Rejoice: Overwatch 2’s popular 6v6 mode is here to stay — at least during Season 16

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Since Blizzard Entertainment shifted Overwatch 2 from the original game to its sequel in 2022, it has consistently maintained a 5vs5 setup at its core. However, since last summer, the developers have been exploring modes that revert the game back to its original 6vs6 format. Now, it’s official that this popular version will persist in the game (at least temporarily).

6v6 Open Queue is a game mode where six-player teams face off against each other, with players being able to select from Tank, Damage, or Support characters. To ensure fairness, only two Tanks can be used per team. This mode has been one of the top three most played in Overwatch 2 since Season 15 testing began, so it will continue to be available during Season 16, starting on April 22 and ending on June 24. Moreover, the Quick Play version of this playlist will also be accessible.

In a recent blog post, Overwatch 2 associate game director Alec Dawson revealed that Competitive 6v6 was the third most played mode during Season 15. Although the majority of players prefer Competitive 5v5 (with about 3 times as many choosing it compared to 6v6), the number of players for 6v6 has stayed consistent. He also mentioned that queue times across the game have remained good, and data from Season 16 will help determine how Role Queue 5v5 and Open Queue 6v6 can work together in the future.

It’s important to note that as of now, there hasn’t been definitive proof that the 6v6 Open Queue will stay a permanent feature in Overwatch 2. However, comments from Dawson hint that Blizzard aims to keep it as a regular game mode, which is promising news for fans of 6v6. Assuming player numbers remain steady, I find it unlikely that we’ll see this mode disappearing anytime soon.

In Season 16 of Overwatch 2, we’re introducing the new Damage hero Freja, a Nordic woman equipped with a technologically advanced explosive crossbow. She possesses impressive mobility for strategic repositioning and can fire a bola to immobilize her enemies before taking them down with her sharp shooting skills. Additionally, expect the arrival of Stadium mode – an innovative Overwatch role-playing game experience that offers upgradable skills and abilities, a best-of-seven-rounds format, and a third-person perspective. Lastly, competitive play will now include Hero Bans for added strategy and challenge.

I’m happiest with the 5 vs 5 mode in Overwatch 2, but it’s great to know Blizzard is still providing two carefully designed and refined 6 vs 6 playlists for those who prefer that format. Many players have been yearning for the original Overwatch’s style, so having both 5 vs 5 and 6 vs 6 options should make most gamers content on the servers, somewhere or other.

Recently, Overwatch 2 has been experiencing a strong comeback, keeping pace with its tough competition from Marvel in the hero shooter genre, according to data from the end of last month. Despite not exceeding the player count of NetEase Games’ title since the launch of the newer game, it’s managed to hold its ground quite well.

If you haven’t tried Overwatch 2 yet, you can easily jump in since it’s a free-to-play game. A fun fact is that it offers additional benefits for Xbox Game Pass members, who have access to six exclusive hero skins, a continuous 10% XP Boost for Battle Pass progress, and the ability to acquire Battle Passes from the last three seasons even after they’re no longer available to others.

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2025-04-11 00:39