Overwatch 2 is shaking things up for Season 14 by reintroducing 6v6 gameplay through two experimental game modes. Fans eager for a nostalgic return to the classic format can mark their calendars, as the tests will run across two separate timeframes: December 17 to January 7, 2025, and January 21 to February 4, 2025.
The first test, called Role Queue, kicks off on December 17. This mode locks teams into a traditional 6v6 setup with two players per role—Tank, Damage, and Support. Players will select their role before queuing up, bringing back the strategic balance that defined Overwatch’s original team play. This experiment will last for three weeks, giving players plenty of time to enjoy the refreshed experience.
Next, starting January 21, the Min 1 – Max 3 experiment will take over, adding a flexible twist to the 6v6 structure. In this mode, teams must include at least one Tank, Damage, and Support hero but can have up to three players in any single role. What makes this test interesting is that players can swap roles mid-match, provided that their current role has at least one other player still active. This setup encourages adaptability and could bring a dynamic new energy to Overwatch 2’s gameplay.
While both tests are scheduled to be limited-time events, Blizzard has hinted at the possibility of 6v6 making a more permanent return depending on player feedback. The developer will closely monitor the popularity of these experiments, and fans hoping for a longer-term revival of the format are encouraged to jump in and show their support.
These 6v6 tests come alongside another exciting announcement for Season 14: the return of Overwatch: Classic. Though Blizzard hasn’t revealed specific dates for this event yet, it’s confirmed that players will get to revisit the infamous “Moth Meta” from 2017—an era defined by Mercy’s dominant role in competitive matches. Since Season 14 ends on February 18, it’s likely that the Classic event could run either in the two-week gap between the 6v6 experiments or right after both tests conclude. If so, players could enjoy over a month of near-continuous throwbacks to Overwatch’s earlier days.
The reintroduction of 6v6 modes reflects Blizzard’s ongoing effort to experiment with Overwatch 2’s gameplay while responding to fan nostalgia. While the standard 5v5 format remains the core of the game, these tests could mark a turning point for Overwatch 2, especially if the feedback proves overwhelmingly positive.
For now, fans can gear up for the return of classic team battles, whether it’s testing out Role Queue, adapting to Min 1 – Max 3, or anticipating Overwatch: Classic’s throwback meta. With so much packed into Season 14, Blizzard is clearly delivering an experience aimed at rekindling the excitement of longtime players while giving newer fans a taste of Overwatch history.
