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 original end date of January 6, thanks to overwhelming player interest. Game Director Aaron Keller announced that the mode will continue until the middle of the current season, at which point it will transition from a role queue to an open queue format, allowing teams to have between 1 and 3 heroes of each class. This extension and the positive reception suggest that the 6v6 mode might become a permanent fixture in Overwatch 2 in the future.
The 6v6 mode made its debut in Overwatch 2 during the Overwatch Classic event in November of the previous year. Its initial run was brief, yet it quickly became one of the most popular modes in the game. Following this success, Blizzard reintroduced the 6v6 mode at the start of Season 14, with the second playtest initially scheduled to run from December 17 to January 6. Unlike the Overwatch Classic event, this playtest did not include the return of older hero abilities.
Given the ongoing popularity of the mode, Aaron Keller took to his personal Twitter account to announce the extension of the second round of 6v6 playtesting. Players can continue enjoying 12-player matches for an extended period, although the exact end date remains unspecified. The mode will soon be moved to the Arcade section and will retain its current format until the middle of the season, after which it will shift to an open queue system.
The Case for Overwatch 2's 6v6 Mode to Return Permanently
The success of Overwatch 2's 6v6 mode is no surprise to many players, as the return of 6-player teams has been one of the most requested features since the game's launch in 2022. The shift to 5v5 gameplay marked a significant change from the original Overwatch, impacting the game's dynamics in various ways. Despite this, the strong demand for the 6v6 format has given fans hope that it will become a permanent option in Overwatch 2, possibly even in the competitive playlist once the current playtests are completed.
