Matchmaking & Qualifying

How does matchmaking work?

Players are matched with another player with a similar MMR (Matchmaking Rank), which is a hidden value used to determine players' ability for a specific game. This means you always get to play against people with a similar skill level. However, matchmaking is not simultaneous; you are not playing in real-time multiplayer. You will be matched with somebody of a similar level who has already played, or who plays soon after you (in which case the result will say 'pending' and you can see your results soon after). 

Arc8 does not take note of whether you or the other player won or lost when matchmaking – the only value that is used is your MMR points.

Why do I need to qualify to compete in 1v1 matches?

Qualification helps you get MMR points so you can play other players with a similar skill level. It also gives you time to learn how the game works and practice. In qualification games, you get the same number of MMR as LP (League Points). This means that, for instance, if you win 3 matches, you cannot be matched with a player who didn't win any.

Is there one MMR level for all games?

No. You have a different MMR level for every game. So don't worry if you're amazing at one game but not so good at another – you will alway be matched with somebody who has a similar skill level in that specific game.

How do MMR points work?

MMR is a hidden attribute that we only use for matchmaking. If you win a 1v1 match, you get MMR points. If you lose a 1v1 match, you lose MMR point streaks. And if the match is a draw, both players gain a small number of MMR points. If you are on a winning streak and win multiple matches in a row, your MMR gain is boosted so you can quickly get to a more suitable level. And the opposite is true; if you lose several matches in a row, you will descend more quickly to a level where you have a better chance of winning.

You continue to collect MMR points throughout the season. You will only be matched with opponents within a certain range of your MMR level. However, if the opponent has a slightly more MMR points than you and you win the match, you will get a small MMR bonus for beating a stronger opponent. Similarly, if you lose to a player with fewer MMR points than you, you will get an MMR deduction so that you will be matched against an easier opponent in the next match.
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What is the difference between LPs and MMR?

LPs, or League Points are the more important points you gain or lose after a 1v1 match in Arc8. LPs decide which rank you are in the given game, and it is these that you need to level up from Bronze to Silver, and so on.

MMR points increase or decrease after a match, too. Unlike LPs, however, MMRs are affected by multipliers and bonuses when you are on a winning or losing streak, whereas LPs are consistent and are not affected by your streak.
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Do I get MMR points or League Points for playing practice matches?

You get MMR points but you do not get League Points. The reason for getting MMR points is that your skill level can be determined even in practice matches, and you will then be matched in a 1v1 match with a player whose skill level is close to yours. League Points, however, affect your rank, and since this can result in GMEE rewards through the referral system, it is only fair that players level up in real matches.

What happens to MMR and LPs when a new season starts?

The playing field is levelled at the end of the season, and LPs and MMR are reset to the same level for all players on the platform. 

In terms of your rank, it depends on what it was at the end of the last season. Every player is moved down one rank. So, if you were Gold in one game, now you will be Silver. Bronze-ranked players are moved down to the lower third of the Bronze rank.

Why have I been matched with a player who is much better me?

You are always matched with a player with a similar skill level to you (ie. similar number of MMR points), but occasionally you will encounter a player who is on a streak of success (or otherwise!) and they haven't yet reached the level they will ultimately get to. This is especially true when playing a game for the first few times, as you may play against another new player who is very good but hasn't yet played enough games to take him/her to the top. But don't worry––remember that when you lose a game, you also lose your MMR point streak, which should make your next opponent more suitable.

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Contents

How does matchmaking work?

Why do I need to qualify to compete in 1v1 matches?

Is there one MMR level for all games?

How do MMR points work?

What is the difference between LPs and MMR?

Do I get MMR points or League Points for playing practice matches?

What happens to MMR and LPs when a new season starts?

Why have I been matched with a player who is much better me?