Overwatch 2The visual side and the gameplay are not a giant leap compared to the predecessor. However, the sequel brings some significant changes, with the most polarizing being the switch from 6v6 to 5v5. Some players liked the faster match queues and gameplay of this new format. However, others felt that the change, which reduced the number of tank players from two to one, took some of the complexity out of the game. The 5v5 format was the default mode for competitive play Overwatch supported by countless hero and map fixes over the past two years. It looks like it will go through its paces towards the end of 2024 depending on how it goes OW2Season 14 6v6 fan tests are a success.
Blizzard's first hero shooter is mulling the possibility of returning 6v6 as the main game mode from mid-2024. Director Aaron Keller discussed the history of the format, the transition to 5v5 OW2and the possibility of a 6v6 return in a comprehensive blog article published on July 25. The director and cast speculations may soon come true in Season 14, according to Keller's latest post. Overwatch 2 will introduce two test modes using the 6v6 format, and the developers will also introduce some major balance changes that will apply exclusively to these modes.
- Min. 1, max. 3: This is a looser version of the role queue or a more limited open queue, depending on your point of view. Each role must have at least one hero, but no more than three.
- Classic 2-2-2: This 6v6 version will have role queues for the proven two DPS, two tanks and two supports.
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5v5 vs. 6v6: How Series 14 Tests Could Define Overwatch 2's Competitive Future
From Overwatch 2 has been using 5v5 since launch, most players are already familiar with it. A return to the older format could shake up the current player base, which has its pros and cons.
The case for a competitive 6v6 comeback
6v6 has several benefits, the most obvious being a return to the classics OW experience. Players can relive the glory of the original dive comp with Winston and D.Va. There's also a Reinhardt and Zarya combo that veteran players love, as the pair can soak up a lot of damage for their team by playing around each other's shields.
Overwatch 2The 6v6 format also avoids its predecessor's pitfalls of having multiple tanks on one team. Since both test modes require at least one hero for each role, it is not possible to build a full GOATS lineup. Only time will tell if a dual shield team of Ramattra and Sigma will slow down the game like Sigma and Orisa did. However, this option is something that the 6v6 balance fixes could address, as Keller stated that it will essentially tweak the survivability and power of the tanks for the two test modes.
Why 5v5 should stay in Overwatch 2
The 5v5 format works well OW2because it solves some of the problems that plagued the old format. For one thing, it made queue times faster because there were two fewer players to consider when creating a match. This also contributes to faster paced games as there is less chance of stalling with just one tank compared to two which OW1 had Another advantage is that there are already years of hero and map fixes for this format, so players who prefer a consistent and stable meta have reason to want Overwatch 25v5 mode will remain.
The 6v6 renaissance is in full swing with the upcoming hero shooter Marvel Rivals also accepting the format. Its upcoming launch and Overwatch 2It will likely overshadow the Season 14 test in December OW2in a 5v5 format. However, the latest Director's Take post also discusses the possibility of the two modes continuing to co-exist. Either way, the move to 6v6 or making both formats available will certainly be an interesting shakeup for the casual and pro scene of the game.