Apex Legends expands Matchmaking Test as queue dodges rise

Apex Legends is progressing its matchmaking tests in the higher ranks. The restrictions added last season had mixed results and provided the team with "great learnings." Here's what you can expect as the matchmaking tests continue.

EA shared their goals for these matchmaking experiments. They want everyone to find a match, but also to prioritize Rank Tier width over queue time. "Closer matches are more important than how long you wait," they say. Finally, they want to clearly communicate to players the reasons why they are getting the lobbies that they are.

The hard limits that were implemented starting last July 17 locked Masters players to lobbies that only contained other Masters players, as well as Diamond I players. According to an update on the official site, this resulted in mixed outcomes for the player base.

The biggest takeaway was that median times for finding a match stayed the same. But, they did find that 7% more people were dodging matches for players ranked D1 or higher.

D1 players played more hours, but those in Masters played less due to the added restrictions.

EA also remarked that the changes were "generally well received" by the community.

As EA furthers the Apex Legends matchmaking test, they shared some of what we can expect in the future.

Firstly, the hard limit on Masters going against D1 players will be slightly loosened. This means that in the next test, the limit may go to D2 or D3. On the other hand, they won't go deep enough to match Masters players against Platinum and below for match integrity and fairness reasons.

Apex Legends Showdown Split 2 will see some of these expansions to ranked. For now, stick around esports.gg for more Apex Legends news and updates.