Understanding the Deadlock MMR and Matchmaking System

Valve’s competitive game Deadlock, a 6v6 third-person shooter, has emerged as one of the most underrated games of 2024. Players are thoroughly enjoying experimenting with various heroes, ultimately striving to enhance their skills in the game. Currently, Deadlock is in a playtest phase, which means there’s no seasonal content or ranked system available yet. Nevertheless, a hidden MMR (Matchmaking Rating) mechanic is integrated into the game’s matchmaking system, influencing how players are paired for quick matches. Here’s a deeper look into how the matchmaking system operates during Deadlock’s playtest.

Does Deadlock Have A Ranking System? – Answered

Queuing a Game of Deadlock — Screenshot by Prima Games

At this stage, Deadlock does not feature a ranked system or game mode in its playtest version. It is reasonable to surmise that Valve may implement a system akin to their previous titles like Dota 2, where they conduct extensive playtests to gather feedback and balance the gameplay before introducing a ranked system.

However, within Deadlock’s matchmaking framework, there exists a hidden MMR mechanic. This means players have a secret MMR associated with their account that is determined by their wins, losses, and overall performance. This practice is commonly found in competitive games, as it ensures balanced matchups in unranked modes. For instance, it’s crucial to avoid scenarios where high-ranking players, like Divine or Global Elite from Dota 2 or CSGO, are pitted against lower-ranked players, as that can disrupt the enjoyment and balance of the game.

In Deadlock, individual player performance is recorded and linked to an MMR. Players have various theories about the hidden MMR, especially as they look to gain an edge in advance of the game’s full release. Some theorize that MMR is hero-specific rather than being representative of overall account performance.

Others speculate that different roles associated with each hero may have separate MMRs, reminiscent of popular titles like Overwatch or Dota 2. While these ideas are largely speculative, it’s likely that one or more of these theories holds some truth.

Is There a Way to Check Your MMR in Deadlock?

Deadlock Loading Screen — Image via Valve

Currently, there is no official method to check your MMR in Deadlock. While some third-party websites had previously developed tracking systems for player MMR, Valve swiftly intervened with patches to deactivate those features. Valve appears to want to maintain a less competitive environment for the time being.

As the game remains in its playtesting phase, balancing is still underway. If you’ve noticed those highly skilled Shiv players, you’ll understand why careful adjustments are necessary. It’s evident that Deadlock’s moment of recognition is quickly approaching. With a wealth of data showcasing the game’s success, Valve’s insights will play a pivotal role in determining Deadlock’s official release date.

If you haven’t yet obtained Deadlock, here’s how you can acquire a code to join the playtest.

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