle. Its unique visual design makes it stand out from every other Genji skin in the game, which is why so many new players are desperate to add it to their collections.
Can You Get Oni Genji in Overwatch 2 Right Now?
The short answer is no, you cannot unlock or purchase Oni Genji in Overwatch 2 as of right now if you didn’t earn it during the original 2016 promotion. There is no current challenge, battle pass reward, or shop listing for the skin, and it hasn’t been available for new players to earn since the original Heroes of the Storm collab ended. That said, if you did unlock Oni Genji in the original Overwatch, you don’t have to do any extra work to get it in Overwatch 2. If you unlocked Oni Genji in the original Overwatch, you do not need to complete any extra steps to access it in Overwatch 2. All cosmetics from the first game carried over automatically when Overwatch 2 launched, so it will already be waiting in your Genji skin collection when you log in. A lot of new players assume it’s hidden behind a secret challenge or a limited event, but that’s not the case right now. Blizzard hasn’t announced any plans to re-release the skin as of this writing, but that doesn’t mean it will stay locked forever.
Possible Ways Oni Genji Could Become Available Again in Future
Blizzard has a track record of re-releasing old limited-time skins for new players, even ones that were originally billed as exclusive to pre-orders or one-time promotions. For example, the Noire Widowmaker skin that was originally a pre-order bonus for the original Overwatch was added to the in-game shop for a limited time in 2023, so there’s a good chance Oni Genji could come back eventually. These are the most likely ways it could be re-released:
- Limited-time shop rotation: Blizzard often brings back rare, event-exclusive skins for limited periods in the in-game shop, usually priced at 1900 Overwatch Coins for legendary skins.
- Anniversary event rewards: The Overwatch Anniversary event, held every year, usually features a wide selection of old event skins available for purchase or unlock via temporary challenges.
- New cross-promotional campaign: Blizzard could tie a re-release of Oni Genji to a new promotion for one of their other titles, similar to the original Heroes of the Storm collab.
- Twitch Drop reward: It's common for Blizzard to offer rare skins as Twitch Drops during major Overwatch 2 esports events, like the Overwatch League Grand Finals or World Cup.
Best Alternatives to Oni Genji If You Can't Unlock It Right Now
If you’re desperate for a cool Genji skin that has a similar vibe to Oni Genji, there are plenty of great options available in Overwatch 2 right now that you can unlock or purchase without waiting for a rare re-release. Sparrow Genji is the closest match to Oni Genji's traditional samurai aesthetic if you're looking for a similar vibe. It’s a legendary skin with a simpler, more streamlined samurai design, and it’s often available in the in-game shop for 1900 Overwatch Coins or as a random drop from loot boxes during anniversary events. Blackwatch Genji is another great option for players who prefer darker color schemes. It was originally released as part of the Overwatch Uprising event, and it’s regularly added to the shop rotation. It has a sleek black tactical design, red accent lights, and custom ability effects that look almost as sharp as Oni Genji’s. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, the Mythic Cyber Demon Genji skin from Overwatch 2’s first battle pass is also a fantastic pick. It has fully customizable colors and designs, and its futuristic demonic look shares a lot of the same edgy energy as Oni Genji. It only comes back to the shop once or twice a year, but it’s worth picking up if you see it listed.
If you’ve made it this far, you probably have your answer to the question you came here for. But let’s recap to make sure you don’t miss any key details. If you’re asking can you get Oni Genji in Overwatch 2 right now, the answer is no unless you already unlocked it in the original Overwatch. But that doesn’t mean it will never be available for new players. Keep an eye on official Blizzard social media accounts and in-game announcements, especially around anniversary events and major promotion cycles, for any news of a re-release. In the meantime, there are tons of other great Genji skins to use while you wait, and you don’t have to risk your account to get them.