If you enjoy playing Marvel Rivals and play a lot of games every day, you might have noticed something odd about your matches. One game, you're dominating with your team, and the next, you're getting completely destroyed. Is it just your luck or bad teammates, or is something else going on with the matchmaking system? Let's break down how matchmaking actually works in Marvel Rivals and what you can do to have a better experience.
How Marvel Rivals Matchmaking Works
According to NetEase, Marvel Rivals uses skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) to create balanced games. This system looks at several stats to determine your skill level. In Competitive mode, your visible rank (from Bronze to One Above All) determines your matchmaking. The system typically matches you with players one rank above or below yours.
While in Casual modes, the matchmaking is much looser. These modes focus on getting you into games quickly rather than creating perfectly balanced matches. This is why casual modes often feel more random in terms of player skill levels.
Despite what NetEase says about skill-based matchmaking, many players report experiences that suggest a more unfair matchmaking. Here are the most common complaints that usually show up on platforms like Reddit or Steam Community:
- Some players believe Marvel Rivals uses Engagement Optimized Matchmaking (EOMM) instead of pure SBMM. This system has one main goal: keeping you playing longer. According to this theory, the game might create patterns of wins and losses to keep you hooked. After several wins, you suddenly face much tougher opponents, and after several losses, you might get matched with easier opponents. The goal is to create a "just one more game" feeling that extends play sessions.
- Many players have noticed that wins and losses often come in streaks that don't seem random. You might win several games in a row, feeling great about your skills, then suddenly hit a wall and lose multiple games straight.
How to Deal With Marvel Rivals Matchmaking
If you're frustrated with the matchmaking system like most of the players, here are some strategies that might help:
- Find Regular Teammates: The best way to improve your experience is to stop relying entirely on random matchmaking. Playing with a group of teammates and friends has several benefits in the long run:
- The communication gets better
- The chances of matching up with a toxic random player drastically decrease if you are in a full party.
- Over time, you will have a better understanding of each other's playstyle, which will increase the quality of match
- Pre-decided and practiced strategies and team comps
Although finding good teammates can be difficult, platforms like Curry.gg make it easy to connect with other Marvel Rivals players. You can find players at your skill level looking for the same gameplay experience, whether that's casual fun or serious competitive climbing.
- Play During Peak Hours: Queue times are shorter, and match quality tends to be better during peak playing hours, maybe because the system has more players to choose from.
- Focus on Your Own Improvement: While matchmaking issues can be frustrating, focusing on your own gameplay will help you climb regardless of the system's quirks. However, it's easier said than done, and we understand that MR is a team-based game. But if that's the last choice you're left with, then why not? You can look at our hero guides, which include combos and counters for specific heroes, and we are sure it will help improve your playstyle.
Marvel Rivals' matchmaking system isn't perfect, but knowing how it works can help you deal with its problems. Finding good teammates on platforms like Curry.gg and working on your own skills are all solid ways to enjoy the game more.
