Does Overwatch 2 Have Bots in Ranked? The Truth Behind the Controversy
The short answer is yes, but not in the way you think. Overwatch 2 doesn’t intentionally populate ranked matches with AI bots in place of human players. However, thrower bots are infiltrating ranked lobbies, disguised as real players and intentionally sabotaging games. This is creating significant concern within the Overwatch 2 community. Let’s delve into the complexities surrounding this issue.
The Problem: Thrower Bots and Account Selling
The core issue isn’t Blizzard directly adding bots to ranked play. It’s malicious actors deploying third-party bots to deliberately lose matches. These bots are linked to newly created accounts, their primary function being to rapidly decrease the account’s Skill Rating (SR). Once the account reaches a low enough rank, it’s sold on the gray market as a “smurf account.”
This practice is problematic for several reasons:
- Ruined Matchmaking: Thrower bots completely disrupt the integrity of the matchmaking system. Genuine players are unfairly matched with or against accounts actively trying to lose, leading to frustrating and unbalanced games.
- Smurfing Ecosystem: The existence of these bots fuels the demand for smurf accounts. Players who want to dominate lower ranks can readily purchase these accounts, creating a toxic environment for legitimate players trying to climb the ladder.
- Damage to the Game’s Reputation: The persistent presence of thrower bots creates a negative perception of Overwatch 2, potentially dissuading new players and alienating existing ones.
- Difficulty in Detection: While Blizzard has anti-cheat measures in place, identifying and banning thrower bots is an ongoing challenge. Bot developers constantly evolve their techniques to evade detection.
The presence of these thrower bots directly affects the competitive integrity of Overwatch 2, undermining the game’s long-term health.
The Role of AI in Overwatch 2
It’s important to distinguish between the malicious use of bots in ranked and the intended use of AI in Overwatch 2. Blizzard does utilize AI in various aspects of the game:
- Training Modes: The Training playlist features AI-controlled opponents for practice and learning.
- Custom Games: Players can create custom games with bots of varying difficulty levels (Beginner, Medium, Hard).
- Backfilling in Unranked: If a player leaves an unranked match, an AI bot may temporarily fill their slot until a replacement player joins.
However, AI is not intended to be used as a substitute for human players in ranked play.
Addressing the Issue: What Blizzard is Doing
Blizzard is aware of the thrower bot problem and is actively working to combat it. Some of their efforts include:
- Improved Anti-Cheat Systems: Continuous development and refinement of anti-cheat measures to detect and ban bot accounts.
- Account Verification Requirements: Implementing phone number verification and other measures to deter the creation of mass bot accounts.
- Matchmaking Adjustments: Tweaking the matchmaking algorithm to reduce the likelihood of players being matched with thrower accounts.
- Community Reporting: Encouraging players to report suspected bot accounts to help Blizzard identify and take action against them.
While these measures are helpful, the fight against thrower bots is an ongoing battle, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation.
What Can Players Do?
As players, you can contribute to a healthier Overwatch 2 experience by:
- Reporting Suspected Bots: Use the in-game reporting system to flag accounts that exhibit suspicious behavior (e.g., repeated intentional deaths, lack of communication, unusual movement patterns).
- Staying Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest developments regarding anti-cheat measures and bot detection.
- Positive Community Engagement: Foster a positive and supportive community to discourage toxic behavior and smurfing.
- Support Fair Play: Refrain from purchasing or using smurf accounts, as this perpetuates the problem.
By working together, the Overwatch 2 community and Blizzard can create a more fair and enjoyable competitive environment. You can also reach out to organizations like the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org that research game design and player behavior for resources and insights into promoting positive gaming communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly are “thrower bots”?
Thrower bots are automated programs designed to intentionally lose Overwatch 2 ranked matches. They are created by third-party developers and used to rapidly decrease an account’s SR for the purpose of selling it as a smurf account.
2. How can I identify a thrower bot in Overwatch 2?
Signs of a thrower bot may include:
- Repeated intentional deaths (e.g., running off the map).
- Lack of communication or interaction with the team.
- Unusual or repetitive movement patterns.
- Consistently poor performance, regardless of the hero they are playing.
- New account with a low level but playing in a higher rank than expected.
3. What should I do if I suspect a player is a thrower bot?
The most important thing to do is report the player through the in-game reporting system. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible in your report.
4. Does Blizzard have a zero-tolerance policy for bots in ranked?
While Blizzard strives to eliminate bots from ranked play, it’s an ongoing battle. They are committed to taking action against accounts that violate their terms of service, including those using bots.
5. How does Blizzard detect and ban bots?
Blizzard uses a combination of techniques to detect and ban bots, including:
- Analyzing player behavior patterns.
- Monitoring for suspicious network activity.
- Leveraging player reports.
- Using machine learning algorithms to identify bot accounts.
6. Why are smurf accounts considered a problem in Overwatch 2?
Smurf accounts create an uneven playing field, as experienced players can dominate lower-ranked matches, making it unfair and frustrating for legitimate players.
7. Can I be banned for playing on a smurf account?
While simply playing on a smurf account is not explicitly against the rules, using it to intentionally throw matches or harass other players can result in a ban.
8. How does Overwatch 2’s ranked system work?
The ranked system in Overwatch 2 features different skill tiers and divisions. There are five divisions per skill tier, ranked from five (lowest) to one (highest). A player’s skill tier and division are adjusted after every five wins or 15 losses.
9. Is Overwatch 2’s ranked system based on individual performance?
While individual performance is considered, Overwatch 2’s ranked system primarily focuses on wins and losses. Your SR will increase after a win and decrease after a loss.
10. What is the average player rank in Overwatch 2?
The average player rank in Overwatch 2 is around Gold 3.
11. What percentage of players are in each rank in Overwatch 2?
Approximate rank distribution:
- Bronze: 10.2%
- Silver: 19.2%
- Gold: 26.7%
- Platinum: 26.2%
- Diamond: 14%
- Master: 2.1%
- Grandmaster: 1.6%
12. Is Diamond a good rank in Overwatch 2?
Yes, Diamond is considered a good rank in Overwatch 2. It places you in the top 14% of players.
13. Why am I stuck in Bronze 5 in Overwatch 2?
Being stuck in Bronze 5 can be due to several factors, including MMR decay for inactive players and other matchmaking adjustments. Blizzard has acknowledged this issue and is working on improvements.
14. Does Overwatch 2 have skill-based matchmaking (SBMM)?
Yes, Overwatch 2 utilizes skill-based matchmaking to try and create balanced matches. However, the strictness of SBMM has been adjusted over time, and it may not always feel perfectly fair.
15. How does skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) affect the presence of bots?
While SBMM aims to create balanced matches, it can also inadvertently place bot accounts with similar-performing players, making it harder to detect them initially. However, over time, the system should adjust based on the bot’s consistent throwing behavior.