Ever since the induction of Role Queue to Overwatch in 2019, players have had to select a role and play 2-2-2 for competitive Overwatch games. This is changing in Season 23 with the return of Open Queue. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Open Queue?
Open Queue allows players to queue up for games without having to select a role. There’s no 2-2-2 role lock, and players can choose whatever Hero they want. This means that players can run team compositions with more than two Damage, Support, or Tank Heroes.
This is essentially what Overwatch‘s competitive mode used to be before Role Queue. Blizzard has put competitive Open Queue in the arcade a couple of times with some success. So, the developer is now adding it in as a permanent competitive game mode in the hopes that it will help with the ridiculously high Role Queue times.
How to play
Anyone can play Open Queue as long as their Overwatch account is level 25 or higher. To play, open the menu and select “Competitive Play”. You’ll find Open Queue on the right. You will need to do 10 placement matches (even if you played in the arcade) to get an initial rank.
Remember that in this queue, anyone can play any Hero. There won’t be any restrictions, so different strategies will be viable here. Over time, different team compositions will likely arise for Open Queue and Role Queue. The best 2-2-2 teams may not be the best here.
Season 23 of Competitive Play is NOW LIVE!
Principal Game Designer, Michael Heiberg talks about the addition of Open Queue, giving players more ways to compete in Overwatch.
📰: https://t.co/Pxwe8BVOb4 pic.twitter.com/dLAjjduLOr
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) July 2, 2020
Season 23 and Open Queue are both live now, so be sure to check them out. If you aren’t a fan of Role Queue, or just want to try something new, this should be a great time to experiment with the new competitive game mode. Make sure not to get too angry with your team when they don’t play 2-2-2, though!
