Overwatch 2's expanded 6v6 test could give Blizzard an early tip

While the constant content of Overwatch 2Since Blizzard's in-game seasons have done a pretty good job of shaking up the title's core gameplay experience since its release in October 2022, Blizzard seems to be looking for other methods to introduce sweeping changes and keep fans engaged. One of the most ambitious and controversial changes the title made compared to its predecessor was the reduction of 6v6 gameplay to 5v5, with this being one of the most important innovations OW2 has moved away from the legacy of the franchise's original title.

Despite as well as Overwatch 2 With 5v5 gameplay, Blizzard is apparently interested in offering 6v6 matches again as an integral part of the IP, although initial tests for this form of matchmaking have already taken place. It has not been officially confirmed that Blizzard intends to fully implement 6v6 gameplay Overwatch 2but the early success and subsequent expansion of 6v6 playtesting seems to be a clear indication of the future of 6v6.

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Permanent 6v6 modes in Overwatch 2 seem like a safe bet

The original Overwatch built its gameplay brand on 6v6 experiences, even having no role queues for the franchise until 2019. Although this formula was so successful for the IP, Overwatch 2 was launched with a particular focus on 5v5 matches, with the game making major changes to the franchise's meta by reducing the number of tank slots per team by one. Despite the popularity that free-to-play offers Overwatch 2 has claimed Blizzard is still aware of the nostalgia and love that longtime fans have for the IP's earliest gameplay.

This was best confirmed by the recent one Overwatch Classic event for OW2which lasted between November 12th and December 2nd and recreated the original gameplay of Overwatch 2 to awaken the memories of older fans while giving new players the opportunity to engage with the roots of the franchise. Not only Overwatch The classic brings back 6v6 games, but also only featured the 21 launch heroes with their original in-game skill sets.

Overwatch Classic proved to be a successful venture for Blizzard alongside the lack of hero limits, and while a permanent return to things like the original hero abilities isn't feasible, the company is clearly very open to making 6v6 games a dedicated feature in the future. Blizzard began testing 6v6 games outside Overwatch Classic on December 17th, with this test run featuring a role queue with two players assigned to either DPS, Support, or Tank.

Overwatch 2's 6v6 test expansion is a great sign for fans of the mode

This trial version of the 6v6 playlist was scheduled to end on January 7th, although the mode's popularity was such that Blizzard decided to expand it as its own arcade playlist for now. At some point, this playlist will be phased out with the introduction of another round of 6v6 testing, which will instead focus on a “one minimum, three maximum” approach to hero selection for each role. The expansion of the first 6v6 playlist makes it clear that Blizzard sees the potential success in making this mode a permanent mode, and Overwatch 2 needs this push now more than ever.

The meteoric rise of Marvel Rivals represents a serious threat to continued success Overwatch 2and the widespread appeal of 6v6 gameplay seems like too good an opportunity for Blizzard to pass up Rivals begins introducing its own seasonal content. This, combined with the rigorous and now expanded playtesting for 6v6 in Overwatch 2essentially serve as unofficial confirmation that this classic style of gameplay will eventually become a deep-rooted and important element of the future title.