Overwatch 2 6v6 Experimental Mode Dates Revealed

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As a veteran Overwatch player who has been through the ranks since its initial release, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia at the prospect of the return of the 6v6 gameplay mode. It was the original format that brought us all together, creating memories that still echo in the gaming community today.

Brings back memories? But is it still fun in 2025?

At one point, Activision Blizzard’s Overwatch was among the most significant first-person shooter (FPS) launches. This game stood out with its distinctive 6vs6 gameplay style, blending aspects of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) and FPS games, but emphasizing the FPS genre more. Later on, they released Overwatch 2, which introduced a change to a 5vs5 mode, resulting in ten players online at once. In the upcoming update for Overwatch 2, there will be two experiments with a 6vs6 gameplay setup to gauge player interest and compatibility. Here’s an overview of what’s new in this latest update along with our expectations.

Overwatch 6v6 gameplay mode

As a passionate gamer, I’ve been eagerly waiting for the return of the classic 6v6 mode, and now it seems Activision Blizzard is giving it another go as an experiment! While they haven’t set a specific date yet, this latest update sheds some light on when we can expect to dive back into team-based battles. Exciting times ahead!

The objective behind these two trials is to gauge the appeal of the 6vs6 format in Overwatch, as some fans feel that the shift to a 5vs5 mode by the developers upon the release of Overwatch 2 was unwarranted. Reintroducing the 6vs6 gameplay could significantly modify the game’s meta again, given the extra player on each team.

This experience stirs up nostalgia for long-time gamers while offering fresh adventures for novices. Two trial sessions, each approximately 15 days in length, have been initiated. Below, you’ll find the commencing and concluding dates for the 6v6 gameplay experimental trials.

  • Test Run 1(Open Queue): December 17, 2024 to January 7, 2025
  • Test Run 2: January 21, 2024 to February 4, 2025.

In each of the upcoming trials, a unique set of guidelines will apply. The initial trial commencing on December 17 will feature four participants, with two assuming each role. Prior to queuing, these roles will be assigned. This setup aims to establish two tank, two DPS, and two support players, mirroring the intended gameplay of Overwatch 1.

In the second trial, scheduled for late January 2025, there will be at least one and up to three characters in each role. Interestingly, during this playthrough, players are allowed to change their roles as needed, provided that another player is already in their current role. This adjustment aims to maintain a balanced team setup, preventing any team from having all six heroes specializing in damage output (DPS).

In the new setup of Overwatch 2, the absence of one player results in a change in team formations, as the tank role becomes even more crucial since there are now two tanks available. This shift might spark curiosity among players about how they’ll adapt to this 6v6 version of the game and whether it will reignite their enthusiasm for Overwatch 2.

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2024-12-17 18:12