In a move that has both surprised and delighted the Overwatch community, Blizzard has reintroduced the classic 6v6 format to Overwatch 2's Competitive Queue.
This nostalgic return is part of the Season 15 midseason update, running from March 18 to April 21, and brings with it modern enhancements aimed at enriching the gameplay experience.
A Nostalgic Revival with Modern Twists
The 6v6 Open Queue mode allows teams to consist of six players, reinstating the original two-tank, two-damage, and two-support team structure that many veteran players fondly remember. This nostalgic mode is combined with the new perks, that got introduced in Season 15 – a mechanic that grants heroes unique upgrades during a match. The combination has been very popular within the community to date.
The fight for Honor & Glory continues in Season 15's Midseason update Check out our latest blog to see what's new like our latest collab with @le_sserafim, Freja's Hero Trial, 6v6 Open Queue, Overwatch Classic: GOATS, and more https://t.co/VFJMsNJpzT pic.twitter.com/pbCx5hL8mq
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) March 18, 2025
This mode temporarily replaces the existing 5v5 Open Queue in both ranked and unranked play, providing players with a refreshed way to engage in battles. Whether coordinating complex team plays or flexing into various roles, the 6v6 Open Queue offers the freedom to shape each match uniquely.
Community Reactions: A Surge of Enthusiasm
The community's response to the reintroduction of 6v6 has been overwhelmingly positive. Many players have expressed a renewed excitement for the game, noting that the combination of the classic format with new Perks has revitalized their interest.
YouTuber Samito shared his enthusiasm on X:
„Overwatch 2 open queue 6v6 with perks is the most fun I've had playing Overwatch in YEARS. This is the way blizzard, this is the way. Perks update without question the best update the Overwatch team has ever made.“
Similarly, streamer Phyerx tweeted:
„I played 6v6 comp for 12 hours today. I fear that was the most fun I've ever had on Overwatch 2. If they make this a permanent mode I would honestly come back to Overwatch full time.“
These sentiments are echoed across various forums and social media platforms, with players advocating for the permanent return of the 6v6 format. Many believe that this mode captures the essence of what made Overwatch engaging in its earlier days, and the addition of Perks has only enhanced the experience.
While the 6v6 format thrives in Competitive Play, its integration into Quick Play has encountered issues. Blizzard acknowledged a problem where Perks were not enabled in Quick Play's 6v6 Open Queue, leading to an unintended gameplay experience. As a result, they have reverted Quick Play back to the 5v5 format but assured players that 6v6 remains available in Competitive Play.
Due to an issue with Quick Play 6v6 Open Queue, the mode does not have Perks enabled. We are switching back to 5v5 in Quick Play, but players can still experience 6v6 in Competitive Play. We plan to fix the mode for Quick Play in a future update.
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) March 19, 2025
The Future of 6v6 in Overwatch 2
The enthusiastic reception of the 6v6 mode has sparked discussions about its potential permanence in Overwatch 2. Players draw parallels to other games, such as Marvel Rivals, where similar formats have found success in competitive modes. The community's passion for 6v6, combined with the positive feedback on the Perks system, presents a compelling case for Blizzard to consider making this mode a staple in Overwatch 2's lineup.
As the 6v6 Competitive Open Queue continues until April 21, the Overwatch community remains hopeful that Blizzard will heed their calls for its permanent return. Whether this classic format becomes a mainstay or remains a limited-time offering, its current revival has undoubtedly rekindled excitement and nostalgia among players worldwide.