Overwatch’s latest anniversary mode brings back pre-Overwatch 2 6v6 and I have to admit, I missed it

Role queueing as a tank in 5v5 Overwatch requires you to have three things: the mental fortitude of a monk, the siteline knowledge of a OWCS player, and a heart of gold, because good lord can this role feel hellish.

That is partially because a good tank can make and break your team, more so than any other role, mostly thanks to the fact that there’s only one per team now after Overwatch’s shift to 5V5. Instead of having a main and an off tank, you’re required to be everything wrapped up in one: someone that can make space, hold the front line, and peel when your supports need you. Needless to say there’s a lot of pressure.

(Image credit: Blizzard)

For those who don’t want to succumb to the stresses and strains of that life, you can still play 6v6. Although, it doesn’t have a role queue, and the heroes currently in it are mostly balanced for 5v5 (aside from some health and ability tweaks). For this week only, though, you can queue pre-OW2 6v6 Overwatch as part of the 10 year anniversary celebrations.

I’ve played all of the nostalgia modes, including OG Overwatch and the Mystery Heroes tribute, and I’ve enjoyed each one of them for different reasons. But playing this version of 6v6 Overwatch actually made me enjoy the tank role again.

I am, however, lucid enough to realise that this is the version of tank I like the most because I always played off tank. If I had been a main tank queuer, I perhaps wouldn’t like it as much, as you have less impact on team fights. But as someone who enjoys hunting down enemy flankers with my DPS without having to worry as much about our backline, this mode is brilliant.

(Image credit: Blizzard)

I’m also aware that while nostalgia can be fun, change is also necessary. I’ve largely appreciated the shift to 5v5 as it’s streamlined teamfights, made individual contributions have more impact, and just generally made everything more concise. As a support main I forget how stressful it is to keep not just one but two squishy tanks up.

Either way, I can’t get too used to this 6v6 mode as it’ll disappear back into the ether at the end of the week when the 10 year anniversary celebrations finally come to an end. It’s a melancholy thought. Although, on the bright side, Aaron Keller has already confirmed that more free stuff is planned for later this year. I’ll always get out of bed for free stuff.