Understanding the Overwatch 2 Matchmaking Algorithm: A Deep Dive
The matchmaking algorithm in Overwatch 2 is a complex system designed to create balanced and competitive matches by pairing players of similar skill levels. It’s not a simple case of matching players based on their visible rank alone; instead, it relies on a hidden matchmaking rating (MMR) that constantly adjusts based on individual performance and match outcomes. The primary goal of the algorithm is to ensure that each match provides an engaging and fair experience for all participants by placing players with comparable MMRs on opposing teams, and in role queues, to prioritize similarly skilled players in each role. This system aims to minimize scenarios where one team is significantly more skilled than the other, leading to frustrating and one-sided matches. While the matchmaking system is continually updated to try to refine fairness, there are often concerns voiced by players, especially in lower ranks, that it is still in need of improvement.
How Does MMR Work in Overwatch 2?
The Hidden Metric
MMR, or Matchmaking Rating, is a numerical representation of a player’s skill level. This value is not visible to players and serves as the primary factor in the matchmaking process. Unlike the visible rank (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.), MMR provides a more granular and dynamic assessment of a player’s ability.
Calculating MMR
MMR is calculated based on several factors, with a key focus on:
- Wins and Losses: The most fundamental factor. Winning increases your MMR, while losing decreases it. The amount of adjustment is based on the strength of opponents.
- Individual Performance: This includes a range of in-game statistics like eliminations, assists, damage, healing, and objective time. The system attempts to evaluate how well a player contributed to the match outcome beyond just wins and losses.
- Matchmaking Adjustments: The system attempts to predict how well players should perform in a match. If a player exceeds those expectations, the MMR change will be higher than normal.
MMR Fluctuation
Your MMR is not static; it fluctuates from match to match. This dynamic adjustment is crucial to reflect a player’s current skill level accurately. Good performances and consistent wins lead to a higher MMR, and similarly, poor performances and regular losses lead to a decrease.
Placement Matches
When you start competitive play, you are required to complete placement matches. These matches help the system assess your initial skill level and place you in the correct rank. They can take up to seven wins or 20 losses/draws, depending on which threshold is met first. Based on your performance in these matches, the system assigns you an initial rank, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and so on.
The Matchmaking Process
Prioritizing Similar MMR
The primary goal of the matchmaking system is to place players with similar MMR on opposing teams. This means that the algorithm is constantly searching for players with MMR values close to yours. When a pool of these players are found, they are placed into a match together.
Role Queue Considerations
In role queue, the matchmaker goes a step further. It not only matches players based on their overall MMR but also prioritizes matching players of similar MMR on each specific role (Tank, Damage, Support) on both teams. This aims to create balanced team compositions where no team has a significant advantage in any particular role.
Minimizing Wait Times
While skill matching is the priority, the algorithm also balances this with the need to minimize queue times. The system may slightly widen the MMR range to ensure players can get into matches within a reasonable amount of time. This is especially true in less populated regions or at times with fewer active players.
Ongoing Adjustments and Balancing
The Overwatch 2 developers are constantly working on improving the matchmaking algorithm. They frequently make adjustments to address issues like unbalanced matches and long queue times. The system is dynamic, evolving as more data becomes available and player feedback is considered.
Issues with Lower Ranks
The system struggles to provide fair matches for lower-ranked players, because players at low ranks are less consistent than those at high ranks. Lower ranks can contain players who are brand new to the game, those who may not care about ranking up, and those who are very good but are playing casually. These large inconsistencies in player performance make it difficult to group players of similar skill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Overwatch 2 Matchmaking
1. Is Overwatch 2 matchmaking entirely skill-based?
Yes, skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) is the primary driving force of Overwatch 2’s matchmaking system. The algorithm prioritizes creating matches based on each player’s hidden MMR. However, other factors such as player availability, queue times, and role selection also influence matchmaking.
2. Does my visible rank affect matchmaking?
While your visible rank (e.g., Silver, Gold) is a reflection of your skill progress, it’s not the primary factor in matchmaking. The hidden MMR is the crucial element used to find opponents and teammates. Visible ranks update every seven wins or 20 losses.
3. How does Overwatch 2 calculate individual performance for MMR?
The system considers a range of in-game statistics, including eliminations, assists, damage, healing, objective time, and other relevant metrics. The specifics of how these statistics weigh into MMR calculation are not public knowledge.
4. Does losing games affect my MMR?
Yes, losing games will generally decrease your MMR, while winning will increase it. The amount of MMR adjustment depends on the relative skill of your opponents. Losing against stronger opponents typically results in a smaller MMR decrease, and losing against weaker opponents typically results in a larger MMR decrease.
5. Does quitting games affect my MMR?
Yes, frequently quitting games can negatively impact your MMR as it can lead to reduced performance. It may be noted as an indication you’re not fully committed to matches, leading to a decrease in your MMR over time.
6. What is the 40/40/20 rule in Overwatch?
The 40/40/20 rule is a commonly discussed concept in the community: 40% of games are essentially unwinnable, 40% are free wins, and 20% are determined by your individual performance. This can help players see where they have the most impact on a game.
7. Why does Overwatch 2 matchmaking feel unbalanced?
Matchmaking imbalances can occur due to factors such as inaccurate MMR calculations, high player variation within ranks (especially lower ones), limited player pools, and network issues. The developers are continually working to improve the system.
8. Is there a hard MMR reset in Overwatch 2?
No, MMR does not get fully reset for the main competitive and Quick Play modes. Only free-for-all modes, such as Deathmatch, receive an MMR reset. The goal is for the MMR to maintain consistency across each season, ensuring a player’s progress is tracked over a long period of time.
9. Why do I play against opponents who are much higher rank than me?
The system may slightly widen the MMR range to reduce queue times, especially when fewer players are active. This can result in matching players against those slightly above or below their rank. Additionally, visible rank and MMR are not the same.
10. How does Quick Play matchmaking differ from Competitive?
Quick Play matchmaking focuses more on overall performance than competitive’s precise rank system. There are less strict rules on leaving a match as well.
11. What are placement matches, and why are they important?
Placement matches are used to assess a player’s initial skill level in Competitive mode. They are vital to placing a player in an accurate starting rank, based on MMR performance. They help reduce large skill disparities and make match making more reliable.
12. What are the ranks in Overwatch 2?
The ranks are, from lowest to highest: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Top 500. Within each rank there are five tiers, i.e., Bronze 5, Bronze 4, Bronze 3, Bronze 2, Bronze 1. Lower numbers within a rank mean higher skill level, i.e., Silver 1 is better than Silver 5.
13. What is a “one trick” in Overwatch?
A one trick is a player who primarily or exclusively plays only one hero. They may not be able to adapt to team composition or counter-pick effectively because they do not have the skill on other heroes.
14. What is the 6/2 rule in Overwatch?
The 6/2 rule encourages players to focus on improving during the first six weeks of a two-month season, and the last two weeks to play competitively and see their results. It is used to help players track their progress and improve over time.
15. Why does Overwatch 2 feel “floaty”?
A “floaty” feeling may be due to Aim Smoothing. Players should disable Aim Smoothing in the advanced controller settings and enable High Precision Mouse Input in the Gameplay tab for a more accurate response.
Understanding the Overwatch 2 matchmaking algorithm helps players appreciate the complexity of the system and how it aims to create balanced and enjoyable gaming experiences. While it may have flaws and be frustrating at times, it is continually being adjusted and refined by the developers to provide players with fair matches.