Overwatch 2 is quickly approaching, and players have wasted no time pondering what changes could come with the sequel’s arrival. While reworks for certain Overwatch heroes are often at the top of the list when it comes to requests, one aspect of the game that could use some changes is the Role Queue system. While Blizzard certainly had good intentions with the introduction of the updated matchmaking mechanic, it has come with some negative effects as well.
As such, Overwatch 2 could be a good time for Blizzard to look at the things that do and do not work about Role Queue. With a full-on sequel releasing, there is no better time to shake things up in the popular hero shooter. After all, while dropping multiple heroes, maps, and modes is undeniably exciting, these additions lose their importance if players barely get to play them due to long matchmaking times. As such, Overwatch 2 should consider going back to an improved version of the original system.
To be fair, the Role Queue system has improved since its introduction into Overwatch at the end of 2019. The addition of Priority Passes provided players with a reward for playing as a Tank or Support, and the introduction of the Flex category allows players of the two roles to get into matches faster than ever. Unfortunately, even with these improvements, attempting to play the Damage role remains almost impossible. Wait times are almost always above 10 minutes for DPS players, with Priority Passes only cutting that time in half.
As such, players have suggested changes to Role Queue, with a common idea being the use of a 3-2-1 composition. However, while this setup allows for there to be an extra Damage player in every match, it puts far too much pressure on Tanks. With off-tanks such as Roadhog and Wrecking Ball needing assistance from someone like Reinhardt or Orisa, the system would stop some popular characters from being viable — only serving as a band-aid for for Overwatch’s competitive problem.
While the issue could be solved by more Damage players trying other roles, the reality is that plenty of Overwatch fans have the most fun as DPS characters and excel in those roles. As such, players are unlikely to stop queuing for Damage anytime soon. While the overstuffed DPS category is certainly troublesome, another issue has been brought up with Role Queue. Many fans have voiced concerns about the game having three separate competitive ranks, with the complex system making it harder to match with friends of varying scores. Aside from teaming up becoming more difficult, some players simply miss having one competitive score to work on.
With so many issues prevalent in the Role Queue system, Blizzard should consider returning to the original matchmakijng setup when Overwatch 2 arrives. While the studio has experimented with Role Queue changes in the past, it may be time for a more permanent change to take place. The original Overwatch matchmaking system may have required more attention and teamwork from players, but it came with a freedom that the Role Queue setup is sorely lacking.
Rather than forcing players to stick to a 2-2-2 team composition, the previous setup allowed players to form their own hero lineup. While there were warnings of “too many snipers” or “not enough healers,” players could still come up with unique Overwatch strategies for certain maps and modes. Sometimes, having 3 tanks in a fight is better than an even selection of each role, and the chaos was often a huge source of fun. While there were moments of griefing and players refusing to switch to a certain hero to help their teams, the same thing is happening in competitive today. If composition requirements were eliminated, the return of a single, easy to manage competitive score could come back to Overwatch as well.
The Role Queue era of Overwatch has brought about some good ideas, with seasonal hero and map rotations being something that should stick around for good. The Flex option and Priority Passes were also solid attempts at making the new system work, though they become unnecessary if Overwatch sees a return to form with Overwatch 2. While Role Queue succeeds at making the game more fair and less toxic, its flaws are equally frustrating. As such, Blizzard should take the risk on bringing back the old system. Not only has Role Queue failed to eliminate hostility from rude players, but it has come with the cost of painfully long wait times for the game’s largest category of heroes. While removing it would place a lot of responsibility on players once again, it could also make Overwatch 2 more fun.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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