For quite some time, players of Overwatch were discussing the need for role queue in their favorite hero shooter. Some were up for it, and some were saying that this feature might create an environment where innovation regarding team composition will be impossible. Yesterday, Blizzard has decided to choose the latter option and introduced a new Role Queue, which is now available on Overwatch PTR (Public Test Realm).

The defining trait of team-based games is that every player has a unique role to fill within the team, and Overwatch is no exception. If you don’t want to be trashed by the opposing team, your team needs to have tanks, healers, and damage dealers. However, when certain people are not able to play the role they prefer, it usually becomes a source of toxicity and trolling.

The new Role Queue should solve this problem allowing players to pre-select their desired role before queueing to a quick play or competitive match. The system then selects 2 tanks, 2 healers, and 2 damage dealers and puts them on the same team. Problem solved, right? 

Well, not exactly… Overwatch has heroes like Symmetra or Torbjorn (also Hanzo and Widowmaker to some extent) who doesn’t really fit this model. However, Role Queue should help to mitigate at least some of the arguments within the team.

We should also mention that the new change will also affect esports. Starting with Stage 4 of the Overwatch League, pro teams will also be restricted to a 2-2-2 format. This means that Blizzard is putting an end to a highly popular game meta called GOATS which consisted of three tanks and three supports. It was super strong but very boring to watch. Not anymore!

Whatever your stance on a new Role Queue is, the new system will undeniably refresh the current game and will solve at least some of Solo Q problems. Role queues are available now on PC on the PTR. The public beta test begins on August 13th, while the global launch of the Role Queue is set for September 1st.