The landscape of earning free in-game content for Overwatch has evolved significantly following the discontinuation of the Overwatch League (OWL) in late 2023. For UK gamers, the primary methods for obtaining free cosmetics and currency have shifted from the previous token-based system to direct drops from the new Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) and alternative reward programmes. This guide outlines the current, verified methods for acquiring free Overwatch content, focusing on official channels and legitimate programmes.
The End of Overwatch League Tokens
The Overwatch League token system, which allowed viewers to earn a currency by watching live matches on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, has been completely phased out. As the OWL no longer hosts matches, the associated token drop system is retired. Consequently, it is no longer possible to earn new Overwatch League tokens as of 2026. Any information suggesting the availability of new OWL tokens is outdated.
For existing players, unspent OWL tokens remain in their accounts and can still be used to purchase classic team skins and other OWL-specific cosmetics from the in-game Hero Gallery. Blizzard has not indicated that these tokens will expire, and no new items will be added to this collection. The focus for new free rewards has moved to the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS).
Earning Free Rewards via the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS)
The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) is the official successor to the OWL, featuring a global tournament circuit with regional competitions in North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and North Africa), and Asia. The reward system for viewers has evolved from a token currency to direct drops of cosmetic items. This system is more immediate, offering specific items directly rather than a currency to be saved.
How the OWCS Drop System Works
To earn free drops, viewers must watch live OWCS matches on official broadcast streams. The primary platforms for these broadcasts are Twitch and YouTube. A critical requirement for receiving drops is that your Battle.net account must be linked to your viewing platform account (e.g., Twitch or YouTube). This is a one-time setup that must be completed before watching.
The process is largely passive, requiring viewers to tune into the streams. However, on Twitch, viewers must often manually claim the drops from their inventory after they are awarded. The rewards are exclusive to specific campaign windows and cannot be obtained once the event has concluded.
Example: OWCS Round 2 Playoffs
During the OWCS Round 2 playoffs, which began on 21 June 2025, viewers had the opportunity to earn specific drops. These events feature a series of matches where teams compete to advance. The drops available during such events can include Overwatch Coins, which are the game's premium currency used to purchase Battle Passes, skins, and other items.
To earn free Overwatch Coins from OWCS streams, viewers must tune into the official match streams at the listed times via the designated platform, such as the FACEIT website. The availability of coin drops is tied to specific campaigns and is not a permanent feature of all OWCS broadcasts.
Alternative Methods for Free Overwatch Coins
Beyond the OWCS, there are other legitimate methods for UK gamers to acquire free Overwatch Coins without direct financial expenditure.
Microsoft Rewards Programme
A verified method for obtaining Overwatch Coins is through the Microsoft Rewards programme. This programme allows users to earn points for activities such as using the Bing search engine, completing quizzes, and playing games via an Xbox Game Pass subscription. These points can be redeemed for digital codes for Overwatch Coins.
The process involves: 1. Visiting the Microsoft Rewards page and signing in. 2. Navigating to the "Redeem" tab and searching for "Overwatch." 3. Selecting the "Overwatch Coins Digital Code" reward. 4. Setting a goal for the number of coins desired and earning the requisite points. 5. Once enough points are collected, the code can be redeemed on the Battle.net account overview page under the "Redeem a Code" section.
The exchange rate for points to coins is fixed. For example, 5,000 Microsoft Rewards Points can be redeemed for 500 Overwatch Coins, and 10,000 points for 1,000 Overwatch Coins. This method requires patience to accumulate points but is a legitimate and free way to fund in-game purchases.
Seasonal Events and Weekly Challenges
Overwatch 2 regularly features seasonal events, such as Winter Wonderland, Lunar New Year, and Summer Games. These events often include event-specific challenges that offer free rewards, including skins, voice lines, sprays, and other cosmetics. For instance, the 2026 Halloween Terror event reportedly offered a free Legendary skin for completing a sufficient number of challenges.
Weekly challenges also provide opportunities for free rewards. By completing a certain number of weekly challenges, players can earn Overwatch Coins. While the amount earned per week is small, accumulating them over a season can be enough to purchase specific items or even the Premium Battle Pass.
It is important to note that, as of Overwatch 2 Season 10 and continuing into Season 18, players can no longer earn Overwatch Coins by completing weekly challenges. The information regarding weekly challenges offering coins appears to be outdated, and the current primary method for earning coins through gameplay is via the Microsoft Rewards programme or Battle Pass rewards.
Prime Gaming Loot
For Amazon Prime subscribers, Prime Gaming offers a hidden gem for free in-game content. While the provided sources do not detail specific Overwatch loot available through Prime Gaming in 2026, it is a recognised channel for game-related freebies. UK gamers with an Amazon Prime subscription should check the Prime Gaming page regularly for available loot, which can include skins, currency, or other cosmetic items for various games, including Overwatch.
Important Considerations for UK Gamers
When seeking free content, UK consumers should be aware of the following:
- Geographic Restrictions: While the OWCS is a global circuit, specific drop campaigns or Microsoft Rewards availability may have regional restrictions. The sources provided do not specify geographic limitations for the UK, but it is advisable to check the terms of service for each programme.
- Account Linking: For OWCS drops, linking your Battle.net account to Twitch or YouTube is essential. This must be done through the official platform connections (e.g., the Battle.net website or Twitch settings) before watching.
- Source Reliability: The information in this guide is based on official announcements and verified programme details. Be cautious of third-party websites or forums claiming to offer free codes or tokens, as these are often scams or outdated. Always use official channels like the Battle.net website, Microsoft Rewards page, and official broadcast streams.
- No Purchase Necessary: The methods described—watching OWCS streams, using Microsoft Rewards, and completing in-game event challenges—do not require any purchase. Any offer that requests payment for free codes or tokens is not legitimate.
Conclusion
For UK gamers, the era of earning free Overwatch League tokens has concluded, but new opportunities have emerged through the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) and other reward programmes. The primary method for obtaining free cosmetics is now via direct drops from watching OWCS matches on Twitch or YouTube, provided accounts are linked. For free Overwatch Coins, the Microsoft Rewards programme remains a reliable and legitimate option. Seasonal events also offer free skins and other items through challenge completion. By using these official methods, players can enrich their Overwatch experience without financial outlay, while avoiding outdated or fraudulent schemes.