Home
/
Esports
/
Esports news
/

Addressing the tank role crisis in 6v6 queues

Low Tank Numbers in Role Queue | Players Seek Changes

By

Emma Turner

Aug 28, 2026, 06:47 AM

Edited By

Emma Collins

2 minutes of duration

A tank character stands ready for battle in a game, surrounded by teammates, representing the struggle of the tank role in 6v6 queues.
popular

A recent discussion among players highlights a major issue: the dwindling number of tank players in 6v6 role queue matches. Many attribute the problem to long queue times and the roleโ€™s burdensome responsibilities, leading to calls for changes to revive the tank role's popularity.

Tank Players Face Unique Hurdles

Tank players in Overwatch are grappling with a multitude of challenges. The trend of fewer tanks is causing extended queue times, prompting some to wonder if this role is simply destined to remain unpopular.

"Tank is a very team dependent role People are too passive and it makes playing tank suck," noted one player, addressing the need for more proactive teammates.

Growing Frustration Over Team Dynamics

Several players expressed frustration over teammates not taking advantage of the space created by tanks.

"Whenever I don't play tank, my tanks just run in alone and die," one user remarked, illustrating the shifting dynamics in gameplay. Many believe that without teamwork, playing tank becomes a thankless task, diminishing the enjoyment derived from the role.

Key comments revealed three main themes:

  • Teamwork is Crucial: Players agree that without synergy, tanking feels overly challenging.

  • Queue Time Motivation: Some players are opting to play tank to avoid long waits when joining as DPS or support.

  • Desire for Interesting Rewards: A consistent appeal for meaningful incentives for tank play emerged, with some players suggesting that better rewards could entice more to try the role.

Potential Solutions?

As players strategize solutions, thoughts on returning to a 6v6 format or increasing tank capabilities have surfaced. One idea proposes adding rewards like loot boxes for tank players, stating, "They could give out lootboxes, rare lootboxes to value our time."

The sentiment is mixed, with a blend of frustration and a desire for change, prompting further dialogue on how to elevate the tank role in matchmaking. Curiously, the concept of team dependency within this role sparked passionate debate among players.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿšจ Tank role struggles continue to plague the game

  • โšก Team dependency highlights the need for collaboration

  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Rewarding tanks might encourage more players to take on the role

As discussions evolve, the future of tank roles in gaming hinges on both player feedback and any potential changes from developers.

Probable Shifts on the Horizon

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will implement meaningful changes to revive the tank role in 6v6 queues. Given the growing feedback from players about long wait times and the need for better team dynamics, itโ€™s likely theyโ€™ll explore options like increasing tank capabilities or introducing new rewards. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that players could start seeing loot boxes as rewards for tank play within the next few updates. If these modifications occur, it may incentivize more people to embrace the tank role, ultimately enhancing teamwork in matches and reducing queue times.

Lessons from History's Unseen

Reflecting on the ongoing tank role crisis, consider the evolution of team sports, where player positions have often struggled for recognition. In American football, quarterbacks have long dominated conversations, overshadowing the defensive players. However, when teams invest in their defense, they often see positive results, such as in the 2000 Baltimore Ravens team, which emphasized a solid defense and transformed the competitive landscape. Just like those defensive players eventually gained respect, the tank role in Overwatch could emerge stronger from this dialogue, given time and perhaps new strategies from the developers.