- Overwatch 2 extends the 6v6 mode playtest due to player demand
- The mode will remain available until midseason with open queue format
- Fans hope for a permanent return, but Blizzard has yet to confirm plans
Overwatch 2 fans have some more time to cherish the nostalgia as the renowned 6v6 mode is going to stay a bit longer.
A Popular Comeback: 6v6 Finds Its Way Back
Aaron Keller, the game’s director, shared an X post mentioning that “We’re extending the 6v6 playtest due to continued player interest and excitement for the mode.
The mode was set to bid well to its evergreen fans on January 6, but due to the overwhelming demand, this date has been extended. Aaron confirmed that “It will be available until midseason.”
Those who are new to the game must know that this is the original mode of Overwatch 2, launched in 2022 but got replaced with 5v5 team gameplay. While this change brought fresh dynamics to gameplay, it left a section of the community yearning for the intensity and coordination of the 6v6 format.
The first time it made its way back to the game during the Classic event in November, and seeing the player’s positive response and enthusiasm, Blizzard reintroduced it during Season 14 of Overwatch 2.
Moving Forward, the second phase of testing was initiated in December and remained a hit as this format is an all-time favorite. In a similar tweet, Aaron announced that the mode will transition into an open queue format, requiring teams to have at least one and a maximum of three players per class (support, DPS, and tank).
The Future of 6v6 in Overwatch 2
This teaming structure aims to maintain the balance while offering the original destructive gameplay experience. However, fans don’t want this mode to leave ever again and hope it to become permanent.
Although Blizzard is aware of its high demand, it still hasn’t confirmed the permanent plans, but the team previously hinted that a 6v6 return might be possible if the mode continues to thrive.
Recently, Overwatch 2 got in comparison with Marvel Rival fans as they feel that the newly arrived game is launching new heroes constantly, while OW2’s pace is quite slower and has only a number of characters on the roster.
This brings attention to the fact that the developers may need to change the strategy regarding adding new characters to avoid players’ dissatisfaction. As Blizzard experiments with adding the classic elements back in modern OW2, the 6v6 playtest can prove to be a great success for the game and could shape its future.
For now, players can jump in and enjoy without worrying about its end.
