Decoding Fortnite’s Matchmaking: How Does SBMM Really Work?

Fortnite, like many modern multiplayer games, uses a skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) system to ensure players are matched with others of a similar skill level. This aims to provide a more balanced and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone. But how exactly does Fortnite calculate SBMM? The system uses a combination of metrics to determine a player’s skill level, and while the exact algorithms are a closely guarded secret by Epic Games, we can piece together a fairly accurate picture based on available information and player experiences.

At its core, Fortnite’s SBMM works by analyzing various in-game performances and statistics. It’s not simply a matter of your level or the number of hours you’ve played. Instead, the system delves into the details of your gameplay, considering factors like your eliminations, placements, and even your playstyle. This data is then used to place you in lobbies with players who have a similar estimated skill level. The primary objective is to prevent beginners from being constantly dominated by highly skilled players and vice versa, creating a competitive yet fair environment.

How Fortnite Gauges Your Skill

Fortnite’s SBMM is not based on a single metric; rather, it uses a dynamic and multi-faceted approach. Here are some key factors that likely play a crucial role in determining your skill level:

• Eliminations: This is a fundamental factor. The number of eliminations you achieve in a match is a strong indicator of your combat ability. A consistently high number of eliminations suggests a player is skilled and aggressive.
• Victory Royales: Securing a Victory Royale is the ultimate goal in Fortnite. The frequency with which you win games strongly affects your SBMM rating. Consistent wins indicate a high level of skill in various aspects of the game.
• Placement: Even if you don’t secure a win, your placement in matches matters. Consistently finishing in the top ten or five can still contribute significantly to your SBMM score. This indicates a good grasp of strategy and survival skills.
• Recent Performance: Your recent matches often hold more weight than your past history. The SBMM system is dynamic and tries to reflect your current skill level. If you’ve improved or declined, the system should adjust accordingly.
• Playstyle: While harder to quantify, it is believed that the system tries to factor in your playstyle, including how aggressively you approach the game and whether you are more focused on building or combat.
• Match Data: The system gathers data from a wide array of stats in your matches, creating a detailed picture of your abilities.

It’s also important to note that Fortnite’s SBMM is not static. It constantly adjusts based on your ongoing performance. This means that if you start playing better, you will be placed in more challenging lobbies, and vice versa.

The Dynamic Nature of SBMM

It is crucial to understand that Fortnite’s SBMM is a dynamic system. It doesn’t simply calculate your initial skill level and then leave you in that bracket. It continuously monitors your performance and adjusts your matchmaking rating (MMR) to keep you consistently challenged. This constant recalibration ensures that lobbies accurately reflect your current skill level, providing a more engaging experience. This also prevents players from stagnating in lobbies that are too easy or too difficult.

The Influence of Bots

To balance out lobbies and assist new players, Fortnite employs bots. These AI-controlled opponents are designed to mimic human players, and their presence is often higher in lobbies with less skilled players. As your skill level increases, the number of bots decreases, leading to matches against more human players. This helps new players improve their skills without feeling overwhelmed, while ensuring more experienced players get a genuine competitive environment.

Exploiting the System

While SBMM is intended to create fair matches, players often try to exploit or circumvent it. One common method involves playing in a party with a lower-skilled friend. Since matchmaking often prioritizes the lowest-skilled player in the group, this can result in easier lobbies for higher-skilled players. Another common practice involves using a VPN to artificially change your location, sometimes resulting in matches against players with lower skill due to less server activity.

The Controversy Around SBMM

Despite its aim to balance the game, SBMM is often a controversial topic. Some players feel that it punishes high-skilled players by constantly placing them in highly competitive lobbies, hindering their ability to showcase their skills against less experienced opponents. On the other hand, many appreciate SBMM because it gives them a good experience by not facing extremely high-skilled players consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs about Fortnite’s SBMM to provide more detailed insights into how it works:

1. Does score per minute affect SBMM in Fortnite?

While score per minute is a common metric in some games, it’s not directly confirmed to affect Fortnite’s SBMM. However, other actions that contribute to score, like eliminations and placements, do heavily influence the matchmaking system.

2. Does time played affect SBMM?

Time played is not a primary factor in SBMM, but it can indirectly influence it. The more you play, the more data the system gathers about your performance, leading to a more accurate MMR rating.

3. Does camping to win affect SBMM?

Yes, camping to win can affect your SBMM. If you frequently achieve high placements or Victory Royales through strategic camping, the system might place you in harder lobbies. SBMM considers your overall performance, not just eliminations.

4. How does location affect Fortnite’s SBMM?

Your location can influence the player pool you’re matched with. Playing on a server with less activity might result in a greater skill variation in your lobbies, while a more populated region would likely prioritize matching you with similarly skilled players. However, this effect is often less impactful than the other factors.

5. Can I avoid SBMM using a VPN?

Using a VPN can potentially affect SBMM by changing your server location. This might result in lobbies with a different mix of skill levels due to the regional differences in the player base. However, it is not a guaranteed method.

6. Does Fortnite match players based on level?

Fortnite does NOT primarily match players based on level. Player level is more of an indicator of how much time you’ve spent playing, rather than your actual skill. SBMM is based on your actual in-game performance and statistics.

7. Why are my lobbies so sweaty?

“Sweaty” lobbies usually mean that the SBMM system has determined that you are playing at a high skill level and you have been placed with similarly skilled players. This is a sign that the system is doing its job.

8. Are Fortnite lobbies skill-based?

Yes, Fortnite lobbies are always skill-based, aiming to match players of similar abilities. The degree to which this is balanced may vary due to some of the nuances mentioned earlier.

9. What is the lowest-skilled player exploit?

The lowest-skilled player exploit refers to the practice of grouping with a significantly lower-skilled friend to get easier lobbies. This is because SBMM often prioritizes the skill level of the lowest-ranked player in a party.

10. What if I play cross-platform in Fortnite?

Cross-platform play does not affect SBMM. You will be matched against other players based on your skill level, regardless of the platform they are using.

11. Why do some FPS players dislike SBMM?

Many FPS players dislike SBMM because they feel it punishes higher-skilled players. They argue that constantly facing equally skilled opponents removes the ability to dominate less experienced players, which they find enjoyable.

12. Does Fortnite use bots in lobbies?

Yes, Fortnite uses bots in lobbies to help fill spots and assist less skilled players. The number of bots decreases as the player’s skill level increases.

13. Is Fortnite SBMM the same in all game modes?

While the core principles of SBMM are consistent across different game modes, there might be slight variations to account for different player dynamics and objectives.

14. Can I get banned for smurfing in Fortnite?

Yes, smurfing (using a new account to play against lower-skilled players) in Fortnite can potentially lead to a ban, as it’s seen as a way of manipulating the matchmaking system and unfairly exploiting other players.

15. Can a VPN get me easier lobbies in Fortnite?

Using a VPN can sometimes lead to easier lobbies due to the potential change in server location and player pool. However, this is not a guaranteed outcome and often comes with the downsides of increased latency and reduced connection quality.

Conclusion

Understanding how Fortnite’s SBMM works can give players a better understanding of the game. Although it might not always be perfect, SBMM aims to create balanced and competitive matches. By keeping your performance high and playstyle focused, you’ll likely be placed in lobbies that offer an appropriate level of challenge. The key takeaway is that the system is dynamic and constantly evolving based on your in-game behavior, ensuring you’re consistently matched with players who have a similar skill level as you.