Apex Legends: The Struggles of Skill-Based Matchmaking

Apex Legends' skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) system has become a controversial issue for the community. Originally designed to create more balanced and competitive matches, SBMM has caused frustration for both casual and competitive players. While casual players find themselves in overly difficult matches, competitive players struggle with “sweaty” lobbies and unfair smurfing.

Origins of SBMM

When Apex Legends launched in 2019, matchmaking was simple and less focused on skill. The introduction of SBMM aimed to balance matches by pairing players of similar skill levels, addressing the problem of unbalanced lobbies. However, as the system evolved, it began to prioritize metrics like kills and damage, causing frustration for players who prefer a more strategic, team-focused approach.

The Growing Divide Between Casual and Competitive Players

Casual players have increasingly found themselves matched with high-skill players, leading to repetitive losses and frustration. This shift made the game feel less enjoyable for those who don't dedicate hours to improving their gameplay. Meanwhile, competitive players also face challenges, such as smurfing and unbalanced matchmaking in ranked modes.

The Impact on Player Retention

The difficulty of finding enjoyable matches due to SBMM has hurt player retention. Casual players, in particular, often abandon the game due to frustration with the system. This is damaging for a game that relies on a large, active player base.

Respawn’s Response and the Need for Solutions

Respawn has made adjustments to the SBMM system, but many players feel these changes have been too incremental. One potential solution is to separate matchmaking into different pools for casual and competitive players, allowing both groups to enjoy the game without interfering with one another.

Conclusion

SBMM in Apex Legends, while intended to balance gameplay, has caused significant frustration across both casual and competitive communities. Respawn must find better solutions, such as more robust matchmaking options or a focus on team synergy, to address these issues and improve the player experience.