Overwatch 2 divides community as biggest flaw resurfaces with 6v6’s return

Overwatch 2 brought back the highly requested 6v6 format in a new mode, but many in the community are divided about it, because of one old flaw.

6v6 is a hot topic in the world of Overwatch 2, with content creators and regular players alike claiming its a superior format to the current 5v5. Blizzard has experimented with different 6v6 formats as limited time modes, and the community frequently debated about which format was the best.

Now, Blizzard has brought back competitive 6v6 for the first time, replacing the original 5v5 open queue comp mode. This time, Blizzard opted to bring back open queue with the only restriction being that teams can only have a max of two tanks at a time.

While this move has been praised by some of the community, particularly content creators and top players, the community remains divided as open queue brings out Overwatch 2’s biggest and oldest concern.

Pros and cons to 6v6 open queue in Overwatch 2

Open queue is a controversial format in hero shooters in general for various reasons, but in the case of competitive, many players feel like they aren’t ready to play multiple roles when they need to flex.

“People can’t play every role,” one player wrote. “I’m Masters on Tank, but Plat on DPS, so if I don’t get Tank I basically become a liability.”

Open queue as a format also provides a larger advantage to groups compared to 5v5, making solo queuing and even rougher experience.

“It gives [people] in groups more of an advantage as they have their roles pretty much set already,” replied one user. “I’ve already queued into stacks while my team has been solos…I understand it’s mostly for queue times but usually I’d rather wait.”

Blizzard

One of the primary issues with 6v6 role queue was the long queue times. In fact, one reason why the game transitioned to the current 5v5 format with Overwatch 2 was to eliminate long queue times as there weren’t enough tank players.

However, now with open queue, while queue times are mostly solved, there continues to be a major tank shortage.

“Nobody wants to play tank,” wrote one user. “This isn’t an [Overwatch] issue but something in these hero shooters in general. There is a hugely disproportionate number of [DPS] and supports compared to tanks.”

Still, many players continue to feel that 6v6 is the superior format to 5v5. Content creators have gushed about the new comp mode and are campaigning for its official return. The current 6v6 mode is temporary, and its potential permanent return will be judged based on the mode’s engagement.

In other words, if you want 6v6 to return permanently, be sure to continue playing and provide feedback. 6v6 competitive open queue will likely run until April 21.