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Does Paladins Have Skill-Based Matchmaking? A Deep Dive

Yes, Paladins employs a form of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). While the exact algorithms and parameters are often tweaked by Hi-Rez Studios (the game’s developer), the core principle remains the same: to match players of similar skill levels against each other in matches. This aims to create a more balanced and competitive experience, preventing newer or less skilled players from being constantly dominated by experienced veterans. However, the implementation of SBMM in Paladins, like in many other games, is a complex and often debated topic within the community. The goal is a fair game, but achieving it is no simple task. Let’s delve into the details of how it works and address some common questions.

Understanding Paladins’ Matchmaking System

Paladins, like its sister game Smite, utilizes a modified version of the TrueSkill system or a similar derivative. This system works by assigning each player an MMR (Match Making Rating). The MMR is a numerical representation of a player’s skill, constantly adjusted based on their performance in matches. Alongside the MMR, there is a variance value. This variance reflects the system’s confidence in the accuracy of the player’s MMR. For newer players, or those who haven’t played many recent matches, the variance will be higher, indicating that the system is still trying to accurately assess their skill level. As a player plays more, the variance decreases, making the MMR a more reliable representation of their ability.

The matchmaking system uses these MMR and variance values to create matches. It attempts to find a group of players with similar MMR values to form two opposing teams. This process isn’t always perfect, due to factors like player availability, queue times, and the need to balance team compositions (roles like Damage, Tank, Support, etc.). The system sometimes needs to make compromises to get matches started within a reasonable timeframe, resulting in matches that might not feel perfectly balanced.

Ranked vs. Casual Matchmaking

It’s important to differentiate between ranked and casual matchmaking in Paladins.

Ranked Matchmaking: In ranked, the MMR system is strictly enforced. Players climb through tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster) based on their performance and MMR. There are restrictions on who can queue together, particularly at higher ranks, to prevent boosting and maintain competitive integrity. For example, Diamond players can queue with Platinum players, and Master/Grandmaster can generally only queue with one other player.
Casual Matchmaking: While SBMM is still present in casual modes, it is often less strict than in ranked. The game prioritizes shorter queue times and filling matches quickly, which can lead to wider variations in skill levels within a single match. Casual modes also often have considerations that go beyond just skill. New maps being tested may include more variations to gather more player reactions.

Factors Beyond Skill

While MMR is the primary factor, Paladins’ matchmaking system also considers other elements:

Region: Players are typically matched with others in their geographic region to minimize latency (ping).
Queue Time: The longer a player waits in the queue, the more the system relaxes its SBMM constraints to find a match.
Party Size: The system accounts for pre-made groups when creating matches, attempting to match them against other groups of similar size and skill.
Role Queue (Potential): Although not always explicitly stated, the matchmaking may consider role preferences (Damage, Tank, Support, etc.) to ensure teams have a balanced composition.

Criticisms and Community Perceptions

Skill-based matchmaking is a double-edged sword. While intended to create fairer matches, it also has its drawbacks.

Increased Match Sweatiness: Some players complain that SBMM makes every match feel like a competitive event, leading to a more stressful and less enjoyable experience, especially in casual modes.
Longer Queue Times: Strict SBMM can increase queue times, particularly for high-skilled players.
Smurfing: To avoid SBMM, some experienced players create new accounts (“smurfs”) to play against less skilled opponents. This undermines the integrity of the system.
Perceived One-Sided Matches: Even with SBMM, matches can still feel unbalanced due to factors like team composition, champion picks, individual player performance fluctuations, and simple luck.

FAQs About Paladins and Skill-Based Matchmaking

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how SBMM operates in Paladins:

1. How do I know what my MMR is in Paladins?

Paladins, unfortunately, does not show the player’s MMR. Although sites and third-party apps exist that propose to track your Elo, these are not precise. Your MMR is known only to the game developers.

2. Does using a VPN affect matchmaking in Paladins?

Potentially. Using a VPN to appear in a different region can alter the matchmaking parameters, potentially leading to different matchups. This is because the system will then prioritize players in that region. However, using a VPN can also introduce latency issues, negatively impacting your gameplay.

3. Does playing in a party affect SBMM?

Yes. The matchmaking system considers the MMR of all players in the party, often using the highest MMR as a baseline. This means that playing with friends of varying skill levels can result in matches that are more challenging for the lower-skilled players and easier for the highest skilled player.

4. Are there bots in Paladins matchmaking?

Yes, particularly for new players. Players below a certain account level (typically level 5) are often placed in matches with bots to help them learn the game. Bots also fill in for disconnected players in casual matches.

5. Why does matchmaking sometimes feel unfair?

Many factors can contribute to perceived unfairness, including:

Hidden MMR: A very skilled player may still be in a lower visible rank due to not playing ranked often, resulting in mismatched games.
Team Composition Imbalances: Even with similar skill levels, one team might have a better champion composition or synergy.
Individual Performance Fluctuations: Players have good days and bad days.
The Inherent Randomness of Multiplayer Games: Luck plays a role, and sometimes one team simply gets the upper hand early on.

6. How can I improve my MMR in Paladins?

The primary way to improve your MMR is to consistently win matches. However, the system may also consider individual performance metrics, such as damage dealt, healing done, and objective captures, especially in the early stages of evaluating a player’s skill.

7. Is SBMM stricter in ranked or casual?

SBMM is generally stricter in ranked modes to ensure competitive integrity. Casual modes prioritize faster queue times and filling matches quickly, which can lead to wider skill variations.

8. What happens if I consistently lose matches?

If you consistently lose, your MMR will decrease, and you will be matched against less skilled players.

9. Does Paladins consider my platform (PC, Console) in matchmaking?

Paladins has cross-play, so it is likely that players on different platforms will match.

10. Does Paladins use a “loser’s queue”?

There’s no official confirmation of a “loser’s queue” (a system that allegedly places players on losing streaks together). However, due to the way MMR works, consistently losing matches will naturally lower your MMR, leading to matches against less skilled players, which some might perceive as a “loser’s queue”.

11. Can I avoid SBMM in Paladins?

There’s no legitimate way to completely avoid SBMM in Paladins. Creating a new account (“smurfing”) is against the terms of service and disrupts the fairness of the game.

12. How does Paladins handle leavers and AFK players?

When a player leaves or goes AFK, they are typically replaced by a bot. The system may also attempt to rebalance the teams if the leaver doesn’t return.

13. Does Paladins ever reset MMR?

MMR may be soft reset at the start of each ranked season.

14. How does the Paladins tutorial affect the MMR?

The Paladins tutorial generally ensures you know your way around the game. So it might not have that big of an impact of your MMR overall.

15. Are there resources to improve Paladins gameplay?

Yes, there are various online resources to help you improve your Paladins gameplay, including guides, videos, and community forums. The Games Learning Society provides articles and research on learning through games, which can be applied to improve your strategic thinking and decision-making in Paladins: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Final Thoughts

Skill-based matchmaking in Paladins is an ongoing effort to create fair and enjoyable matches. While the system isn’t perfect, and it is often a source of debate within the community, it plays a crucial role in balancing the competitive landscape. Understanding how SBMM works and the factors that influence it can help you better understand your own matchmaking experiences and adapt your gameplay accordingly.

Does Paladins have skill based matchmaking?