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, as announced by Game Director Aaron Keller. This extension is due to the overwhelming popularity of the 6v6 format, which will continue until the middle of the current season before shifting to an open queue format. Many fans are hopeful that this mode will become a permanent fixture in Overwatch 2.
The 6v6 mode first returned in November during the Overwatch Classic event, quickly becoming one of the most played modes in the game. Although it initially ran for just a few weeks, its popularity led to its reintroduction at the start of Season 14. The second 6v6 role queue playtest was scheduled from December 17 to January 6 but did not include the return of certain hero abilities seen in the Classic event.
Responding to the strong player interest, Aaron Keller announced on his personal Twitter that the playtest would be extended. While the exact end date for the playtest remains unspecified, it will soon move to the Arcade section. The mode will continue in its current form until the middle of the season, after which it will transition from a role queue to an open queue format, allowing teams 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, as the return of 6-player teams has been one of the most requested features since the game's 2022 release. The shift to 5v5 matches marked a significant change from the original Overwatch, impacting gameplay in varied ways for different players.
The hope among fans that 6v6 will become a permanent addition to Overwatch 2 is stronger than ever. There is particular interest in seeing the mode included in the competitive playlist, a possibility that could materialize once the ongoing playtests conclude.
