The Overwatch 2 community is buzzing with excitement following the announcement of a new competitive mode that will return the classic 6v6 gameplay to the game.
Game director Aaron Keller recently shared the news in his first director’s blog of the year, revealing that the 6v6 competitive mode will be available during the mid-point of Season 15. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming 6v6 mode and its impact on Overwatch 2’s competitive scene.
6v6 Competitive Mode in Overwatch 2: A Mid-Season Feature
Overwatch 2 players will soon experience a temporary return of the 6v6 gameplay mode in the competitive queue. This will take place during the middle of Season 15, marking an exciting shift from the game’s current core 5v5 format. Keller acknowledged the success and interest in the previous 6v6 Role Queue playtests, which garnered about 10% of the total playtime.
For context, Overwatch 2’s Role Queued Quick Play mode, which has a 5v5 setup, currently accounts for around 35-40% of playtime. Despite the lower playtime percentage during the 6v6 tests, it’s clear that players are eager to see more of the 6v6 format.
The Return of 6v6 – But For How Long?
Although fans are excited about the 6v6 competitive mode, Keller made it clear that the future of the mode remains uncertain. He mentioned that it’s still too early to determine if the 6v6 mode will become a permanent fixture in Overwatch 2.
While the team is not prepared to replace the 5v5 format entirely, Keller hinted that the mode might stay around in some form depending on the feedback and demand from the community.
Can You Play 6v6 in Overwatch 2 Right Now?
For those eager to try the 6v6 gameplay mode right away, there’s good news. Overwatch 2 is currently running a limited-time 6v6 Min 1, Max 3 playtest, which will last until February 4th.
Players who want to experience the mode before it disappears can simply navigate to the “Play” option from the main menu, select the “Unranked” tab, and choose the “Minimum One 6v6” option.
A New Era for Overwatch 2?
The upcoming 6v6 competitive mode in Overwatch 2 will be a welcome change for fans who have long missed the larger team format. Although it’s not yet clear whether this mode will be permanent, its return shows that Blizzard is listening to player feedback and experimenting with different ways to enhance the competitive experience.
Whether or not 6v6 becomes a staple in Overwatch 2, it’s exciting to see the game evolve and offer new challenges for its dedicated community.
Overwatch 2: Blizzard Hints at Major PvP Changes Coming Soon