Apex Legends Ranked Getting a Shake-Up: Masters and Predators, Keep Out (of Lower Lobbies, That Is)
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Apex Legends is testing a new Ranked matchmaking system that limits Masters and Predator players to Diamond 1+ lobbies to improve skill distribution, but longer queue times for high-ranked players could be a problem. Let's hope this improves the overall Ranked experience!
Right, so the folks over at Respawn are tinkering with the Apex Legends Ranked mode, and it sounds like they're finally trying to address a pain point that's been bugging players for ages: skill distribution. According to Game Rant, they're running a test where Masters and Predator players are getting their own special matchmaking queue, separated from the riff-raff (that's us Diamond 1 and below, mates!).
Basically, if you're rocking a Masters or Predator badge, you'll primarily be facing off against other players in that same stratosphere. The aim? To stop those highly skilled players from pub-stomping their way through lower-ranked lobbies. Now, I've seen this song and dance before, and my inner skeptic is already raising an eyebrow. But hold on, this might actually be a good thing.
See, one of the biggest complaints about Apex Ranked has been the wildly uneven skill distribution. You'd be in Silver, minding your own business, and suddenly get wiped off the map by a squad that plays like they're training for the esports World Cup. Not exactly a fun time, is it?
Respawn reckons this test will “improve the skill distribution across Ranked matches.” And fair play, it's a step in the right direction. Of course, there's a catch (isn't there always?). Diamond 1 players can still bring their lower-ranked buddies into Predator/Master lobbies, which could muck things up a bit. The matchmaking is based on the *highest* ranked player in the squad, so a Diamond 1 player can carry some Bronze mates into the big leagues. But overall, the distribution should still be better than before.
Now, the big question: will this actually stick around? Respawn's running the test towards the end of the season to ensure a “healthy population” of Masters and Predator players. Which, let's be honest, is corporate speak for "we don't want queue times to become longer than a cricket match." And that's the real worry, innit? High-ranked players might find themselves twiddling their thumbs for ages waiting for a game. If that happens, the whole thing could get canned faster than you can say "loot tick."
Respawn hasn't said when the test is ending, so we're all just playing the waiting game here. They’ve also teased Ranked updates for Season 26, so maybe this is a sneak peek at what's to come. Hopefully, this matchmaking tweak will actually improve things, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my expectations tempered. Remember that time they said the Mozambique was getting buffed? Yeah, me too.
*This news was originally reported by Game Rant.*
Tags: Apex Legends, Ranked, Matchmaking, Respawn, Battle Royale
Original article: Game Rant