Blizzard is addressing the long-standing desire of players to team up with their friends in competitive, ranked Overwatch 2 matches, even if they have different skill ranks. In the latest game update, Blizzard has unveiled the Team Queue mode, which aims to alleviate some of the restrictions that have prevented friends from playing together in ranked matches.
Introducing Team Queue Mode
Team Queue is a new mode introduced in Overwatch 2’s latest update, which went live on July 11. According to the patch notes, to enter this mode, players need to form a full five-stack team. This means you can’t simply rely on matchmaking with random players; instead, you’ll need to gather four other competitive enthusiasts to complete the team.
In this mode, unlike the traditional role queue, each team member will choose their preferred role at the character screen, similar to open queue matches. However, the team composition will still adhere to the standard 5v5 layout, consisting of one tank, two damage, and two support heroes. This flexibility allows your team to decide who takes on which role in each match, rather than making predetermined selections before queuing.
Breaking Rank Restrictions
The most significant change in Team Queue is that it no longer requires players to group up with others within the same rank. This has been a major obstacle for players wanting to play ranked Overwatch 2 with their friends over the years.
As someone who primarily plays quick play matches, I often found myself unable to join my friends in ranked mode due to not having established a competitive rank. However, with the introduction of Team Queue, as long as you have a full team, you can now queue up together, regardless of the varying ranks of each player.
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Platform Restrictions and Upcoming Story Missions
It’s important to note that despite the removal of rank restrictions, Overwatch 2’s competitive mode still does not support cross-play between PC and console players. As a PlayStation 5 player, I won’t be able to compete alongside many of my friends who play on PC.
However, this decision is likely made to maintain a fair playing field, considering the perceived advantage that mouse and keyboard offer in shooters.
For those seeking a more casual experience in Overwatch 2, the game’s first story mission is set to launch on August 10, providing an exciting narrative-focused gameplay option alongside the competitive modes.
With the introduction of Team Queue mode, Overwatch 2 players can now look forward to more opportunities to play alongside their friends, breaking rank restrictions and fostering a more inclusive and enjoyable competitive experience.
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