While Overwatch 2 shifted its gameplay to 5v5 team modes, players can use custom games to return the action back to the traditional style of 6v6.

Fans wanting a way to play the more traditional 6v6 style in Overwatch 2 can do so through the custom games option. Positioned as a live-service, free to play sequel, Blizzard has made a number of changes to the traditional Overwatch formula. While the game does include new maps and heroes, such as the recently released support named Kiriko, it also adds seasonal battle passes and challenges while removing the old and sometimes controversial Loot Box system.

However, one of the biggest gameplay changes to Overwatch 2, compared to its predecessor, is the move from 6v6 team based modes, so just two teams of 5. Gameplay structure has also been modified so that team compositions have to be 2 support characters, 2 damage characters, and then 1 Tank. Naturally, this change has had an impact on how matches play out, typically creating faster rounds and fewer roadblocks from teams utilizing a double shield meta.

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While this team switch has generally been seen as favorable by Overwatch 2 players, there are those who long for a way to return to the old ways. Thankfully, Blizzard has made it possible to play in classic 6v6 style matches through the custom games area. Overwatch reddit user Free_way showcased this in a recent screenshot from the game from the character select screen, where six players were picking which characters they wanted to be. According to Free_way, there's a setting that can be changed in order to add a sixth player to the team.

Many players rejoiced at this revelation, though there were more than a few who worried that this mode may be a little broken and unbalanced when combined with all the tank changes made to characters like Reinhardt and Zarya. Others have stated that the 5v5 matches with just 1 active tank feels much better and a return to the old ways is no longer as appealing as it seemed. Regardless, just having an option will no doubt satisfy at least a portion of the player base.

While this is unlikely to be considered official, new game modes are nothing new for the Overwatch franchise. Alongside traditional modes like Push, Control, and Escort, players can head to the Arcade section on the game's menu to experience less traditional game modes. In here the rules are generally lessened, so modes like Total Mayhem, Capture the Flag, or even No Limits, which allows players to pick any character they want even if someone else has already selected them, attempts to offer something new and different. While it may not make much sense, a team of five could all pick Reinhardt for maximum shield coverage and to generally annoy the opposing team.

Overwatch 2 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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Derek's love of games came at an early age when his parents first brought home the Nintendo Entertainment System. From then on, countless nights were spent hunting ducks, stomping turtles, exploring far off planets, and combing through dungeons with a trusty sword and shield. Originally growing up exclusively with Nintendo products, Derek's perspective grew to include other platforms ranging from Sony, to Microsoft, the PC, and more. As his views and opinions grew, so did the desire to connect with other players and video game fans. In 2011, his blogging and writing adventure began at his personal site Gamercrash.com. While he continues to write there, he eventually joined up with the Game Rant crew in 2015, writing everything from features and guides, to the latest breaking video game news. You can find Derek here, at his personal website Gamercrash.com, or @GamerCrash on Twitter.