Overwatch 2’s Grim Effigy Reaper Skin Uses Original Overwatch Model: A First for the Sequel

The Grim Effigy Reaper Epic skin from Overwatch 2’s Season 13 Battle Pass has drawn attention for being based on Reaper’s original Overwatch 1 model, rather than his updated design from Overwatch 2. This marks the first time a new skin has used a hero’s older model instead of their sequel counterpart.

Season 13, titled Spellbinder, brought a range of witch-themed cosmetics, including Grim Effigy Reaper, available to players who purchase the Premium Battle Pass and reach Tier 50. The skin gives Reaper a haunting new look, featuring a goat skull mask that recalls the Leshen creature from The Witcher 3.

One player, PANSHOE, noticed that this particular skin wasn’t built on Reaper’s Overwatch 2 model, but rather his design from the original game. This was evident in details like his armor plates, thicker shotgun cartridges, and extra belts, which differ from his more streamlined Overwatch 2 look. PANSHOE shared side-by-side comparisons on Reddit, pointing out that no other new Epic Reaper skins, or those for other heroes, seem to follow this pattern, making Grim Effigy a unique case.

The reasons behind using Reaper’s Overwatch 1 model remain unclear. It’s possible the skin was designed before his Overwatch 2 model was finalized, or perhaps the older details—such as the bone mask and leg plates—simply fit the Grim Effigy theme better. Given that Epic skins typically involve recolors and minor tweaks, the use of an older model stands out as a curious choice.

Fans have been intrigued by this detail, with some speculating that the artist might have been provided the wrong model during development, but the skin was released anyway. Most players, however, don’t seem upset by the decision, with many expressing a preference for some of the original Overwatch designs over their updated Overwatch 2 versions. In the end, the general consensus is that Reaper’s Epic skins are always a hit, and Grim Effigy is no exception.