Overwatch 2 has introduced plenty of changes, from new heroes to fresh maps, but its most impactful shift was moving from a 6-v-6 format to 5-v-5 gameplay. This adjustment reduced each team by one player, streamlining queue times but leaving some longtime fans nostalgic for the original format. That’s why there’s excitement around the announcement of the Overwatch 6-v-6 trials making a comeback. So, when will Overwatch’s 6-v-6 mode return?
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Rather than a full return to 6-v-6, Blizzard is reintroducing it through a series of trials. Each will feature slight format adjustments, allowing Blizzard to gather data on what works best. Here’s what to expect from these trials, including dates and formats.
When Will Overwatch’s 6-v-6 Trials Begin?
Overwatch’s 6-v-6 trials are set to launch in December, with speculations pointing to December 14 as the potential start date, though nothing official has been confirmed yet. In the first trial, players won’t see a strict return to the original 2/2/2 setup (two of each role). Instead, the game will run in an Open Queue format, where each team must have at least one hero from each role but can choose up to three of one role. This means teams could have configurations like 1 Tank, 3 DPS, and 2 Support, or go with the traditional 2/2/2—it’s up to each team to decide.
Following this, the second trial will launch mid-season and will feature the classic 2/2/2 composition that fans remember. This traditional setup of two Tanks, two DPS, and two Support is something many players have missed, and it’s likely to bring in higher player engagement during the trial period.
Could 6-v-6 Replace 5-v-5 Permanently?
At this stage, the 6-v-6 format is just a test. However, if the trials prove popular, there’s a chance Blizzard might bring it back as a permanent option. Blizzard will assess player feedback and in-game data to determine which format is the most engaging. While there’s no guarantee that 6-v-6 will replace 5-v-5, strong interest from players could influence Blizzard’s final decision. Fans will have to stay tuned after the trials to see which direction Overwatch takes.
