Overwatch 2 Expands 6v6 Testing Phase

The 6v6 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 before shifting to an open queue format. This change will allow teams to include between 1 and 3 heroes of each class, offering more flexibility in team composition. The high popularity of the 6v6 format, which first returned during the Overwatch Classic event in November last year, has sparked hope among fans that it could become a permanent fixture in the game.

Originally, the second 6v6 role queue playtest was scheduled to run from December 17 to January 6. However, due to the strong engagement from the community, Blizzard decided to prolong the playtest. While the exact end date remains undisclosed, it's clear that the 6v6 mode will soon move to the Arcade section. This extension allows players to continue enjoying 12-player matches for an extended period. After the middle of the season, the mode will transition from a role queue to an open queue system, providing players with more strategic options.

The success of the 6v6 mode in Overwatch 2 is not surprising, given that it has been one of the most requested features since the game's launch in 2022. The shift to 5v5 gameplay marked a significant departure from the original Overwatch, affecting the game's dynamics in various ways. However, the return of 6v6 has reignited enthusiasm among fans, many of whom are hopeful that it will become a permanent addition, possibly even integrated into the competitive playlist once the playtests are complete.