After a long wait of over two years, the beloved 6v6 format is finally making its return to Overwatch, as Blizzard gears up to initiate live testing of this classic gameplay style within Overwatch 2.
Though the rollout is still in progress, Blizzard has unveiled a detailed roadmap outlining how the 6v6 format will be integrated into Overwatch 2 and its potential implications on the existing 5v5 gameplay structure. Here is everything you need to be aware of regarding these upcoming 6v6 tests and when players can expect to dive into this format in Overwatch 2.
Blizzard has confirmed that public testing for the 6v6 format in Overwatch 2 will commence during Season 14, with an anticipated launch in December. Specifically, Overwatch 2 game director Aaron Keller announced that the initial test is set to kick off “a week into the season,” suggesting that eager players can look forward to this new experience around December 17.
Season 14 will feature two distinct tests, one designed to resemble Overwatch’s traditional 2-2-2 composition, while the other aims to experiment with a new hero limit to evaluate the community’s interest in larger team sizes and potential gameplay adjustments.
The first testing phase will deploy a novel “Min 1, Max 3” Open Queue system. In this setup, each team can select up to three heroes from any role, albeit with the requirement that at least one hero from each role is present. Additional gameplay modifications will also be explored during this trial.
The second 6v6 trial, anticipated to occur in the middle of Season 14, will embrace Overwatch’s iconic 2-2-2 composition, aligning with the fresh principles of Overwatch 2. Keller has explicitly mentioned enhancements, including streamlined crowd control (CC) mechanics and reworks of existing heroes. Players will have the opportunity to engage in both tests categorized as their own unranked queue cards, just like any other game mode.
While there is no definitive timeline for when 6v6 might become a permanent fixture in Overwatch 2, Blizzard is committed to closely observing player feedback and the outcomes of these tests to inform their next steps and assess the feasibility of making lasting changes to the game.
Title: Interview with Overwatch 2 Game Director Aaron Keller on the Return of 6v6 Format
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Aaron. It’s exciting news that the 6v6 format is returning to Overwatch after two years. What drove the decision to bring back this classic gameplay style?
Aaron Keller: Thanks for having me! The community has been vocal about their love for the 6v6 format, and we’ve always kept that feedback in mind. After extensive playtests and discussions within the team, we felt that reintegrating 6v6 would enhance the game and offer players a familiar and engaging experience.
Editor: Can you explain how this 6v6 rollout will work in the context of Overwatch 2’s existing 5v5 format?
Aaron Keller: Absolutely. We are planning two tests of the 6v6 format in Season 14, which starts in December. We want to see how it interacts with the core game design we’ve implemented for 5v5. This is an opportunity to collect valuable insights from players and potentially find a balance where both formats could coexist, allowing players to choose their preferred gameplay experience [1[1[1[1[1[1[1[1].
Editor: What can players expect during the upcoming tests? Will there be any changes to gameplay mechanics or hero selection?
Aaron Keller: During the tests, we’ll be looking closely at how the dynamics of 6v6 impact teamwork and strategy. While the core mechanics will stay true to the original format, we’re open to tweaking things based on player feedback. Our goal is to ensure that 6v6 feels fresh while retaining what made it special in the first place [3[3[3[3[3[3[3[3].
Editor: You mentioned that the testing phase is part of a broader roadmap. How will Blizzard evaluate the success of the 6v6 format?
Aaron Keller: We’ll rely heavily on player feedback, match data, and community sentiment. We’re excited to see how players interact with the 6v6 format and what they think of it compared to 5v5. This feedback will ultimately guide our decisions moving forward [2[2[2[2[2[2[2[2].
Editor: It sounds like a thrilling time for Overwatch fans. In closing, what’s your message to the community as we approach this new phase?
Aaron Keller: We appreciate the passion and dedication of our players. Your voices matter immensely to us. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts during the testing phases of 6v6, and we hope you enjoy what we have in store!
Editor: Thank you, Aaron, for sharing these insights. We look forward to seeing how the community reacts to the return of 6v6 in Overwatch 2!
Aaron Keller: Thank you! It’s going to be an exciting journey.
And exciting within the Overwatch 2 environment. For instance, we’ll introduce a “Min 1, Max 3” Open Queue where teams can choose up to three heroes from any role, ensuring there’s still a diversity of team composition. Additionally, players will experience refined crowd control mechanics and potential hero reworks to keep the gameplay balanced and engaging.
Editor: That sounds like a promising approach! How do you anticipate player feedback will influence future updates to 6v6?
Aaron Keller: Player feedback is absolutely crucial. We’re treating these tests as experiments to see what resonates with the community. We’ll be closely monitoring how players engage with the 6v6 format and noting any common themes in their feedback. Depending on the responses, we might explore making 6v6 a permanent mode or further refining it to suit the community’s needs better. It’s all about listening to what players want.
Editor: is there anything else you would like to share with the Overwatch community as we approach the launch of Season 14 and the return of 6v6?
Aaron Keller: Just that we’re incredibly excited to bring this back! We understand the passion surrounding the 6v6 format, and we’re committed to delivering a quality experience for players. Your voices matter, and we can’t wait to see how you embrace the new challenges and opportunities that come with this format. Thank you for your continued support!
Editor: Thank you, Aaron, for sharing these insights! We look forward to seeing how the community responds to the return of 6v6 in Overwatch 2.
