Abstract Three-dimensional short-crested water waves are known to host harmonic resonances (HRs). Their existence depends on their sporadicity versus their persistency. Previous studies, using a unique yet hybrid solution, suggested that HRs exhibit sporadic instability, with the domain of instability exhibiting a bubble-like structure which experiences a loss of stability followed by a re-stabilization. Through the calculation of their complete multiple solution structures and normal forms, we discuss the particular harmonic resonance (2,6). The (2,6) resonance was chosen, not only because it is of lower order, and thus more likely to be significant, but also because it is representative of a fully developed three-dimensional water wave field. Its appearance, growth rate and persistency are discussed. On our converged solutions, we show that, at an incidence angle for which HR (2,6) occurs, the associated superharmonic instability is no longer sporadic. It was also found that the multiple solution operates a subcritical pitchfork bifurcation, so regardless of the value of the control parameter, the wave steepness, a stable branch of the solution always exists. As a result, the analysis reveals two competing processes that either provoke and enhance HRs, or inhibit their appearance and development.