Overwatch 2 recently had its big PvP livestream, giving fans insight into some of the changes Blizzard is planning to make in the sequel. During this stream, plenty of promising content was shown, such as the reworks for Mei and Winston. Zenyatta’s new HUD proved promising as well, and while fans were quick to praise these changes, the community has been a lot more divided on the switch to 5v5.
While fans are accustomed to 6v6 play after five years with the original game, Overwatch 2 will be making the change to 5v5. As a result, teams will have one less Tank, with Tank heroes being buffed in response. While the goal is to create more fast-paced matches that are easier to keep track of and focus on, some fans are understandably worried about the hero shooter’s dynamic being lost. With a new 5v5 focus, less tanks will be required. While this will impact normal matches, it could affect the Overwatch League even more — with two possibilities on the table.
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The first possibility is also the most disappointing, and it would see Overwatch League teams dropping at least one of their Tank players. Unfortunately, there are some scenarios where this may need to happen, as teams like the Boston Uprising have four different Tank players on their active roster. With each team only featuring one Tank slot in the sequel, though, this will likely no longer be necessary.
Boston Uprising is an outlier, as most teams have two or three players that main Tank heroes in Overwatch, but the situation does present itself where OWL teams may be trimmed down. While this would undoubtedly be sad for the teams, fans, and cut players, the move makes sense. Realistically, some of these alternate tanks would never have the chance to play in a competitive match for their respective OWL teams, as only one tank could be present in each match.
As a result, paying the players to fill a spot on the team does not make sense, as the resources could be spent on acquiring another Damage or Support player. On top of this, the talents of Tanks could be wasted if they are already on a team with a few other Tanks.
Still, it is possible that Overwatch League teams continue to encourage alternates, though this largely depends on Blizzard and the changes to Tanks in the sequel. Based on what has been shown for Reinhardt and Winston thus far, Tanks are being made more viable. If Blizzard continues, while doubling down on the unique abilities of each Tank hero, there is a chance that OWL teams stay the same. If Zarya continues to play much differently from Orisa, yet becomes a proper anchor Tank, teams may want professional Tank players that excel in each role. If former Off-Tank players see their heroes transitioning well to the Main Tank role, there may be no need for change.
If player cuts do not happen and having more alternates is not beneficial, some OWL players may have to change their roles. With teams comprised of the best of the best, and each member having a deep knowledge of the game, many pro Tanks likely have the ability to play Damage or Support as well. They may need to do so going forward, refining their skill in these areas so that they can be more valuable to their respective teams.
Even if teams do not start cutting players and instead simply have more alternate Tanks, it seems likely that Overwatch 2’s switch to 5v5 will have some impact on the Overwatch League. One potential result could see former Tank mains switching roles in the pro scene, adapting to the change as best they can.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.