Overwatch 2s graphics and gameplay are not a huge step up from its predecessor. However, the sequel delivers some significant changes, the most polarizing 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 reduced the number of tank players from two to one, removed some of the game's complexity. The 5v5 format has been the default mode for competitive play Monitoring over the past two years, backed up by countless hero and map patches to pull it off. It looks like it will go through its paces towards the end of 2024, depending on how OW2Season 14 6v6 tests price among fans.
Blizzard's premier hero shooter has been mulling the possibility of returning 6v6 as a mainstay mode since mid-2024. Director Aaron Keller discussed the history of the format, the switch to 5v5 for OW2and the possibility of 6v6's return in a comprehensive blog article published on July 25. The director's, and the players', speculation may soon come to fruition in Season 14, according to Keller's latest post. Overwatch 2 will roll out two test modes with the 6v6 format and developers will also establish some major balance changes that apply exclusively to these modes.
- My. 1, max. 3: This is a looser version of role queue or a more limited open queue, depending on one's 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 proven two DPS, two tanks and two supports.
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5v5 Vs. 6v6: How Season 14's Tests Could Define Overwatch 2's Competitive Future
Then Overwatch 2 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 has some pros and cons.
The case for 6v6's competitive comeback
There are a few benefits to 6v6, the most obvious being the return to the classic OUCH experience. Players can relive the glory of the original dive comp with Winston and D.Va all over again. There's also the Reinhardt and Zarya combo that veteran players love, as the pair can deal tons of damage to their team by playing around 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 complete a full-fledged GOATS comp. Only time will tell if a Ramattra and Sigma dual 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 said 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 works well for OW2as it solves some of the problems that plagued the old format. First, it increased queue times, as there were two fewer players to think about when creating a match. It also makes for faster gameplay, as there are fewer chances to stall with just one tank compared to the two that OW1 had. Another advantage it has is that years of hero and map patches are already in place to fit this format, so players who prefer a consistent and stable meta have reason to want Overwatch 2s 5v5 mode to stay.
The 6v6 renaissance is in full swing, with the upcoming hero shooter Marvel Rivals also takes the format. Its impending launch and Overwatch 2The Season 14 test in December is likely to overshadow OW2s 5v5 format. However, the latest Director's Take post also discusses the possibility that the two modes could exist permanently. Either way, switching to 6v6 or making both formats available will definitely be an interesting shakeup for the game's casual and pro scene.