Overwatch 2 6v6 Testing Start Date and Duration Dependent on Player Engagement

Blizzard has been contemplating the return of the six versus six gameplay format to the free-to-play title, Overwatch 2. This interest has surged due to the enduring enthusiasm from fans of the original game. Recently, the company announced that testing for this beloved mode will commence with the arrival of Overwatch 2 Season 14, slated for early to mid-December.

According to Blizzard, the initial phase of testing will feature two 6v6 matches within the Unranked playlists, running concurrently with the existing 5v5 gameplay. The first test will mandate that teams incorporate at least one hero from each role, allowing for a maximum of three heroes per role, akin to a variant of the Open Queue format.

Later in the season, a second test will introduce a new twist on the classic 2-2-2 role setup. This iteration will also include some exclusive balance modifications specifically tailored for the 6v6 format, with a primary focus on adjusting the Tank roles.

When it comes to the anticipated player counts for Overwatch 2 matches, even Blizzard appears to be weighing its options. Game director Aaron Keller shared insights on the matter, stating, “If we witness a significant influx of players engaging in this mode consistently, that will signal us to expand on it.”He emphasized that the nature of this expansion will rely heavily on the community’s excitement.

Blizzard is amenable to the coexistence of both the current 5v5 and the nostalgic 6v6 configurations in Overwatch 2. However, the ultimate decision hinges on player feedback following Season 14’s launch. Should the 6v6 format not gain traction among the community, there is a possibility that the game may revert entirely to the 5v5 setup.

In the meantime, ongoing Season 13 content updates are underway. Upcoming new modes aimed at testing a ‘2 players per role’ format will soon launch in 5v5 Quick Play as part of the Hacked experiments.

Blizzard plans to share more details about Season 14 of Overwatch 2 as the release date approaches, and they are already hinting at “another special surprise just around the corner.”

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