Overwatch 2: 6v6 Playtest Extended

Summary

• Overwatch 2's 6v6 playtest has been extended due to high player interest.
• The role queue mode will transition to an open queue format with 1-3 heroes of each class sometime around the middle of the season.
• The 6v6 mode could become a permanent addition in the future.

The limited-time 6v6 game mode playtest in Overwatch 2 has been extended beyond its planned end date of January 6. Game Director Aaron Keller confirmed that the mode will remain available until the middle of the season before transitioning into an open queue format. This extension comes in response to the tremendous popularity that the 6v6 format has enjoyed since its return to Overwatch 2. Many fans are hopeful that this mode will become a permanent fixture in the game.

The 6v6 mode first reappeared in Overwatch 2 during the Overwatch Classic event in November last year. Blizzard quickly recognized the fans' enthusiasm for this format, which initially ran for just a few weeks but became one of the most played modes in the game. Following its success, the 6v6 mode returned at the start of Overwatch 2's 14th season, with the second playtest originally scheduled to end on January 6. Unlike the Overwatch Classic event, this playtest did not include the return of some classic hero abilities.

Due to continued strong player interest, Aaron Keller announced on his personal Twitter account that the team has decided to extend the second round of 6v6 playtesting. Players can continue enjoying 12-player matches for an extended period, though the exact new end date for the playtest remains unspecified. The mode will soon move to the Arcade section and will remain as a role queue mode until the middle of the current season. After that, it will transition to an open queue format, allowing teams to have between 1 and 3 heroes of each class.

The Case For Overwatch 2's 6v6 Mode to Return Permanently

The ongoing success of Overwatch 2's 6v6 mode is not surprising to many players. Since the sequel's launch in 2022, the return of 6-player teams has been one of the most requested features. The shift to 5v5 matches marked a significant change from the original Overwatch, impacting gameplay in ways that have varied reception among players.

Currently, fans of the 6v6 format are more optimistic than ever about its potential permanent return to Overwatch 2. There is hope that it could even be integrated into the game's competitive playlist. This possibility seems more likely as the general playtests continue and feedback is gathered.