Battlefield 6 Explains How Matchmaking Works

Battlefield 6 lead producer David Sirland clarified that Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) is not the priority in server matchups during the open beta. Instead, the game prioritizes ping and time to game, with skill being "low on the list." All modes need a "spread of skill to work well" according to developers.

Battlefield 6 Addresses Matchmaking Concerns 🎯

Battlefield 6 has addressed how matchmaking works, clarifying a question players have on the subject. Battlefield 6 has been in the spotlight since its announcement, marking the return of the popular shooter franchise, which hasn't released a new game since Battlefield 2042 in 2021. The game promises an explosive combination of combat, warfare, and freedom for players, making the shooter one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.

Battlefield 6 has also been one of the most talked-about topics of the moment due to its open beta. Thanks to it, players can check out Battlefield 6's features - the new maps, the return of the familiar Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon roles, and weapons and vehicles. Another feature that Battlefield 6 players are getting used to is matchmaking, a fundamental aspect of online multiplayer games.

Shedding light on how Battlefield 6 pairs players, a member of the development team recently touched on the subject, providing much-needed clarity for the community.

Why is matchmaking such a contentious topic? Different approaches to player matching can significantly impact game enjoyment, from connection quality to competitive balance.

Battlefield 6 Developer Explains Server Matchmaking Approach 🔧

On Twitter, lead producer David Sirland revealed that Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) is not the priority in matchups between servers in the Battlefield 6 open beta. In response to a player who asked if "some kind of SBMM" kicks in this situation, Sirland said that the aspects primarily considered are ping and time to game.

Matchmaking Priority Hierarchy:

1. Ping - Connection quality takes precedence
2. Time to game - Getting players into matches quickly
3. Server availability - Finding available game servers
4. Player location - Geographic proximity for better connections
5. Skill level - "Low on the list" according to Sirland

The lead producer does not deny that skill is a factor in matchmaking, but says it is "low on the list." He adds that although it is not a priority, all Battlefield 6 modes "need a spread of skill to work well."

This approach differs significantly from many modern competitive shooters that prioritize skill-based matching, instead focusing on connection quality and accessibility for players of varying skill levels.

💡 Key insight: Battlefield 6's matchmaking philosophy prioritizes smooth gameplay experience over strict competitive balance, aiming for diverse skill distributions in matches.

Community Response to SBMM Clarification 🗣️

Previously, fans expressed concern about Battlefield 6's approach to SBMM, a feature of the Call of Duty series that divides player opinion. The portion of the Call of Duty community that argues against SBMM says that the feature creates highly competitive and stressful matches, rather than focusing on connections between players.

SBMM Debate Points:

Arguments Against Strict SBMM:

• Creates overly competitive environments in casual play
• Prioritizes skill over connection quality, leading to lag
• Reduces variety in match experiences
• Increases stress for players seeking relaxed gameplay

Arguments For SBMM:

• Ensures fair matches for players of all skill levels
• Prevents stomping of inexperienced players
• Maintains engagement for competitive players
• Improves retention among newer players

Previously, David Sirland stated that Battlefield 6's matchmaking will be guided, in addition to ping, mainly by server availability and player location. This statement reinforces the connection-first approach that distinguishes Battlefield 6 from more competitively-focused titles.

Open Beta Testing Progress 📅

With the first weekend of the Battlefield 6 open beta ending on August 10, players are now preparing for the second wave of testing. The beta has provided valuable insights into both gameplay mechanics and matchmaking performance under real-world conditions.

Second Beta Weekend Schedule:

The next beta weekend will start on Thursday, August 14, and end on Sunday, August 17. This time, all content from weekend 1 will be available, in addition to the Empire State map and the Rush, Squad Deathmatch, Closed Weapon Conquest, and Breakthrough modes.

New Beta Content:

• Empire State map - Urban combat environment
• Rush mode - Classic objective-based gameplay
• Squad Deathmatch - Small team elimination matches
• Closed Weapon Conquest - Conquest with weapon restrictions
• Breakthrough - Large-scale linear combat mode
• New reward set - Additional unlockables for beta participation

There will also be a new set of rewards for Battlefield 6 players to unlock by playing the second weekend of the open beta, providing additional incentives for continued testing participation.

Technical Implementation and Performance 🔬

The matchmaking system's emphasis on ping and connection quality reflects DICE's learning from previous Battlefield titles where network performance issues impacted player experience.

Technical Priorities:

• Server stability during peak player loads
• Latency optimization for global player base
• Regional server distribution for improved access
• Load balancing across available servers

The "time to game" priority addresses player frustration with lengthy matchmaking queues, ensuring that accessibility remains paramount over perfect skill matching.

Geographic and server availability considerations help maintain healthy player populations across different regions and time zones, preventing dead servers or excessive wait times.

Industry Context and Competitive Landscape 🏆

Battlefield 6's matchmaking approach positions it distinctly within the competitive shooter landscape, offering an alternative to the strict SBMM systems prevalent in titles like Call of Duty and Apex Legends.

Competitive Differentiation:

• Connection-first philosophy vs. skill-first matching
• Diverse skill distribution vs. tightly matched skill brackets
• Casual accessibility vs. competitive optimization
• Server-based vs. algorithm-driven matching

This approach may appeal to players seeking more relaxed multiplayer experiences while still maintaining enough competitive elements to keep matches engaging for skilled players.

The emphasis on skill diversity within matches aligns with traditional Battlefield gameplay, where teamwork and objective play often matter more than individual skill levels.

Future Implications and Launch Expectations 🚀

The beta feedback will likely influence final matchmaking tuning before the game's full release, with DICE monitoring both technical performance and player satisfaction metrics.

Post-Launch Considerations:

• Scalability for millions of concurrent players
• Regional adaptation based on player distribution
• Seasonal adjustments based on evolving player base
• Competitive mode integration for ranked play

Player reception of the current matchmaking approach during beta will inform decisions about potential ranked modes or competitive playlists that might require different matching algorithms.

The success of this connection-prioritized approach could influence industry trends and encourage other developers to reconsider strict SBMM implementations.

FAQ

Q: Does Battlefield 6 use Skill-Based Matchmaking?
A: Skill is a factor but is "low on the list" of priorities. The game primarily considers ping, time to game, server availability, and player location.

Q: Why doesn't Battlefield 6 prioritize skill in matchmaking?
A: The developers believe all modes "need a spread of skill to work well" and prioritize connection quality and quick access to games.

Q: When is the second beta weekend?
A: The second beta weekend runs from Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17, featuring new maps and game modes.

Q: What new content is coming in the second beta?
A: The Empire State map and four new modes: Rush, Squad Deathmatch, Closed Weapon Conquest, and Breakthrough.

Q: How does this differ from Call of Duty's matchmaking?
A: Unlike Call of Duty's strict SBMM, Battlefield 6 prioritizes connection quality and server availability over skill-based matching.

Q: Will there be ranked modes with different matchmaking?
A: This hasn't been officially announced, but the current system is designed for casual play. Competitive modes may use different algorithms.

Q: Can players influence matchmaking preferences?
A: Currently, the system automatically prioritizes ping and server availability, with no announced player customization options.

Q: When does Battlefield 6 officially release?
A: The game is scheduled for release in 2025, but a specific date hasn't been announced beyond the beta testing periods.

Related Articles:

• Battlefield 6 Battle Royale Mode Details Leak
  
• Battlefield 6 Beta Dates Officially Confirmed - August Offers Two Testing Periods
  
• Battlefield 6 Details All 4 Multiplayer Classes - Complete System Breakdown