Summary
- Overwatch 2's 6v6 playtest has been extended due to high player interest.
- The role queue mode will transition to an open queue format with 1-3 heroes of each class sometime around the middle of the season.
- The 6v6 mode could become a permanent addition in the future.
The limited-time 6v6 game mode playtest in Overwatch 2 has been extended beyond its original end date of January 6. Game Director Aaron Keller announced that the mode will stay available until the middle of the season, after which it will transition into an open queue format. This extension comes in response to the overwhelming popularity of the 6v6 format, which has reignited hope among fans that it could become a permanent feature in Overwatch 2.
The 6v6 mode made its first appearance in the sequel during the Overwatch Classic event in November last year. Its initial run was brief, but it quickly became one of the most popular modes in the game. Following its success, Blizzard reintroduced 6v6 at the start of Season 14, with the second playtest originally scheduled to end on January 6. Unlike the Overwatch Classic event, this playtest did not include the return of some classic hero abilities.
Due to the continued strong interest from players, Aaron Keller took to his personal Twitter account to announce the extension of the 6v6 mode's second playtest. Players can enjoy 12-player matches for an extended period, though the exact end date remains unspecified. The mode will soon move to the Arcade section and will remain in its current form until the middle of the current season. At that point, it will shift from a role queue to an open queue format, requiring each team to have between 1 and 3 heroes of each class.
The Case For Overwatch 2's 6v6 Mode to Return Permanently
The enduring popularity of Overwatch 2's 6v6 mode is no surprise to many players. Since the game's release in 2022, the return of 6-player teams has been one of the most requested features. The shift to 5v5 matches was a significant change from the original Overwatch, affecting gameplay in ways that have been met with mixed reactions from the community.
However, the recent success of the 6v6 playtests has given fans renewed hope that the mode will become a permanent fixture in Overwatch 2. Many are optimistic that it could even be included in the competitive playlist once the general playtests are completed.
