Blizzard Considers 6v6 Format for Overwatch 2: What Fans Can Expect

With the launch of Overwatch 2, Blizzard implemented several significant changes to its hero-shooter game. One of the most notable changes was reducing the player count from 6v6 to 5v5, consisting of one Tank, two Damage, and two Support heroes per team in Role Queue. This switch to 5v5 aimed to address queue time issues and the "shield meta," but it has proven challenging to balance, with many Tank players feeling the game is less enjoyable compared to the original 6v6 setup.

There has been considerable fan demand for Overwatch 2 to revert to a 6v6 format, though many also believe that 5v5 is superior. Overwatch 2 game director Aaron Keller recently acknowledged these demands in a blog post, expressing concern about the community's reaction. In his detailed post, Keller offered insight into the 5v5 and 6v6 debate, revealing that Blizzard is considering running 6v6 tests to see how it would work in Overwatch 2. However, fans shouldn't expect these tests to happen anytime soon.

According to Keller, the Overwatch 2 team is "looking at running a series of events to try out different core team composition formats." This means Blizzard will attempt to test "various forms of 6v6" in the game to gauge community reaction. However, technical issues may prevent or delay these tests.

Overwatch 2 Will Eventually Attempt 6v6 Matches

Keller pointed out that increasing the player count from 5v5 to 6v6 could cause performance problems due to the game's new features, more "technically demanding hero kits," and visual upgrades. Overwatch 2 runs on older hardware like the PS4, Xbox One, and Switch, and increasing the player count could cause issues for players who haven't upgraded their systems. "While a limited time test could arrive sooner, the team is still investigating exactly how long it would take to permanently increase performance across the game." Keller estimates that achieving this goal will take "at least several seasons."

Queue times are another concern for the Overwatch 2 team. Keller noted that 6v6 led to queue time problems in the original game that are less present in Overwatch 2, partly due to the switch to 5v5. Blizzard will test this and use the information and community feedback to decide the next steps.

Keller concluded his post by leaving open the possibility that Overwatch 2 could remain 5v5, switch to 6v6, or even offer both styles of play after testing. He also suggested that 5v5 might not be the main source of player dissatisfaction. The team is exploring ways to bring "some of the freedom" back to the game in the 5v5 format without reverting to a fully open queue. "For instance, we think there could be other ways of putting a team together that aren't quite as rigid as a set composition, but not as loose as Open Queue. We'll be running at least one Quick Play: Hacked based on this idea in Season 13." Overwatch 2 Season 12 starts on August 20, so fans will have to wait months for Season 13 and the new Quick Play: Hacked mode.