Overwatch 2 has officially confirmed that the 6v6 Open Queue game modes introduced in Season 15 will remain available in both Quick Play and Competitive during Season 16. While Blizzard hasn't made an official statement, the continued inclusion of 6v6 suggests that both 5v5 and 6v6 formats may coexist in the long-term future of Overwatch 2.

One of the most significant changes from Overwatch 1 to 2 was the shift from six to five players per team. This decision sparked debate among fans, leading Overwatch 2 to reintroduce 6v6 gameplay in Season 14 through experimental modes. The positive reception prompted Blizzard to add a permanent 6v6 Open Queue in Season 15, featuring a two-tank limit to maintain balance.

Season 15 is nearing its conclusion, but 6v6 gameplay isn't going anywhere. In a recent Director's Take blog, Overwatch 2’s associate game director Alec Dawson confirmed that 6v6 Open Queue will remain available throughout Season 16 in both Quick Play and Competitive, maintaining the same two-tank restriction as in Season 15. This ensures fans can enjoy this mode alongside the standard 5v5 Role Queue for at least another two months.

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According to Dawson, Competitive 6v6 Open Queue ranked as the third most popular mode in Overwatch 2 during Season 15, only dropping to fourth place after the Totally Normalwatch April Fools' Day mode took the spotlight. He noted an approximate 3:1 ratio favoring 5v5 over 6v6 in Competitive play, with a consistent player base preferring larger team sizes. Queue times have remained stable, and surprisingly, even without Role Queue, most teams still adhered to the traditional 2-2-2 role composition.

Dawson hopes that data collected from Season 16 will help determine how 5v5 and 6v6 can coexist in Overwatch 2's future. While not yet confirmed, it seems increasingly likely that a permanent 6v6 mode will be introduced in upcoming seasons.

Season 16 of Overwatch 2 officially launches on April 22, alongside the debut of Freja, the new damage hero with frost-based abilities. The highly mobile bounty hunter will receive buffs in the update, along with adjustments to several over- and under-performing Perks, ensuring fresh strategies and surprises in matches.