Where Have All the Tank Players Gone in Overwatch 2’s 6v6 Matches?

Overwatch 2’s recent 6v6 playtest has showcased a favorable response from players; however, a concerning trend has emerged: tank player participation appears to be dwindling, leaving many in the community puzzled about the decline.

The Rise of 6v6 in Overwatch 2

The 6v6 format has gained considerable momentum in Overwatch 2, overshadowing the release of Hazard and much of the content from Season 14. Initial reactions were overwhelmingly positive, especially from tank players who felt rejuvenated by this new structure, which seemed to enhance the enjoyment of tanking.

Challenges of the 5v5 Format

In contrast, the 5v5 setup has often left tank players feeling vulnerable due to the absence of a second tank. This format forces individual tanks to bear the weight of their role alone, with counterpicking becoming a significant issue. Many hoped that the reintroduction of 6v6 would lead to a resurgence in tank play, but things have not unfolded as expected.

Where Have All the Good Tanks Gone?

Aaron Keller has previously indicated that one of the driving factors behind the shift to 5v5 was the concern over lengthy queue times for players. This ongoing issue raises questions about the sustainability of the 6v6 format, as the tank player pool seems to be diminishing once again.

One player articulated a common grievance: “The reality is that tank is an unpopular role that most people do not enjoy playing. It has always been this way and likely will remain so.” This perspective suggests that while some players might advocate for the fun aspects of tanking in 6v6, they may not actively choose that role in practice.

Dynamic Roles and Queue Times

The traditional roles of “main tank”and “off-tank”have also resurfaced, wherein the main tank is primarily tasked with absorbing damage and creating space for team movements. As one player shared, “You are basically at the mercy of your duo,” highlighting the reliance on team dynamics in achieving success.

Interestingly, queue times can vary by region, with specific servers reporting longer wait times for tank roles. This suggests that there still may be more players opting to queue as tanks than initially perceived.

Looking Ahead: Future Playtests

Despite the current concerns surrounding tank player numbers, Blizzard has announced plans to conduct another 6v6 playtest next year. This upcoming test will introduce a more flexible format, allowing players to select up to three characters per role while mandating at least one character from each role. Such an approach aims to alleviate some of the queue time problems by implementing an open queue system, enabling players to engage more fluidly.

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