Overwatch 2's 5v5 format is expected to be put through its paces in December

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Overwatch 2The graphics and gameplay are not too great compared to its predecessor. However, the sequel brings some significant changes, with the switch from 6v6 to 5v5 being the most polarizing. Some players liked the faster match queues and gameplay of this new format. However, others felt that the change, which reduced the number of tank players from two to one, took some of the complexity away from the game. The 5v5 format was the standard mode for competitive play Overwatch for two years, supported by countless hero and map patches to accommodate this. It looks like it will be put through its paces towards the end of 2024, depending on how OW26v6 Season 14 tests the quality among fans.




Blizzard's leading hero shooter has been considering the possibility of bringing back 6v6 as a main game mode since mid-2024. Director Aaron Keller talked about the history of the format and the transition to 5v5 OW2and the possibility of a return of 6v6 in a detailed blog article published on July 25th. The director and players' speculations could soon bear fruit in Season 14, according to Keller's latest post. Overwatch 2 will introduce two test modes in the 6v6 format and the developers will also be making some major balance changes exclusive to these modes.

  • Min. 1, max. 3: This is a looser version of the role queue or a more limited open queue, depending on your perspective. Each role must have at least one hero, but no more than three.
  • Classic 2-2-2: This version of 6v6 will have role queues for the tried and tested two DPS, two tanks and two supports.


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5v5 VS. 6v6: How Season 14's testing could determine Overwatch 2's competitive future

Since Overwatch 2 has been using 5v5 since launch, most players already know it well. Going back to the older format could shake things up for the current player base, which brings with it some pros and cons.

The case for the comeback of 6v6 competition

There are a few advantages to 6v6, the most obvious being the return to the classics OW Experience. Players can relive the glory of the original diving competition with Winston and D.Va. There's also the combination of Reinhardt and Zarya, which experienced players love as the two can dish out a ton of damage to their team by bypassing each other's shields.


Overwatch 2The 6v6 format also avoids the pitfalls of its predecessor when it comes to having multiple tanks on a team. Since both test modes require at least one hero for each role, it is impossible to create a full-fledged GOATS competition. Only time will tell if a double shield team of Ramattra and Sigma will slow down the game like Sigma and Orisa did back in the day. However, this possibility could be addressed with the 6v6 balance patches, as Keller explained that they will essentially reduce tank survivability and power for the two test modes.

Why 5v5 should stay in Overwatch 2

The 5v5 format works well OW2as it solves some of the problems that plagued the old format. On the one hand, this shortened the waiting time because two fewer players had to be taken into account when creating a game. It also makes for faster games, as the risk of a stall is lower with just one tank than with two tanks OW1 had. Another advantage is that there are already years of hero and map patches to support this format, so players who prefer a consistent and stable meta have reason to be concerned Overwatch 2The 5v5 mode remains.


The 6v6 renaissance is in full swing with the upcoming hero shooter Marvel Rivals also adopt the format. The upcoming launch and Overwatch 2The Season 14 test in December will likely overshadow OW2The 5v5 format. However, the latest Director's Take post also discusses the possibility of the two modes permanently coexisting. In any case, the move to 6v6 or the accessibility of both formats will definitely be an interesting change for the game's casual and professional scenes.

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