Players of Overwatch 2 are celebrating the return of a 6v6 playtest mode, which many believe has revived the essence of the original Overwatch game. This new testing format, part of Season 14, allows participants to engage in a familiar 2/2/2 setup, enabling them to explore a blend of innovative gameplay mechanics introduced in Overwatch 2.
Even though the 6v6 mode has only been operational for a few days at the time of writing, feedback suggests that many users find it more enjoyable than the existing 5v5 format. This temporary experiment has yielded mainly positive responses, particularly among those who are new to Overwatch and have not experienced the first installment.
Players Believe 6v6 Represents the True Overwatch Experience
Originally, Overwatch debuted with a 6v6 format, which was later altered to a 5v5 structure for the sequel. This change was accompanied by various balance adjustments and tank reworks aimed at creating a different multiplayer dynamic. However, many players are now reflecting on how the game feels more complete with the inclusion of an additional tank.
Comments from Aaron Keller, the game director, outline the motivations behind shifting to 5v5, which included reducing crowd control and enhancing the carry potential for damage heroes. However, a primary objective was to refine tank gameplay while minimizing the potential for overly defensive team compositions that emerged in the 6v6 format.
Players have taken to social media platforms to share their enthusiasm regarding the 6v6 test. Numerous Reddit posts have expressed sentiments that having a second tank significantly enhances the enjoyment of the game.
“Picking Tank in 6v6 literally feels better for my mental health. You would think the extra chaos would add to the anxiety of it all, but it’s actually the opposite,” one player remarked.
Feedback goes beyond just tank players, with many expressing that the overall experience aligns more closely with their vision of how Overwatch should operate. One player summarized the sentiments by stating:
“It just feels so much better than 5v5: broken characters feel less oppressive, there’s more action and less stress, and strategy and teamwork feel a lot more important. THIS was the way Overwatch was meant to be played,” another user shared.
Long-time players, particularly those who have been with the game since its beta stage, are experiencing a wave of nostalgia. One dedicated player noted:
“As a player who played since beta I feel a tingle of the old magic back,” commented an Overwatch original fan.
Despite the enthusiasm, the new playtest isn’t without its challenges. Some players have voiced concerns about a lack of clarity regarding tank roles and the need to adjust to the return of the 6v6 format. Additionally, there have been observations that support characters may feel constrained to a more healing-oriented playstyle, struggling to balance between dealing damage and supporting their tanks.
Nonetheless, this playtest appears to resonate more than mere internet chatter. Morgan Maddren, a server engineer for Overwatch, reported that average queue times for games in this mode are impressive, with players usually waiting no longer than one minute.
The ongoing 6v6 experiment will conclude on January 7, 2025, making it a limited-time offering. Following this initial trial, a second playtest is slated from January 21 to February 4, 2025, which will introduce modified roles allowing up to three characters per role while maintaining a minimum of one character per role. As the community looks forward to the next phase, it will be interesting to see how players respond to these proposed changes in the format.
Leave a Reply