Does XDefiant have SBMM? Skill-based matchmaking explained

XDefiant devs have explained how matchmaking will work in the game and addressed players’ concerns about SBMM. Here’s all you need to know about skill-based matchmaking in XDefiant.

XDefiant‘s release is scheduled for May 21, letting FPS fans finally jump into the Ubisoft-themed game. After trying out the game during several Test Sessions, players are still wondering if XDefiant will feature skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), similar to its FPS competitor Call of Duty.

Here’s all you need to know about the XDefiant’s matchmaking, including if the game has SBMM.

Will XDefiant have SBMM?

XDefiant will only have SBMM in Ranked Play, which will be “added in a future season,” according to a May 14 blog post.

As we near launch, wanted to take some time to talk about matchmaking, and how we use it to make for a great multiplayer experience.

Hit the link below for details 👇https://t.co/6OlFNyHoYg pic.twitter.com/LIzbnRzOMf

— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) May 14, 2024

Ubisoft’s FPS won’t feature skill-based matchmaking in casual playlists. The team revealed that Casual Play matchmaking will prioritize “fast connection times,” matching “latency and regions where possible.”

The devs confirmed that Ranked Play matchmaking is based on your Rank Points (Skill Rating) and other factors that we’ve listed below.

Casual matchmaking will prioritize latency (ping) to enhance the casual gaming experience. Whereas, Ranked will “only matchmake players within Rank range.”

What is skill-based matchmaking in XDefiant? SBMM explained

Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) will be a system implemented in XDefiant’s Ranked Play mode set to “prioritize quality matches” by pairing players of similar Rank Points (RP).

As shared in the game’s matchmaking blog post, the skill-based matchmaking system in XDefiant Ranked Play will prioritize the following factors when grouping players (ranked from the most to least priority):

1. Rank Points (RP): Only matches within acceptable Rank range
2. Latency: Prefers similar pings
3. Party Size: Prefers to match squads against squads of similar size. 
4. Region: Prefers players from the same region/language.
5. Input Device: Prefers players using the same input method
6. Platform: Prefers players using the same platform (PC, Xbox, PlayStation)

By employing SBMM, XDefiant can group highly skilled players against enemies with similar experience levels, offering intense and challenging gameplay.

That’s everything you need to know about XDefiant’s matchmaking, including how and when SBMM be involved. Make sure you check out some of our other guides below:

All XDefiant Factions & abilities | Does XDefiant have crossplay? | How to check XDefiant stats | Best controller settings for XDefiant | Best guns in XDefiant | Best XDefiant PC settings | Is XDefiant coming to PlayStation 4 & Xbox One? | Best XDefiant AK-47 loadout | Best XDefiant M4A1 loadout