Overwatch confirmed the start of there next event, in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Last year, this took the form of 'The Year of the Rooster' event, but in line with the Chinese new year calendar, this year, it's been renamed to 'Year of the Dog.'

The second annual Lunar New Year event was confirmed on Twitter along with an official February 8 release date for all PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers.

Overwatch's official Twitter channel tweeted: "Wishing you prosperity in the Year of the Dog! Lunar New Year returns February 8."

However, outside of this incredibly brief teaser trailer, which consisted of nothing more than a few fireworks, little else is known about the Chinese New Year event.

That being said, there are a number of key details we do know about this next big Overwatch event starting next week, based on past events and a few smaller details Blizzard has mentioned since the initial tease.

As per past events, we won't see any wholesale changes, but rather some small tweaks to last years event. A similar approach has been taken with The Summer Games event and Winter Wonderland, which both largely stayed the same the second year around.

Likewise, we know there will also be an assortment of new skins, sprays and emotes. But like other in-game events, this will be on top of last year's items. In addition, it's highly likely that returning skins will be available to fans at a cheaper price.

There's no leaks (yet) to show any of the new skins that will be arriving, but you can check out the returning Lunar New Year skins in the gallery below...

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 Start Time / Date

2017's Year of the Rooster event had already started by this point in the year. In fact, it began on Tuesday 24th January. But we already know the start date for Year of the Dog, as previously mentioned, it's getting underway Thursday 8th February, a full two weeks after it began in 2017.

However, it's not been stated what time the occaision will begin. That being said, Blizzard has been pretty consistent when it comes to launching events, with past start times at around 6-7pm GMT for everyone in the UK. For everyone else, it's a rough start time of 11am PT / 2pm EDT.

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 End Time / Date

As mentioned, Year of The Dog is getting underway just over two weeks later than when Year of the Rooster got started. As such, the end date will also be much later.

In 2017, Year of the Rooster wrapped up on Monday 13th February, meaning the event lasted just under three weeks. By that same token, if Blizzard decides to stick to the same length for this years event, we should see Year of the Dog finish on the 1st March, 2018.

It is worth noting that this the most recent Halloween event did last one week longer than the original 2016 event, so it's by no means a certainty that Blizzard sticks to the same time frames.

No doubt we'll learn more next week leading up to the official start time. So stay tuned and we'll update the site with more information.

Will there be a new map and mode?

Last year Blizzard gave the standard Lijiang Tower map a bit of a makeover for Lunar New Year.

Strictly speaking, the map is physically identical to the original map and the only changes made were purely aesthetic.

For Year of the Dog, Blizzard has revealed that there will be a "brand-new map". However, where this means we'll get a proper new map, or a Lunar New Year reskin isn't clear.

Likewise, last year saw the introduction of a new capture-the-flag brawl mode, known as Capture the Rooster.

Once again, Blizzard has said that for 2018, players will see the return of this capture the flag mode. Although we wouldn't be surprised if it's been tweaked slightly to keep things feeling fresh.

HOW MUCH WILL SKINS COST?

During returning Overwatch events, old skins were available to unlock via the credits system.

As an added bonus, the old skins introduced previously were also available at a slightly cheaper price.

For example, during the second Summer Games event, past skins cost 1,000 credits, instead of the 3,000 credits it usually takes to unlock limited Legendary skins. Whilst new skins were sold at 3,000 credits.

New Summer Games 2017 cosmetic items were valued at 3,000 for Legendary Skins, 750 credits for Epic skins, 225 credits for Rare tier items and 75 credits for common tier items.

That's compared to returning Legendary skins at 1,000 credits, Epic skins for 250 credits and rare tier items for 75 credits and Common tier items for just 25 credits.

We suspect and assume Blizzard will use a similar structure for their new and returning Lunar New Year skins and items.

Overwatch confirmed the start of there next event, in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Last year, this took the form of 'The Year of the Rooster' event, but in line with the Chinese new year calendar, this year, it's been renamed to 'Year of the Dog.'

The second annual Lunar New Year event was confirmed on Twitter along with an official February 8 release date for all PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers.

Overwatch's official Twitter channel tweeted: "Wishing you prosperity in the Year of the Dog! Lunar New Year returns February 8."

However, outside of this incredibly brief teaser trailer, which consisted of nothing more than a few fireworks, little else is known about the Chinese New Year event.

That being said, there are a number of key details we do know about this next big Overwatch event starting next week, based on past events and a few smaller details Blizzard has mentioned since the initial tease.

As per past events, we won't see any wholesale changes, but rather some small tweaks to last years event. A similar approach has been taken with The Summer Games event and Winter Wonderland, which both largely stayed the same the second year around.

Likewise, we know there will also be an assortment of new skins, sprays and emotes. But like other in-game events, this will be on top of last year's items. In addition, it's highly likely that returning skins will be available to fans at a cheaper price.

There's no leaks (yet) to show any of the new skins that will be arriving, but you can check out the returning Lunar New Year skins in the gallery below...

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 Start Time / Date

2017's Year of the Rooster event had already started by this point in the year. In fact, it began on Tuesday 24th January. But we already know the start date for Year of the Dog, as previously mentioned, it's getting underway Thursday 8th February, a full two weeks after it began in 2017.

However, it's not been stated what time the occaision will begin. That being said, Blizzard has been pretty consistent when it comes to launching events, with past start times at around 6-7pm GMT for everyone in the UK. For everyone else, it's a rough start time of 11am PT / 2pm EDT.

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 End Time / Date

As mentioned, Year of The Dog is getting underway just over two weeks later than when Year of the Rooster got started. As such, the end date will also be much later.

In 2017, Year of the Rooster wrapped up on Monday 13th February, meaning the event lasted just under three weeks. By that same token, if Blizzard decides to stick to the same length for this years event, we should see Year of the Dog finish on the 1st March, 2018.

It is worth noting that this the most recent Halloween event did last one week longer than the original 2016 event, so it's by no means a certainty that Blizzard sticks to the same time frames.

No doubt we'll learn more next week leading up to the official start time. So stay tuned and we'll update the site with more information.

Will there be a new map and mode?

Last year Blizzard gave the standard Lijiang Tower map a bit of a makeover for Lunar New Year.

Strictly speaking, the map is physically identical to the original map and the only changes made were purely aesthetic.

For Year of the Dog, Blizzard has revealed that there will be a "brand-new map". However, where this means we'll get a proper new map, or a Lunar New Year reskin isn't clear.

Likewise, last year saw the introduction of a new capture-the-flag brawl mode, known as Capture the Rooster.

Once again, Blizzard has said that for 2018, players will see the return of this capture the flag mode. Although we wouldn't be surprised if it's been tweaked slightly to keep things feeling fresh.

HOW MUCH WILL SKINS COST?

During returning Overwatch events, old skins were available to unlock via the credits system.

As an added bonus, the old skins introduced previously were also available at a slightly cheaper price.

For example, during the second Summer Games event, past skins cost 1,000 credits, instead of the 3,000 credits it usually takes to unlock limited Legendary skins. Whilst new skins were sold at 3,000 credits.

New Summer Games 2017 cosmetic items were valued at 3,000 for Legendary Skins, 750 credits for Epic skins, 225 credits for Rare tier items and 75 credits for common tier items.

That's compared to returning Legendary skins at 1,000 credits, Epic skins for 250 credits and rare tier items for 75 credits and Common tier items for just 25 credits.

We suspect and assume Blizzard will use a similar structure for their new and returning Lunar New Year skins and items.

Overwatch confirmed the start of there next event, in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Last year, this took the form of 'The Year of the Rooster' event, but in line with the Chinese new year calendar, this year, it's been renamed to 'Year of the Dog.'

The second annual Lunar New Year event was confirmed on Twitter along with an official February 8 release date for all PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers.

Overwatch's official Twitter channel tweeted: "Wishing you prosperity in the Year of the Dog! Lunar New Year returns February 8."

However, outside of this incredibly brief teaser trailer, which consisted of nothing more than a few fireworks, little else is known about the Chinese New Year event.

That being said, there are a number of key details we do know about this next big Overwatch event starting next week, based on past events and a few smaller details Blizzard has mentioned since the initial tease.

As per past events, we won't see any wholesale changes, but rather some small tweaks to last years event. A similar approach has been taken with The Summer Games event and Winter Wonderland, which both largely stayed the same the second year around.

Likewise, we know there will also be an assortment of new skins, sprays and emotes. But like other in-game events, this will be on top of last year's items. In addition, it's highly likely that returning skins will be available to fans at a cheaper price.

There's no leaks (yet) to show any of the new skins that will be arriving, but you can check out the returning Lunar New Year skins in the gallery below...

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 Start Time / Date

2017's Year of the Rooster event had already started by this point in the year. In fact, it began on Tuesday 24th January. But we already know the start date for Year of the Dog, as previously mentioned, it's getting underway Thursday 8th February, a full two weeks after it began in 2017.

However, it's not been stated what time the occaision will begin. That being said, Blizzard has been pretty consistent when it comes to launching events, with past start times at around 6-7pm GMT for everyone in the UK. For everyone else, it's a rough start time of 11am PT / 2pm EDT.

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 End Time / Date

As mentioned, Year of The Dog is getting underway just over two weeks later than when Year of the Rooster got started. As such, the end date will also be much later.

In 2017, Year of the Rooster wrapped up on Monday 13th February, meaning the event lasted just under three weeks. By that same token, if Blizzard decides to stick to the same length for this years event, we should see Year of the Dog finish on the 1st March, 2018.

It is worth noting that this the most recent Halloween event did last one week longer than the original 2016 event, so it's by no means a certainty that Blizzard sticks to the same time frames.

No doubt we'll learn more next week leading up to the official start time. So stay tuned and we'll update the site with more information.

Will there be a new map and mode?

Last year Blizzard gave the standard Lijiang Tower map a bit of a makeover for Lunar New Year.

Strictly speaking, the map is physically identical to the original map and the only changes made were purely aesthetic.

For Year of the Dog, Blizzard has revealed that there will be a "brand-new map". However, where this means we'll get a proper new map, or a Lunar New Year reskin isn't clear.

Likewise, last year saw the introduction of a new capture-the-flag brawl mode, known as Capture the Rooster.

Once again, Blizzard has said that for 2018, players will see the return of this capture the flag mode. Although we wouldn't be surprised if it's been tweaked slightly to keep things feeling fresh.

HOW MUCH WILL SKINS COST?

During returning Overwatch events, old skins were available to unlock via the credits system.

As an added bonus, the old skins introduced previously were also available at a slightly cheaper price.

For example, during the second Summer Games event, past skins cost 1,000 credits, instead of the 3,000 credits it usually takes to unlock limited Legendary skins. Whilst new skins were sold at 3,000 credits.

New Summer Games 2017 cosmetic items were valued at 3,000 for Legendary Skins, 750 credits for Epic skins, 225 credits for Rare tier items and 75 credits for common tier items.

That's compared to returning Legendary skins at 1,000 credits, Epic skins for 250 credits and rare tier items for 75 credits and Common tier items for just 25 credits.

We suspect and assume Blizzard will use a similar structure for their new and returning Lunar New Year skins and items.

Overwatch confirmed the start of there next event, in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Last year, this took the form of 'The Year of the Rooster' event, but in line with the Chinese new year calendar, this year, it's been renamed to 'Year of the Dog.'

The second annual Lunar New Year event was confirmed on Twitter along with an official February 8 release date for all PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers.

Overwatch's official Twitter channel tweeted: "Wishing you prosperity in the Year of the Dog! Lunar New Year returns February 8."

However, outside of this incredibly brief teaser trailer, which consisted of nothing more than a few fireworks, little else is known about the Chinese New Year event.

That being said, there are a number of key details we do know about this next big Overwatch event starting next week, based on past events and a few smaller details Blizzard has mentioned since the initial tease.

As per past events, we won't see any wholesale changes, but rather some small tweaks to last years event. A similar approach has been taken with The Summer Games event and Winter Wonderland, which both largely stayed the same the second year around.

Likewise, we know there will also be an assortment of new skins, sprays and emotes. But like other in-game events, this will be on top of last year's items. In addition, it's highly likely that returning skins will be available to fans at a cheaper price.

There's no leaks (yet) to show any of the new skins that will be arriving, but you can check out the returning Lunar New Year skins in the gallery below...

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 Start Time / Date

2017's Year of the Rooster event had already started by this point in the year. In fact, it began on Tuesday 24th January. But we already know the start date for Year of the Dog, as previously mentioned, it's getting underway Thursday 8th February, a full two weeks after it began in 2017.

However, it's not been stated what time the occaision will begin. That being said, Blizzard has been pretty consistent when it comes to launching events, with past start times at around 6-7pm GMT for everyone in the UK. For everyone else, it's a rough start time of 11am PT / 2pm EDT.

Overwatch Year of the Dog 2018 End Time / Date

As mentioned, Year of The Dog is getting underway just over two weeks later than when Year of the Rooster got started. As such, the end date will also be much later.

In 2017, Year of the Rooster wrapped up on Monday 13th February, meaning the event lasted just under three weeks. By that same token, if Blizzard decides to stick to the same length for this years event, we should see Year of the Dog finish on the 1st March, 2018.

It is worth noting that this the most recent Halloween event did last one week longer than the original 2016 event, so it's by no means a certainty that Blizzard sticks to the same time frames.

No doubt we'll learn more next week leading up to the official start time. So stay tuned and we'll update the site with more information.

Will there be a new map and mode?

Last year Blizzard gave the standard Lijiang Tower map a bit of a makeover for Lunar New Year.

Strictly speaking, the map is physically identical to the original map and the only changes made were purely aesthetic.

For Year of the Dog, Blizzard has revealed that there will be a "brand-new map". However, where this means we'll get a proper new map, or a Lunar New Year reskin isn't clear.

Likewise, last year saw the introduction of a new capture-the-flag brawl mode, known as Capture the Rooster.

Once again, Blizzard has said that for 2018, players will see the return of this capture the flag mode. Although we wouldn't be surprised if it's been tweaked slightly to keep things feeling fresh.

HOW MUCH WILL SKINS COST?

During returning Overwatch events, old skins were available to unlock via the credits system.

As an added bonus, the old skins introduced previously were also available at a slightly cheaper price.

For example, during the second Summer Games event, past skins cost 1,000 credits, instead of the 3,000 credits it usually takes to unlock limited Legendary skins. Whilst new skins were sold at 3,000 credits.

New Summer Games 2017 cosmetic items were valued at 3,000 for Legendary Skins, 750 credits for Epic skins, 225 credits for Rare tier items and 75 credits for common tier items.

That's compared to returning Legendary skins at 1,000 credits, Epic skins for 250 credits and rare tier items for 75 credits and Common tier items for just 25 credits.

We suspect and assume Blizzard will use a similar structure for their new and returning Lunar New Year skins and items.