Overwatch will launch a test for the 6v6 Role Queue in Season 6, starting on December 8. The test will run for four weeks from the start of the season and will not replace the existing competitive queues.
This new option uses a 2-2-2 configuration with 2 Tanks, 2 Damage, and 2 Support heroes. Players will be able to choose between standard 5v5, 6v6 Open Queue, and the 6v6 Role Queue test.
Blizzard faced player backlash after shifting the game to 5v5 overall in 2023, later bringing back 6v6 as an Open Queue to replace the 5v5 Open Queue. This test further addresses some players' requests to restore the original 6v6 role-based format, but Blizzard has not yet defined it as a permanent mode. The team will make decisions based on player acceptance and operational performance.
Officials were previously concerned that adding more queues would fragment the player base, thereby increasing match wait times for new and other modes. Season 6 will also adjust the matchmaking system; the team believes these changes will keep wait times at a manageable level and will continue to monitor performance.