Overwatch 2’s visuals and gameplay aren’t much of a giant leap from its predecessor’s. However, the sequel does deliver some significant changes, with the most polarizing one being the switch from 6v6 to 5v5. Some players liked this new format’s faster match queues and gameplay. However, others felt that the change, which cut down the number of tank players from two to one, took away some of the game’s complexity. The 5v5 format has been the default mode to play competitiveOverwatchfor the past two years, backed by countless hero and map patches to accommodate it. It seems like it will be put through its paces towards the end of 2024, depending on how theOW2’s Season 14 6v6 testsfare among fans.
Blizzard’s premier hero shooter has been mulling over the possibility of returning 6v6 as a mainstay game mode since mid-2024. Director Aaron Keller discussed the format’s history, the switch to 5v5 forOW2, and the possibility of 6v6’s return in a comprehensive blog article published on July 25. The director’s, and players', speculations may soon come to fruition in Season 14, according to Keller’s latest post.Overwatch 2will roll out two test modes using the 6v6 format and developers will also lay down some big balance changes that apply exclusively to these modes.
5v5 VS. 6v6: How Season 14’s Tests Could Define Overwatch 2’s Competitive Future
SinceOverwatch 2has used 5v5 since launch, most players already know it well. Returning to the older format could shake things up for the current player base, which has some pros and cons.
The Case for 6v6’s Competitive Comeback
There are a few advantages of 6v6, with the most obvious one being the return to the classicOWexperience. Players can relive the glory of theoriginal dive comp with Winston and D.Vaagain. There’s also the Reinhardt and Zarya combo that veteran players love, as the pair can tank a ton of damage for their team by playing around each other’s shields.
Overwatch 2’s 6v6 format also avoids the pitfalls of its predecessor when it comes to having multiple tanks in one team. Since both test modes require at least one hero for every role, pulling off a full-fledgedGOATS compis impossible. Only time will tell if a Ramattra and Sigma double-shield team will slow down the game like Sigma and Orisa did back then. However, this possibility is something that the 6v6 balance patches could address, as Keller stated that they will essentially tune down the survivability and power of tanks for the two test modes.
Why 5v5 Should Stay in Overwatch 2
The 5v5 format is working well forOW2, as it solves some of the issues that plagued the old format. For one, it accelerated queue times, as there were two fewer players to consider when creating a match. It also makes for faster-paced games, as there are fewer chances to stall with just one tank compared to the two thatOW1had. Another advantage it has is that years of hero and map patches are already in place to accommodate this format, so players who prefer a consistent and stable meta have cause to wantOverwatch 2’s 5v5 modeto stay.
The 6v6 renaissance is in full swing, withthe upcoming hero shooterMarvel Rivalsalso adopting the format. Its impending launch andOverwatch 2’s Season 14 test in December will likely overshadowOW2’s 5v5 format.However, the latest Director’s Take post also discusses the possibility of the two modes coexisting permanently. Either way, shifting to 6v6 or making both formats accessible will definitely be an interesting shakeup for the game’s casual and pro scene.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
