Overwatch 2 6v6 Role Queue Times Issues: A Growing Concern

Overwatch 2 6v6 Role Queue Times Issues: A Growing Concern

Overview of Current 6v6 Testing in Overwatch 2

  • The 6v6 gameplay tests in Overwatch 2 are facing significant queue time issues, particularly for DPS and support players, attributed to a shortage of tank players.
  • Tanks are in higher demand, leading to almost immediate queues, while DPS and support players can experience waits of up to 10 minutes often.
  • To alleviate these queue challenges, Overwatch 2 plans to launch a new game mode called Min 1, Max 3, which aims to increase flexibility in hero usage.

The ongoing 6v6 experiments in Overwatch 2 are encountering a recurring problem seen in multiplayer co-op games: inadequate tank participation. As players jump into these 6v6 matches, it has become evident that the game continues to grapple with the same role queue issues that plagued its predecessor.

Currently, Overwatch 2 is engaged in a series of 6v6 tests under the 2-2-2 role queue system, which will remain in effect until January 7, 2025. A follow-up test is scheduled for the new year, featuring the Min 1, Max 3 mode from January 21 to February 4.

Long Queue Times for DPS and Support in Overwatch 2

Why has Tank role become unpopular again in 6v6? by u/Drunken_Queen in Competitiveoverwatch

Despite varying reports, it appears that during peak gaming hours, queue times for DPS and support players can extend significantly. While reports from players like Drunken_Queen suggest waits of 10 minutes, real-time observations indicate that these roles currently have wait times of around 2 to 5 minutes, whereas tanks enjoy under a minute for matchmaking. Though Drunken_Queen’s experience may reflect off-peak conditions, it emphasizes a broader trend — a shortage of active tank players in the 6v6 format.

Queue Times Graph for Overwatch 2 6v6
Additional Queue Times
5v5 Sample Queue Times
6v6 Playtests Overview
6v6 Tests Schedule

Interestingly, this queue dynamic was anticipated by Overwatch 2’s developers prior to launching the 6v6 tests. Game director Aaron Keller highlighted long queue times as a significant factor for transitioning from 5v5 to 6v6 gameplay structures. With the ongoing tests, his prediction appears to be validated.

Discussions within the community speculate various reasons behind the decreased interest in tank roles. Some believe it stems from the role’s gameplay experience, while others suggest that 6v6 may not be as well-received as initially perceived. Regardless, Blizzard is actively seeking solutions. The forthcoming 6v6 test, featuring Min 1, Max 3, will allow players to adaptively select between one and three heroes in each role, a move Keller asserts could resolve longstanding queue time issues.

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