In Destiny 2, PvP is a constant hot topic in the community. Whether it’s the lack of maps, new modes, or hackers spoiling the fun for honorable players. The Guardians always have something to discuss when it comes to PvP. But this time it’s a fair system that couldn’t be more annoying for many pro players: skill-based matchmaking.
What is SBMM and why is it so annoying now? Skill-based matchmaking, or SBMM for short, is an integrated system in PvP matchmaking. With this system, your game can filter out an enemy team for you that suits your PvP stats.
So you don’t enter a match with inferior opponents, but with players who are exactly at your skill level. This creates fairer matches so that newcomers can have fun in the Crucible and not be put off immediately.
This works to the detriment of pro players, however, as since the recent implementation of SBMM, the sweaties among you Guardians have had enough of Control Mode.
Pro players are fed up with it, newbies love it
Where is SBMM matchmaking? Bungie only embedded skill-based matchmaking in always-on control mode for testing purposes. Depending on the result of the “test phase”, further implementation steps will be carried out.
There is also CBMM, i.e. connection-based matchmaking. While this often led to more stable lobbies in Destiny 2, it also meant that inexperienced players were often matched with above-average players.
What does the community say about the changes? There are two opinions on the changes. The pro players hate them, while newbies and less-skilled Crucible players love them.
However, it’s important to remember that SBMM matchmaking, despite the displeasure, is a fairer change for PvP. So even casual Guardians finally get the opportunity to play and enjoy fun PvP matches without leaving the match sighing prematurely.
But not only fans give their feedback, but also the YouTuber Aztecross. He feels ambivalent about the activation of the SBMM. Sure, he’s happy for the Guardians finally getting a taste of the Crucible, but without qualms, ignoring the core players of PvP isn’t the right way to create a good environment in the Crucible either.
There are clearly no rewards or various incentives to give the pros among you a drive to keep fighting in sweaty matches. Emblems, shaders or even a specially designed title for this would do. Aztecross says “What’s the point of getting better at PvP if there’s no payout for it?”.
However, the YouTuber sees the biggest problem in the “Control” mode. In his opinion, the once most relaxed PvP mode is now mutating into a sauna full of guardians, thanks to SBMM, who will beat their heads with everything. A better solution should have been sought here, such as a separate control mode with and without SBMM.
According to Aztecross, you also just want to relax and maybe try out different weapons from PvE without being torn apart in mid-air. As you can see, there is still a long way to go before the Crucible can become a place for all Guardians.
Will SBMM be enabled everywhere soon? Bungie is basically testing their new system now and gathering enough feedback to better plan for future moves. However, it would not help if the developers first fix the problem for newbies, but create a new problem for core players.
However, we believe that Bungie will make the right choice to ensure that both sides can be happy in the near future. If you still want to play relaxed rounds of PvP, go to the Iron Banner or the “Dynamic Control” mode, which still do not have SBMM.
What do you think of the change? Are you also a PvP pro and enjoying finally getting challenging matches? Or do you lack the ability to compete against inexperienced newcomers in PvP? Let us know what you think of it in the comments and whether or not it has improved the climate for you in the Crucible.