The gaming community continues to debate the merits of team composition structures in competitive shooters, with Destiny 2 and Overwatch 2 standing at opposite ends of the spectrum in 2025. Three years after Overwatch's controversial shift from 6v6 to 5v5, players are still drawing comparisons to Bungie's approach with Destiny 2, which maintained its 6v6 Crucible format despite initial experimentation with 4v4 in its early days.
When Overwatch 2 launched, replacing the original game entirely, many fans questioned why Blizzard couldn't follow Bungie's example with Destiny 2. While Destiny 2 had its fair share of problems at launch—including the temporary removal of 6v6 Crucible in favor of 4v4—Bungie never deleted Destiny 1 from existence. Players dissatisfied with Destiny 2's early state could always return to the original game until improvements were made.
The contrast between these approaches has sparked renewed interest as Blizzard has spent the past year experimenting with bringing 6v6 back to Overwatch 2. What started as experimental modes in Season 13 and 14 has evolved into something more permanent, with the development team acknowledging player feedback about the coexistence of both formats.
The Destiny 2 Approach: Evolution Without Erasure
Destiny 2's journey provides an interesting counterpoint to Overwatch's transition. When Destiny 2 launched with 4v4 Crucible instead of the beloved 6v6 format from the original game, players voiced their disappointment. However, Bungie made a critical decision that differs from Blizzard's approach—they kept Destiny 1 intact.
"To this day some players still hop on Destiny 1 to experience the nostalgia or play it for fun," notes a longtime Destiny player. "Even with the bad problems that Destiny 2 had when it was released, Bungie did not delete Destiny 1."
This preservation of player choice allowed the community to vote with their time, splitting between those enjoying the new experience and those preferring the original. Eventually, Bungie reintroduced 6v6 to Destiny 2 with the Forsaken expansion, acknowledging the community's preference.
Overwatch 2's 5v5 Experiment: Three Years Later
In 2025, Blizzard's decision to completely replace Overwatch with its sequel continues to be controversial. The shift to 5v5 fundamentally changed the game's dynamics, particularly regarding tank roles. While some players embraced the faster-paced matches with fewer shields, others lamented the loss of the strategic depth that came with dual-tank compositions.
What's particularly interesting about the Destiny 2 Overwatch 2 6v6 discussion is how it highlights different philosophies about game evolution. Destiny 2 eventually returned to its roots by reintroducing 6v6 while maintaining its sequel status. Overwatch 2 took a more radical approach by completely replacing its predecessor and changing fundamental gameplay mechanics.
The Compromise: Coexistence in 2025
After years of community feedback, Blizzard has finally implemented what many consider the best compromise—allowing both 5v5 and 6v6 formats to coexist within Overwatch 2. This approach began with experimental modes testing different role configurations:
-
"Min 1, Max 3" - Teams must have at least one but no more than three of any role
-
Traditional 2-2-2 role queue for 6v6
-
"Limit 2" - A 5v5 format with maximum two players per role
-
"Kingmaker" - Where the solo role receives power bonuses
The positive reception to these experiments eventually led to permanent implementation of both formats, giving players the choice that many had requested since Overwatch 2's announcement.
What Can Other Games Learn?
The Destiny 2 Overwatch 2 6v6 saga offers valuable lessons for other game developers considering sequels or major overhauls:
-
Preserve player choice when possible - Not forcing players to abandon experiences they enjoy
-
Test major changes extensively - Both games eventually found success by listening to player feedback
-
Consider coexistence of formats - Sometimes the best solution isn't choosing one approach over another, but supporting multiple playstyles
Have you experienced both Destiny 2's Crucible and Overwatch 2's various team formats? Which do you prefer, and do you think other games should follow the coexistence model that's finally been implemented in 2025?
As we look toward future updates for both franchises, one thing remains clear—the passionate communities surrounding these games continue to shape their evolution in meaningful ways. The debate over 6v6 versus 5v5 might seem trivial to outsiders, but for dedicated players, these structural decisions fundamentally alter the experiences they've invested thousands of hours in.
Whether you're a Guardian in the Crucible or a hero defending objectives in Overwatch 2, the Destiny 2 Overwatch 2 6v6 discussion reminds us that player voices matter in the ongoing development of live service games.