Does Overwatch 2 Have Skill-Based Matchmaking in Unranked?

Yes, Overwatch 2 absolutely employs skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in its unranked game modes, including Quick Play. While the system isn’t explicitly transparent, Blizzard uses a hidden Matchmaking Rating (MMR) to pair players of similar skill levels in both unranked and ranked modes. This means that when you queue for Quick Play, the game is actively working to find opponents and teammates who are around your perceived skill level, based on your past performance. However, this implementation and its effects are a constant source of debate within the Overwatch 2 community.

Understanding SBMM in Overwatch 2’s Unranked Modes

While ranked games are formed based on your internal matchmaking rating (MMR), regardless of your displayed skill tier. This rating is also present within unranked. The primary goal of SBMM is to create balanced and competitive matches, regardless of whether you’re playing for SR (Skill Rating) or just trying to have some casual fun. The more you play, the more data the game has to accurately gauge your skill, leading to potentially more balanced matches over time. However, the leniency of the matchmaking is a point of contention.

How MMR Works in Quick Play

In Quick Play, your MMR is a hidden number that fluctuates based on your wins, losses, and individual performance. This system mirrors the ranked mode, but without the visible rank progression. While you can’t see your MMR in Quick Play, it’s constantly working behind the scenes to influence your matchmaking experience. The more games you play, the more refined your MMR becomes, theoretically leading to more accurate and competitive matches.

Differences Between Ranked and Unranked SBMM

Although both modes use SBMM, there are distinct differences:

• Strictness: The matchmaker is generally considered more lenient in unranked than in competitive. This means it prioritizes speed of matchmaking over perfect skill balance, resulting in potentially wider skill disparities within matches.
• Visibility: Ranked mode provides a clear Skill Rating (SR) that reflects your performance, allowing you to track your progress. Unranked has no visible SR, leaving players to speculate about their MMR and the accuracy of matchmaking.
• Impact on Rank: It’s important to note that Quick Play SBMM can subtly influence your Competitive SBMM. The system considers your overall performance across all modes, meaning consistent losses or wins in Quick Play could potentially impact your hidden rank in Competitive.

The Controversy Surrounding SBMM in Unranked

Despite its intention to create fair matches, SBMM in unranked modes like Quick Play has been a contentious issue. Many players argue that it:

• Reduces Casual Fun: By consistently placing players in equally challenging matches, SBMM can diminish the casual and relaxed atmosphere that some players seek in unranked modes.
• Increases Matchmaking Times: In certain regions or at specific times, SBMM can lead to longer queue times as the system searches for players within a narrow skill range.
• Creates “Sweaty” Games: The pursuit of balanced matches can result in every game feeling like a competitive match, with players feeling pressured to perform their best at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Overwatch 2’s Unranked SBMM

Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the intricacies of SBMM in Overwatch 2’s unranked modes:

1. Is the SBMM in Quick Play as strict as in Competitive?

   No, the consensus is that SBMM in Quick Play is less strict than in Competitive. The system prioritizes faster matchmaking times over perfectly balanced matches, leading to potentially wider skill disparities within games.

2. Does my performance in Quick Play affect my Competitive MMR?

   The degree to which Quick Play performance impacts Competitive MMR is debated, but many believe there is a connection. Consistent wins or losses in Quick Play may subtly influence your hidden rank in Competitive.

3. How can I check my MMR in Quick Play?

   Unfortunately, there’s no way to directly check your MMR in Quick Play. The system is hidden and not accessible to players.

4. Why do I sometimes get matched with players of vastly different skill levels in Quick Play?

   This can happen due to a variety of factors, including: wider MMR ranges in Quick Play, lower player population at certain times, or the system prioritizing speed of matchmaking.

5. Does leaving Quick Play games affect my MMR?

   While leaving games can result in temporary queue suspensions, it’s unclear if it directly impacts your MMR. However, consistently leaving games may lead to skewed performance data, indirectly affecting your MMR over time.

6. Does playing with friends in Quick Play affect SBMM?

   Yes, playing with friends can influence matchmaking. The system will attempt to balance the teams based on the combined MMR of the group, potentially leading to matches against higher-skilled opponents.

7. If I am new to the game, how does SBMM work for me?

   When you’re new, the game places you in a probationary MMR range. Your first few games heavily influence your MMR as the system tries to determine your skill level. You’ll likely experience a mix of easy and challenging matches initially.

8. Is it possible to “game” the SBMM system to get easier matches?

   While some players attempt to manipulate the system (e.g., intentionally losing games), this is generally discouraged and may not be effective in the long run. The system adapts to your performance over time.

9. Does the SBMM system take into account my role preferences in Quick Play Role Queue?

   Yes, the matchmaking system attempts to balance teams based on role MMR, prioritizing pairing players with similar MMR on each role on either team.

10. Are there penalties for frequently leaving Unranked games?

    Yes, Blizzard has implemented penalties for frequently leaving unranked games. Leaving four of your last 20 games will result in a 10-minute suspension from queuing for any game mode that grants progression progress.

11. What game modes are included in Overwatch 2 Unranked?

    Overwatch unranked game modes include: Quick Play (Role Queue), Quick Play (Open Queue), Mystery Heroes, Deathmatch, Total Mayhem, and No Limits.

12. Is there skill-based matchmaking in unranked R6 (Rainbow Six Siege)?

    In Rainbow Six: Siege your Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is based on your skill level in-game. When you matchmake in-game, the system will pair you with a team in a similar MMR range as you. This MMR used in these matches is not visible to you or other players.

13. How does Overwatch 2 determine skill level?

    While your MMR is kept secret even to you, there is also a public scoring system called your Skill Rating. This will change after you get five wins of 15 losses. After this, you’ll see which rank you’re in, ranging from Bronze to Grandmaster.

14. Does Overwatch 2 kick you out for inactivity?

    Leaving a game early or being removed for inactivity prevents you from joining a new game until the original match has concluded—though you are able to rejoin an in-progress game within one minute to avoid a penalty.

15. What percentage of Overwatch 2 players are in each rank?

    • Bronze: 10.2%
    • Silver: 19.2% (Above 10.2% of players)
    • Gold: 26.7% (Above 29.4% of players)
    • Platinum: 26.2% (Above 56.1% of players)

The Future of SBMM in Overwatch 2

The debate surrounding SBMM in unranked modes is likely to continue. Blizzard may make further adjustments to the system based on community feedback and data analysis. It’s also possible that they will introduce more transparency around MMR or provide players with more control over their matchmaking experience. In the meantime, understanding how SBMM works can help you better navigate the game and manage your expectations.

For further insights into the world of gaming and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They offer valuable resources and research on the intersection of games and education.