Following the positive reception in Season 15, Overwatch 2 is carrying forward its 6v6 Open Queue format into Season 16. This mode was notably popular during Season 15, with players engaging in 5v5 matches three times more frequently than 6v6. The game’s associate director is eager to gather information in Season 16 to refine how these formats might coexist in the game long-term.
With the transition from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2, one of the significant shifts was reducing team sizes from six to five players. However, the game reintroduced 6v6 modes during a trial in Season 14, driven by player demand. This experiment was so well-received that it warranted a full season of 6v6 Open Queue in Season 15, both in Quick Play and Competitive, albeit with a limitation of two tanks per team.
As Season 15 draws to a close, Blizzard has yet again confirmed that the 6v6 Open Queue will remain a staple for Season 16, retaining its two-tank limitation. Players will continue to enjoy this alongside the conventional 5v5 Role Queue, extending this hybrid gameplay experience further.
Reflecting on the popularity of 6v6 in Season 15, Alec Dawson from Overwatch 2 noted it ranked as the third-favorite mode until April Fool’s “Totally Normalwatch” claimed that spot. Players seem inclined towards larger team battles, and Dawson mentioned many teams inherently settled into the classic 2-2-2 role template despite the absence of a Role Queue system.
The continued presence of 6v6 promises to reveal more insights into its future viability. While not explicitly confirmed, all signs point towards Blizzard eventually cementing it as a permanent feature in upcoming seasons.
The curtain rises on Overwatch 2’s Season 16 on April 22, marking the entry of Freja, a new damage hero armed with plenty of powerful abilities and an arsenal that adds another layer of strategy to the game. The season brings various balancing tweaks to underachieving and overpowering perks, promising fresh challenges and dynamic strategies in the arena.
