Matchmaking works by putting players into matches while balancing skill, wait times, and player latency. Learn how matchmaking works across game modes and regions, plus how each matchmaking score works.
Matchmaking is a system used in Apex Legends to group players in matches. It helps make sure that players of similar skill compete against each other and manages queue times. Matchmaking is used in all Apex Legends game modes.
How does matchmaking work?
Matchmaking works differently depending on your game mode.
Most game modes give every player a hidden value that reflects their current skill level.
If you’re playing Ranked, Ranked Points are used instead of a hidden skill value.
An algorithm uses each player’s value to sort them into groups, which then become matches. A feature called Continuous Window Matchmaking (CWMM) helps adapt matchmaking to the current pool of active players, balancing factors like player skill and current wait times to sort them.There are two main types of matchmaking values.
Skill-based matchmaking, which includes MMR and the damage model.
Matchmaking rating (MMR) is based on downing another player or being downed, and whether you outperform other teams. When you win or lose, your MMR goes up or down.
Damage is based on how much damage you deal in matches.
Ranked Points, which are exclusive to Ranked. They’re based on your placements, eliminations, and bonuses.
Check out this developer talk to learn more about how matchmaking was developed in Apex Legends.
If you play in a premade squad, matchmaking uses slightly different values to group you.
MMR: the average MMR of your squad.
Damage: the average damage of your squad
Ranked: the player with the highest RP in your squad.
To reflect that playing with friends has a coordination advantage over solo squads, we add a small bonus to premade squads matchmaking values.
Your MMR and damage model skill value aren’t visible to you or other players.
You can see other players’ ranks, which are exclusive to Ranked mode. Ranks are based on the amount of Rank Points you earn during a Season. Inspect a player’s profile to see their current rank. You can also see the range of player ranks in the lobby before a Ranked match.
Which game modes use each matchmaking score?
Different game modes use different values. The same algorithm is used in all game modes.
Unranked (Pubs)
MMR.
Ranked
Ranked Points.
Mixtape
Damage.
Wildcard
MMR.
When a new Season starts in Ranked, your MMR is used to help place you.
Different game modes are created for different experiences. The type of matchmaking used in each mode reflects actions that we count as being skilled.
Apex Legends matchmaking is split into three regions divided into three groups.
North America
Asia
Solo regions
Each region has its own data centers. When you start playing, you’ll automatically be matched to the region that gives you the lowest latency (the amount of time it takes for your game data to be sent to the data centers and back).
Matchmaking can work differently depending on how many players are online in your region, game mode, and platform group (for example, all XBOX consoles). If you’re playing with people on different platforms, cross-play can also impact matchmaking.Learn more about how active player counts impact matchmaking.
