Pro players in the Overwatch 2 esports scene are debating the return of 6v6 formats following the Classic experimental event.
With the original mode eyeing a comeback in quickplay and ranked in Season 15, is it time for the esports scene to follow suit?
The discourse surrounding Overwatch 6v6 has lingered since the sequel originally swapped to a 5v5 format to a mixed reception.
As the game grapples with balance issues, especially for solo tanks, players have long considered whether returning to 6v6 could fix many of its current problems.
In a post on X, popular streamer Samito said: “If Overwatch 1 was 5v5 role lock it never would have won GOTY or been loved for this long.
“6v6 has the special sauce, big moments, unique hero identity and skill expression via gameplay loop that no other game has touched in 8 years. Overwatch 2 will never be peak in 5v5.”
In a Directors Take blog post Overwatch 2 game director, Aaron Keller, shared how the Season 14 6v6 limited-time run accounted for nearly 10% of total community play time.
Keller said: “There’s definitely a demand for a mode with this team size, but it’s still uncertain how large that demand is. We’re going to run a mini-competitive season of 6v6 starting midseason 15.
“It’s still a little early to say what 6v6’s place is in Overwatch with a decent amount of people playing it, I think that it’s probably here to stay in some form, but so far, we’re not ready to swap the core format of the game.”
Overwatch Pros Once Supported 5v5, Now They Want 6v6
The original format has been gaining traction in the core player base, so much so that the esports scene has been brought into question.
It’s an interesting turn of events given how back in 2023, when Overwatch 2 first launched, several pros voiced their preference for 5v5.
On X William ‘Crimzo‘ Hernandez, former Overwatch pro player, said: “People were initially worried about the swap but I feel like after months of scrims, plus two betas, it’s a no-brainer that 5v5 was the correct approach.”
With 6v6 back in play, pros across all levels are loving it, and they’re pushing Blizzard to take it even further.
In a post on X Spacestation Gaming Xander ‘Hawk‘ Domecq said: “6v6 today reminded me how challenging Overwatch once was. The game is so much more mentally stimulating. Every role is incredibly powerful.”
Overwatch 2 esports has had a rough journey in the last few years, with both highs and lows including the closure of Overwatch League. As such, many pros are apprehensive about whether 6v6 will revitalise the scene or serve as the final nail in the coffin.
Should Overwatch Esports Shift to 6v6?
The return of 6v6 has sparked major excitement in the hero shooter scene, but not everyone’s ready to rush it into Overwatch 2 esports just yet.
It’s not a change that can happen overnight, at least not before this year’s Esports World Cup. It will take some time for teams to adapt to this format again.
Not only would Overwatch Champions Series partner teams have to find a sixth player, but it would also demand countless hours of practice. With 6v6, things such as team comps, strategies, and communication would necessitate review.
With double tanks, matches will see more damage mitigation and more CC, something pro players will have to plan around.
The 6v6 format, once limited to arcade mode, is making its competitive debut midway through Season 15, offering a clearer picture of what high-level 6v6 play in Overwatch 2 will truly look like.
