Blizzard has confirmed that 6v6 in Overwatch 2 is a possibility, but players may have to compromise on queue time.
Overwatch 2 may have seemed like a minor upgrade from its predecessor, but it had a profound impact.
The shift from 6v6 to 5v5 lobbies introduced a significant strategic change while also cutting queue times. Team composition was encouraged through role assignments, discouraging players from filling all five slots with Damage heroes.
However, old-timers have been persistently urging the developer to revert to the 6v6 format as they have struggled to adapt to the 5v5 format.
![Is 6v6 returning to Overwatch 2? We have some details Juno in Overwatch 2](https://cdn.oneesports.gg/cdn-data/2024/07/Juno_Overwatch_2_abilities-1-1024x576.jpg)
In a new “Director’s Take” blog, Aron Keller has confirmed that Blizzard has been considering adding 6v6 in Overwatch 2 due to popular demand. However, potential tradeoffs are causing the delay.
6v6 in Overwatch 2 is a possibility but with a catch
Keller has revealed plans to eventually reintroduce 6v6 in Overwatch 2 through in-game tests and mode. These tests will be aimed at ensuring an “optimized technical performance” for a 12-person lobby.
With the introduction of 5v5 gameplay, players experienced a significant reduction in queue times.
This was attributed to the adjustments made to team composition, which decreased the necessity for two tanks in a single game – a role that players tended to avoid in the original version of Overwatch. According to Keller, the reintroduction of 6v6 gameplay may bring back this issue.
![Is 6v6 returning to Overwatch 2? We have some details Overwatch 2 tank tier list](https://cdn.oneesports.gg/cdn-data/2024/04/Overwatch_2_tank-1024x576.jpg)
“Is there a world where people are willing to live with long queue times to play [6v6] format? Maybe, but that’s a pretty risky move to make,” Keller said.
Rest assured, the developer has plans to tackle the potential queue time trade-off to accommodate 6v6 in the current Overwatch 2 framework.
When is 6v6 coming back to Overwatch 2?
![Is 6v6 returning to Overwatch 2? We have some details Overwatch 2 6v6 heroes](https://cdn.oneesports.gg/cdn-data/2024/07/Overwatch_2_6_v_6-1-1024x576.jpg)
Tests to down the groundwork for the 6v6 format begin in Season 13, but the actual mode may take “several seasons,” according to the developer.
The first limitation to a 6v6 format is role compositions. To tackle that, Blizzard is introducing some twists to the upcoming Quick Play: Hacked mode. In this mode, the developer will test a team composition that is not “quite as rigid as a set composition, but not as loose as an open queue.”
This means, players may be able to pick their roles freely, but with certain limitations.
If it’s a success, Blizzard may finally figure out a way to introduce 6v6 in Overwatch 2 without extending queue time.
READ MORE: Overwatch Quickplay Hacked guide: All passives, best hero combos