How Does Overwatch 2 Matchmaking Work?

Overwatch 2’s matchmaking system is designed to create balanced and competitive matches by pairing players with others of similar skill levels. At its core, the system utilizes a hidden Matchmaking Rating (MMR), a numerical value that represents a player’s overall proficiency. This MMR is the primary factor in determining who you’ll face in both ranked and unranked games. The process isn’t solely based on visible ranks; your MMR changes with each match, influenced by several factors, creating a dynamic system that adapts to your performance. In essence, Overwatch 2 aims to bring together players who will offer each other a fair challenge, making the gameplay engaging and competitive. The system considers skill first and foremost, trying to create matches where everyone is roughly on the same page.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

The Role of MMR

Your MMR is a hidden numerical value that fluctuates based on your match results. Winning a game typically increases your MMR, while losing decreases it. However, the amount of MMR gained or lost isn’t static; it’s influenced by factors such as the MMR of your opponents and how recently you’ve played. For example, if you defeat a team with a significantly higher average MMR, you’ll gain more points than if you beat a team with a lower MMR. Similarly, losing to a weaker team will result in a larger MMR decrease. This ensures that the system accurately gauges your skill level over time. The MMR system also prioritizes placing pairs of similar MMR players on each role within role queue, ensuring teams are balanced.

Beyond MMR: Factors Affecting Matchmaking

While MMR is the primary driver, other factors contribute to matchmaking. These can include:

• Queue Time: If the system can’t find a suitable match within a reasonable timeframe, it might loosen the MMR restrictions, leading to slightly less balanced matches.
• Group Size: When playing in a group, the system accounts for the potential coordination and communication advantages that a pre-made team might possess, often matching them against slightly stronger opponents.
• Region and Platform: Matchmaking generally prioritizes players in your region and platform, although cross-play can sometimes broaden the matchmaking pool.
• Game Mode: Separate MMR values are often tracked for different game modes (e.g., Competitive vs. Quick Play), ensuring that players are matched appropriately within their chosen mode.

Skill vs. Rank: What’s the Difference?

It’s crucial to distinguish between your hidden MMR and your visible Skill Rating (SR), which is what determines your rank (Bronze to Grandmaster). Your SR changes after every five wins or fifteen losses, giving you an updated rank. MMR, on the other hand, is constantly fluctuating behind the scenes. These two systems don’t always perfectly align, and the game uses your MMR to match you with players, regardless of your displayed rank. This is why you may sometimes encounter players of a higher or lower rank than you.

The Competitive Experience

Competitive Matchmaking

In Competitive Play, the matchmaking process is more stringent. The system will aim to match you with players within a certain division of your rank. Although, it’s important to note that Overwatch 2 developers reduced the acceptable range from 12 divisions to 9; however, this has not satisfied all players as many would prefer to play within 4 or 5 divisions. This is a tighter range than unranked, creating a more challenging experience for those seeking to test their skill. This is why many players seek to improve their skills through practice in modes like Free For All (FFA) Deathmatch in order to improve their functional aim.

The Challenge of Unbalanced Matches

While the system aims for balanced games, issues can arise. Some players complain about being “stomped” by much higher-skilled teams or facing teammates who seem inexperienced. These problems stem from various factors, including the MMR system’s hidden nature, server issues, and the difficulty in placing new players accurately. Blizzard’s team has acknowledged these challenges and have been working to implement fixes, and have indicated that the matchmaker did have some configuration issues that resulted in unbalanced matches. However, they believe that these issues have been addressed and fixes have been implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Overwatch 2’s matchmaking system to help clarify any remaining questions:

1. Is Overwatch 2 skill-based matchmaking?

Yes, Overwatch 2 uses skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). The system tries to pair you with and against players who have similar MMR, representing your overall skill level.

2. Does Overwatch 2 have bad matchmaking?

While the matchmaking aims to be fair, some players experience unbalanced matches. This is due to the intricacies of the matchmaking system, server issues, the vast number of players, and the inherent variability of player skill levels. This issue is especially prevalent for lower-ranked players.

3. Is Overwatch 2 matchmaking fair?

The matchmaking system is designed to be fair, but it’s not perfect. It encounters issues, particularly for lower-ranked players. The developers are continually working on improvements to make it more balanced and enjoyable for everyone.

4. Does Overwatch 2 have skill-based matchmaking in unranked?

Yes, the matchmaking system attempts to group players of similar skill levels in unranked modes using the same MMR system that it does for competitive.

5. How is matchmaking done in Overwatch 2?

Matchmaking primarily works through MMR. The system prioritizes skill when making a match.

6. Why is Overwatch 2 matchmaking so unbalanced?

Several factors can lead to unbalanced matches, including the complex nature of the matchmaking system, server issues, a diverse player pool, and difficulties in accurately placing new players. Additionally, configuration issues within the matchmaker itself can also contribute to imbalances.

7. Are there a lot of cheaters in Overwatch 2?

Unfortunately, yes. Blizzard has banned over 250,000 accounts for cheating, and also thousands that grouped with cheaters. The issue of cheating is always a continuous battle for game developers.

8. Does Overwatch 2 improve aim?

Playing Overwatch 2 can improve your aim, particularly in modes like FFA Deathmatch. To improve functional aim in a competitive setting, it is recommended that you practice in the competitive game mode.

9. Why is Overwatch 2 competitive so hard?

Overwatch 2’s competitive mode is difficult because of the stringent matchmaking parameters that seek to match you with opponents of a similar skill level, the hidden nature of MMR, and the lack of clarity around ranks.

10. How does Overwatch 2 determine skill level?

Overwatch 2 determines skill level through its hidden MMR system, which is impacted by match results and the strength of your opponents. Your visible skill is shown through your Skill Rating (SR), which will change after 5 wins or 15 losses.

11. Do all Overwatch 2 characters move at the same speed?

No, the base movement speed is 5.5 meters per second, but Tracer and Genji move at 6 meters per second.

12. How does skill matchmaking work?

Skill-based matchmaking pairs players based on their skill level, creating fairer and more balanced matches. In Overwatch 2, it uses the MMR system.

13. Why is Overwatch 2 so jittery?

Overwatch 2 can become jittery due to excessive graphics settings, which may cause your computer to over utilize its resources.

14. What happens if you leave too many matches in Overwatch 2?

Leaving too many matches can result in suspensions, beginning with 10 minutes, and increasing to 30 minutes if leaving continues.

15. Do stats affect MMR in Overwatch 2?

No, only wins and losses affect your MMR; personal stats do not have an effect.