How to Make 6v6 Overwatch 2: A Comprehensive Guide
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The burning question for many veteran Overwatch players is: How do you get 6v6 back in Overwatch 2? The answer is straightforward: you can’t in standard game modes. Blizzard made a definitive shift to 5v5 gameplay with the release of Overwatch 2, fundamentally changing the team composition dynamics. However, all is not lost for those who crave the nostalgic chaos of 6v6. The key lies in leveraging Custom Games and the Workshop feature. This article will detail how to create a 6v6 experience in Overwatch 2 and address some frequently asked questions regarding this popular demand.
Creating 6v6 in Custom Games
While Blizzard moved to 5v5 for core modes, they understand the fondness many players have for 6v6. Thankfully, the Custom Game feature allows you to create matches with custom rules, including increasing the team size to six. Here’s how:
- Navigate to Custom Games: Launch Overwatch 2 and from the main menu, select “Play” and then choose “Custom Games”.
- Create a New Game: Click “Create” to start a new custom game. You’ll be taken to the game settings menu.
- Modify Lobby Settings: In the lobby settings menu, look for the “Max Players on a Team” option. The default is 5, so you’ll need to increase this number to 6.
- Customize Rules (Optional): Beyond team size, you can customize various aspects of your match including hero selection, map rotations, game modes, cooldowns and more. Feel free to tweak these to create the perfect 6v6 experience you are looking for.
- Invite Friends or Open to Public: Once your settings are complete, invite friends to your game, or open it up to the public in the server browser.
- Start the Game: You’re ready to launch your 6v6 Overwatch 2 match!
Using Workshop for Advanced 6v6 Options
The Workshop mode provides an even more advanced and customizable way to create a 6v6 experience. Using workshop, you can implement custom scripts, abilities, and even game modes to re-create the feeling of the original game before the 5v5 shift.
- Access Workshop Settings: When creating a Custom Game you will see a Workshop menu.
- Start from Scratch or use Code: You can start building your custom code from scratch, or search for and import custom codes designed to create 6v6 modes.
- Modify and Test: Once the code is loaded, modify parameters as desired. Then, test your settings to make sure they perform as expected.
- Save and Share: Share the code with other players who want to use your custom 6v6 game mode!
Why 6v6 Remains Desirable
Despite the official shift to 5v5, the desire for 6v6 persists within the community. The original Overwatch was built with 6v6 in mind, where the team composition relied on two tanks. Many players feel that the dynamic of having a main tank and off-tank added layers of strategy and complexity that are lacking in 5v5. Also, many players find the 6v6 style of gameplay to simply be more enjoyable.
The nostalgia is strong, as evidenced by player sentiment. Although Blizzard has acknowledged these desires, they have remained firm in their decision to stick with 5v5 citing benefits like quicker queue times and less reliance on shields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to playing 6v6 in Overwatch 2, designed to provide you with a more detailed understanding of the topic.
1. Is 6v6 officially available in any core game modes of Overwatch 2?
No. 6v6 is not an official game mode in Overwatch 2’s Quick Play, Competitive, or Arcade modes. The core game is designed around 5v5 gameplay.
2. Does the Workshop mode offer 6v6 options?
Yes! The Workshop mode allows players to create and share custom game modes, which can include implementing a 6v6 format. Numerous custom games utilizing 6v6 are already out there.
3. Can I get competitive rankings in a 6v6 custom game?
No, unfortunately. Custom games do not contribute to your competitive rank or skill rating. They are designed for casual play and experimentation.
4. Why did Blizzard switch from 6v6 to 5v5?
Blizzard cited several reasons, including faster queue times, and a reduction in the impact of barriers on gameplay, that caused them to shift from 6v6 to 5v5. The change also aims to give Overwatch 2 its own distinct identity.
5. Is there any hope for an official 6v6 game mode in the future?
While community desire remains, Blizzard has given no indication of bringing back an official 6v6 mode. Their focus remains on refining and balancing the 5v5 gameplay.
6. Are hero balance changes made for the 5v5 format considered when playing 6v6 custom games?
Yes, hero balance changes apply to custom games also. However, you can customize hero stats and abilities in the Workshop to tweak it to your liking.
7. Does 6v6 impact performance of my system more than 5v5?
The performance impact is usually minimal. However, a game with 12 players will likely require slightly more resources than 10 players.
8. What are the most popular types of 6v6 custom games?
Players often create custom games that try to recreate the original Overwatch experience, including the two tank meta. Other popular variations include custom game modes not available in other play modes.
9. Can I find 6v6 lobbies in the custom games browser easily?
Yes, you can typically find 6v6 games by searching custom games by mode type. Also, using terms like “6v6” in your search will often yield relevant results.
10. Are there downsides to playing 6v6 in Custom Games?
The lack of official ranking and rewards can make custom games less appealing to some players. Also, custom games are more dependent on the quality of players in your server.
11. What are the benefits of playing 6v6 instead of 5v5?
Many players enjoy the increased complexity and the strategic dynamic of having two tanks. They also find the gameplay to be less chaotic.
12. Does Overwatch 2 have custom matches with the old Overwatch maps in 6v6 format?
Yes, Overwatch 2 does have a custom match feature, meaning you can choose to play on all maps from both Overwatch 1 and 2, meaning all classic maps will be able to be played in 6v6.
13. Is there a limit on the number of custom game modes I can save in the Workshop?
There isn’t an explicit limit, but there is a cap on the total number of custom game scripts a player can store, which can become quite large.
14. How do I share a custom game code with others?
When you save a custom game in the workshop, you’ll be given a unique code that you can share with other players. They can then import your code and play your game mode.
15. Does playing custom games affect my battle pass progress?
No, playing custom games does not contribute to your battle pass progress. You only earn battle pass XP when playing standard game modes such as Quick Play, Competitive, or Arcade.
Conclusion
While Overwatch 2 has officially moved to the 5v5 format, the passion for 6v6 is alive and well in the community. Thanks to the robust custom game options and Workshop feature, creating and enjoying 6v6 matches remains entirely possible. Even if it’s not an official mode, these workarounds allow you to experience the game the way you remember, or even customize it to your liking. By using the methods mentioned, you too can enjoy 6v6 gameplay, even in Overwatch 2.