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Apex Legends' Ranked Mode, introduced in 2019, aimed to offer a more competitive experience, but it has been plagued by persistent matchmaking problems, smurfing, and inconsistent progression. Despite numerous adjustments, the system continues to frustrate both casual and competitive players.
As of recent seasons, Ranked Mode continues to disappoint many players. Matchmaking remains inconsistent, with players in higher tiers facing either too-weak or too-skilled opponents. Smurfing continues to plague the mode, and RP progression often feels arbitrary.
The Origins of Ranked Mode
Ranked Mode was introduced in Season 2 to create a more structured competitive environment. Players were assigned ranks from Bronze to Apex Predator, and Ranked Points (RP) were awarded based on performance, including kills, damage, and survival. However, issues with unbalanced matchmaking and smurfing quickly became apparent, especially in higher ranks.The Matchmaking Dilemma
A major issue with Ranked Mode is the matchmaking system. Players in higher ranks are often matched with those of lower skill levels, creating unbalanced games. Smurfing—high-level players intentionally creating new accounts to dominate lower ranks—became a widespread problem, frustrating new and mid-tier players.Inconsistent RP Progression
The RP system, intended to track skill progression, often felt inconsistent. Higher-tier players would struggle to gain RP in matches where their teammates were underperforming, while lower-tier players sometimes earned RP even in matches they lost. This created a frustrating experience for many players trying to climb the ranks.
The Impact of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)
Respawn introduced SBMM to prevent smurfing and ensure more balanced matches. However, this system often mismatches players, either by overestimating skill or failing to account for team dynamics. Players report being paired with opponents far above or below their skill level, leading to uncompetitive and frustrating matches.Respawn’s Attempts at Fixing Matchmaking
In response to player feedback, Respawn made several adjustments, including changes to RP, tier progression, and anti-smurfing measures. However, these changes often failed to address the root issues, and players continued to feel that the system was unfair and inconsistent.Smurfing and Cheating
Despite efforts to curb smurfing, it remains a persistent issue in Ranked Mode. Smurfs often ruin the experience for legitimate players, especially in lower ranks, where they can easily dominate matches. Cheating also remains a concern, further undermining the integrity of the system.The Split System and New Challenges
The introduction of the Split system, dividing each Ranked season into two parts, was designed to refresh the competitive experience. However, it often exacerbated existing issues, with players finding themselves matched against opponents of widely varying skill levels.The Ongoing Frustration
As of recent seasons, Ranked Mode continues to disappoint many players. Matchmaking remains inconsistent, with players in higher tiers facing either too-weak or too-skilled opponents. Smurfing continues to plague the mode, and RP progression often feels arbitrary.
