Why Did Bungie Remove Freelance Iron Banner?
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The removal of Freelance Iron Banner in Destiny 2 has been a contentious issue among players, particularly those who prefer solo gameplay. The core reason for this removal stems from Bungie’s ongoing efforts to consolidate player pools and improve the effectiveness of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM). In essence, Bungie discontinued Freelance Iron Banner to funnel more players into a single matchmaking pool, aiming to provide quicker and more balanced matches based on skill levels. This decision, however, has not been without its downsides, leaving a significant portion of the community feeling neglected. Bungie believes consolidating the player pool, even at the expense of the Freelance node, will create more balanced matches on average.
Understanding the Matchmaking Changes
The Push for Consolidated Player Pools
Bungie’s philosophy is that a larger, unified matchmaking pool will enhance the overall experience. By eliminating the separate Freelance node, they hoped to mitigate the issue of long queue times and drastically varied skill levels that can occur when the player base is divided. The idea was that with more players in one pool, the SBMM algorithm could more accurately match players of similar skill, reducing the number of mismatched games. This is intended to apply to all Iron Banner participants, meaning they would face less premade fireteams when playing solo.
Why Freelance Was Initially Introduced
It’s important to remember that the Freelance node wasn’t always the norm. It was introduced as a response to community feedback complaining about solo players constantly facing pre-made fireteams. These pre-made groups often had a significant advantage through enhanced communication and synergy. Freelance provided a much-needed safe haven for solo players, ensuring that they would only be matched against other solo players, leading to a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
The Impact of Removal
The removal of Freelance has had several consequences. Solo players now face a higher chance of being placed in matches against fireteams, potentially leading to frustrating encounters. It has also created a sense of disenfranchisement among a considerable segment of the player base who previously appreciated having an alternative. While the goal was to improve match quality, for many solo players, it has had the opposite effect.
Why is the Player Base Divided On This Decision?
The change has sparked a lively debate within the Destiny 2 community. On one hand, players in pre-made fireteams tend to appreciate the quick matchmaking and increased competition, as do many other players who aren’t specifically solo-focused. On the other hand, many solo players feel they have lost a crucial component of the game that ensured balanced and enjoyable matches. This division highlights the tension between the perceived benefits of a consolidated player pool and the practical need for options that accommodate different playstyles within the community.
Bungie’s Stated Goals
While Bungie has acknowledged the feedback, they have been consistent in their commitment to a unified player base for better matchmaking. The reasoning is simple: a larger pool allows the SBMM to more effectively do its job. Bungie has been moving towards this approach across multiple game modes, and the removal of Freelance Iron Banner is a part of this strategy. They believe this strategy will ultimately result in better overall match quality for a higher number of people.
Community Reactions
The community’s reaction has been mixed. Many solo players are expressing their frustrations with the current system, citing frequent matches against fireteams as a major drawback. The lack of a dedicated solo queue is a recurring complaint and has driven some players to temporarily, or even permanently, stop playing Iron Banner. However, some do see the benefit of the SBMM update, and the overall goal to improve match quality.
Looking Ahead
It remains to be seen if Bungie will revisit the decision to remove Freelance Iron Banner. While their focus is on consolidating the player base, the significant outcry from solo players suggests that the current solution may not be optimal for everyone. As Destiny 2 continues to evolve, the community will be watching closely to see how Bungie addresses this critical issue. The hope is that a balance can be struck that benefits all players, regardless of their preferred play style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Freelance in Destiny 2?
In Destiny 2, the Freelance node is/was a matchmaking option specifically for solo players. It ensures that solo players only match against other solo players, eliminating the imbalance caused by facing pre-made fireteams.
2. Why was Freelance Gambit removed?
Like Freelance Iron Banner, Freelance Gambit was removed to consolidate player pools and improve matchmaking. Bungie aims for a singular, larger pool to allow SBMM to work more efficiently.
3. What is Fireteam Based Matchmaking in Destiny 2?
Fireteam Based Matchmaking is the standard matchmaking system where players can queue up as individuals, in a pair, or as a full team and match against anyone else in the queue.
4. What is Skill Based Matchmaking (SBMM) in Destiny 2?
Skill Based Matchmaking (SBMM) is a matchmaking algorithm designed to match players with others of similar skill levels, theoretically providing more balanced and competitive matches.
5. Is Iron Banner locked behind any DLC?
No, Iron Banner is not locked behind any DLC. All players of Destiny 2, regardless of expansion ownership, can participate in Iron Banner events.
6. What changes were made to Iron Banner rewards?
Bungie introduced an Iron Banner Emblem that “significantly increases” your multiplier, and expects these changes to decrease the games needed to earn a Rank reset by around 40%.
7. What weapons have been vaulted from the Iron Banner loot pool?
The Hero’s Burden Void Submachine Gun and The Wizened Rebuke Arc Fusion Rifle have been vaulted from the Iron Banner loot pool, replaced by new weapons.
8. What are the new weapons in Iron Banner?
A brand new Strand Fusion Rifle and Swarm of the Raven Void Heavy Grenade Launcher have been added to the Iron Banner loot pool.
9. What is the new Iron Banner Rank system?
There are 16 Iron Banner Ranks, consisting of 3 stages each across Guardian, Brave, Heroic, Fabled, Mythic, and then the final Legend rank. Resetting these ranks earns an Ascendant Shard.
10. What is the Flawless pool in Trials of Osiris?
The Flawless pool is a separate matchmaking pool in Trials of Osiris for players who have achieved a flawless run that week. It was removed in Season of the Deep.
11. Is the Flawless pool still a thing?
No, the Flawless pool was removed in Season of the Deep. It has been replaced with the Challenger and Practice pools.
12. Is Trials of Osiris locked behind the Lightfall DLC?
Yes, Trials of Osiris is locked behind the Lightfall DLC. You’ll need to own the most recent expansion to participate.
13. How often does Trials of Osiris appear?
Trials of Osiris is a weekend-only activity, running for four days every weekend.
14. Why is Gambit being made optional?
Bungie is making Gambit optional to allow players to earn Exotic engrams from other ritual activities. This shift reflects the low popularity of the game mode.
15. Is Gambit leaving Destiny 2?
While not being removed, Gambit’s support and development is diminishing, leaving its future in Destiny 2 uncertain. It is being made an optional activity.