Dota 2’s latest patch fundamentally changed the way matchmaking worked by changing from a Elo algorithm to the Glicko system.
If you’ve ever complained about matchmaking in Dota 2, then have no fear, it’s all been fixed thanks to the new Glicko system! Well, that’s maybe not true, but Dota 2’s 7.33 patch has changed the algorithm that is used to work out your Matchmaking Rating (MMR).
Previously, Dota 2 used the Elo algorithm to workout Rank and Rank Confidence changes. This, according to Valve, led to MMR gradually lowering over time, and a clumping of players at the 0-1000 MMR rating. Also, apparently players that took a break and returned struggled to get accurate MMR. As a result, Valve has now switched to the Glicko system.
What is Glicko in Dota 2?
Glicko is an alternative, more modern algorithm for working out MMR. Like Elo, the system was originally used in Chess, but has now been adapted for Dota 2. In practice, this means that players will be more accurately matched with players of equal skill, and will gain or lose MMR in a more reasonable way based on wins and losses.
There’s a lot of math behind it, and it looks something like this:
Yeah, we don’t get it either. But we trust Valve to handle that side of things.
Effectively a new season
With the new Glicko system, its now effectively a new season in Dota 2, because we’re all getting calibrated again. Apparently Calibration is no longer a fixed number of matches. Instead, a player is considered calibrated whenever their Rank Confidence is above a certain threshold. Whatever that means.
Anyway, see you all in Immortal once we’ve got our true ranks, that we deserved all along. It was the Elo system, trust me guys! Glicko is going to fix it for sure!
Immortal Matchmaking
Speaking of Immortal, Valve has also transformed how Matchmaking works for that rank. Now Matches won’t use pre-made teams anymore. Instead, two captains will get to draft the other eight players onto each team.
It’s gym class all over again, and if you’re picked last, then that definitely means you’re the worst player.
Whether this will actually help Immortal gameplay, or end up with people trolling and picking bad lineups remains to be seen. Or not, if you’re not Immortal.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more Dota 2 patch breakdown.