SBMM in The Finals, Explained

The Finals is gearing up for some significant changes. Developed by Embark Studios, this free-to-play shooter got an update aimed at providing more balanced matchmaking — a move the developers are pretty keen on. But the real question is, does this align with what the players are looking for? Let’s delve into everything there is to know about SBMM in The Finals.

Is There SBMM in The Finals?

While there’s no official confirmation that Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) is in play for The Finals, it’s hard to say for sure whether the system exists or not. Our own gameplay experience over the past week does suggest a skill-based approach, though. We’ve noticed that after stringing together a few wins, the competition definitely ramps up.

On the flip side, if we hit a bit of a slump, the following matches tend to feel somewhat easier. But this isn’t a consistent experience, which is a point of contention in some of the Steam reviews.

Embark Studios seems to be tuned into these player concerns, as evidenced by their recent update. They’ve tweaked the matchmaking in hopes of achieving more balanced matches. However, they haven’t explicitly mentioned “SBMM”.

Let’s take a look at the update note they shared on Steam:

We’ve made some changes to our skill-based matchmaking to ensure better-quality games. This means matchmaking times are likely to be ever so slightly longer, but you should find yourselves in slightly closer matches.

Embark Studios

What Is SBMM in The Finals?

SBMM, short for skill-based matchmaking, is a common feature in multiplayer games. It pairs players of similar skill levels together, ensuring a more balanced and competitive experience.

While the system’s name might vary across different titles, it’s a staple in many classic online games like Dota 2, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and popular Battle Royale games such as Warzone.

When it comes to SBMM in The Finals, the details are still under wraps. The developers are employing a system similar to SBMM. Still, the specifics, such as how they’re setting up leaderboards or a level system to make this transparent to players, remain unknown.

Given that The Finals is designed for the long haul, the game will likely evolve to feature a classic matchmaking system akin to those found in other free-to-play games.

Is SBMM Good for Players?

This topic definitely warrants a discussion. There’s a divide in the gaming community about skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) and its impact on online gaming. Some players feel it detracts from the experience. In contrast, others see it as essential to the competitive nature of multiplayer games. Both sides have valid points, but our take is a bit different.

Like any feature in video games, SBMM can be highly effective when executed properly. Take Counter-Strike 2 as an example — setting aside the new player experience, the SBMM system generally works well. However, in games like Call of Duty, the implementation of SBMM has been less successful. So, it’s important to evaluate SBMM on a game-by-game basis.

As for SBMM in The Finals, it’s still too early to either criticise or praise the system. We need more time to assess its impact thoroughly. But don’t worry — we’re planning to release a detailed guide on this topic in the upcoming months, so stay tuned.

Final Thoughts

As of writing this, it’s only been a week since The Finals made its debut. Given it’s a brand-new game, there’s still a lot of room for growth and adaptation. We’re pretty confident that Embark Studios will be tuning into feedback from the player community and making necessary tweaks as they go along.

Even though the game has a competitive edge, it’s clear that the focus is more on fun and entertainment. This means that SBMM in The Finals might not be as pivotal as it is in other games.

For now, that’s our take on SBMM in The Finals. Keep an eye out for more guides and insights on the game coming your way soon. And if you’re curious, why not check out the system requirements for The Finals as well?