In Destiny 2, PvP is a constant hot topic in the community. Whether it’s due to the missing maps, new modes, or hackers ruining the fun for honorable players, Guardians always have something to discuss regarding PvP. This time, it’s about 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, is an integrated system in PvP player search. With this system, your game can filter out a team of opponents that matches your PvP statistics.
You don’t enter a match with worse opponents, but with players who are exactly at your skill level. This leads to fairer matches, so that newcomers can enjoy their time in the Crucible without being immediately discouraged.
This, however, is to the detriment of pro players, as since the recent implementation of SBMM, the tryhards among you Guardians are fed up with the Control mode.
Pro players are fed up, newcomers love it
Where is SBMM matchmaking available? Bungie has integrated skill-based matchmaking only in the constantly active Control mode for testing purposes. Depending on the results of the “test phase,” further steps will be taken for implementation.
There is also CBMM, or connection-based matchmaking. While this often led to more stable lobbies in Destiny 2, it also meant that inexperienced players were often paired with above-average skilled players.
What does the community say about the changes? There are two opinions about the changes. Pro players hate them, while newcomers and less skilled Crucible players love them. Players say the following:
- “To be honest, when it comes to this new ‘SBMM’, I’ve only had a few matches with it and it didn’t feel that bad” – says Krushy on YouTube
- “This is my favorite PvP season in recent years. Trying it out actually helps!” – says CodyBargholz
- Please disable SBMM. I’m tired of not getting any kills. PvP is ruined! – complains D1AlphaVeteran on Twitter
It’s clear that opinions vary greatly, with players either happy or unable to tolerate the change.
However, one should keep in mind that despite the discontent, SBMM matchmaking represents a fairer change for PvP. This way, casual Guardians finally get the chance to play enjoyable PvP matches and enjoy them without prematurely sighing out of the match.
Not only fans provide their feedback, but also YouTuber Aztecross. He finds the activation of SBMM to be a mixed bag. Sure, he’s happy for the Guardians who finally get to experience the Crucible, but without qualms, leaving core PvP players behind is not the right way to create a good environment in the Crucible.
There is clearly a lack of rewards or incentives to give the pros among you a reason to keep fighting in sweaty matches. Emblems, shaders, or even a specially designed title would suffice. Aztecross states, “What good is it to get better at PvP if there is no payout for it?”.
However, the biggest problem the YouTuber sees primarily with the “Control” mode. The once most relaxed PvP mode is now, thanks to SBMM, mutating, in his opinion, into a sauna full of Guardians who bash each other with everything. One should have rather sought a better solution, such as a separate Control mode with and without SBMM.
According to Aztecross, one just wants to relax and maybe try out different weapons from PvE without getting ripped apart immediately. As you can see, there’s still a long way to go before the Crucible can become a place for all Guardians.
Will SBMM be activated everywhere soon? Bungie is basically testing their new system now and gathering enough feedback to plan further steps better in the future. However, it wouldn’t help if the developers first eliminate the issue for newcomers but create new problems 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, why not head to the Iron Banner or the “Dynamic Control” mode, as these still do not have SBMM.
What do you think of the change? Are you a PvP pro who enjoys finally getting challenging matches? Or do you miss facing inexperienced newcomers in PvP? Let us know in the comments what you think and whether the climate in the Crucible has improved for you or not.
