As Overwatch 2 celebrated its second anniversary on October 4, 2024, fans of Blizzard's hero shooter franchise have had plenty to discuss. While the game has continued to build a dedicated player base, the sequel's journey hasn’t been smooth. From initial disappointment surrounding cancelled story missions to the controversial gameplay adjustments in Season 9, Overwatch 2 has been the subject of mixed opinions.
Despite its status as a popular live-service game, some fans have voiced doubts about the game's future, with many longing for the magic of the original 2016 experience. Now, Blizzard has given fans of the original game something major to look forward to. In a recent Director’s Take, the developers announced the return of the iconic 6v6 mode, a community request that has persisted since the launch of Overwatch 2.
Although hints of its return were given back in July, this announcement is the first official confirmation. This shift to 6v6, a format beloved by fans of the first game, is set to make its debut in Season 14. Currently, Overwatch 2 is in Season 13, where Blizzard has introduced various map updates for challenging choke points on maps like Dorado, Havana, and Numbani.
Other details of upcoming updates!
These updates also include significant character reworks, particularly for Sombra. Collaborative events, like the recent My Hero Academia partnership and Halloween-themed modes, have added engaging seasonal content, but the excitement surrounding Season 14 promises something deeper.
According to Blizzard’s timeline, Season 14 will kick off with not just one but two versions of the 6v6 mode. These modes will feature a mix of nostalgia and new mechanics. The first, "Min 1, Max 3," will allow for an Open Queue format where each team must have at least one of each role but no more than three players in any single role.
The second, known as "2-2-2," will utilize the classic two-tank, two-DPS, two-support role lock, yet will integrate Overwatch 2’s newer features, like reduced crowd control abilities and updated hero reworks. Season 13 will also showcase experimental 5v5 modes, such as "Limit 2," which caps each role at two players, and "Kingmaker," which provides a bonus to players solo in their role. These tweaks will pave the way for the larger shift to 6v6 in Season 14, scheduled for December 17.