When EA unveiled Battlefield 6’s multiplayer, SBMM was one of the first things people asked about during and after the event.
For many FPS fans, those four letters are enough to stir frustration. But this time, things aren’t as bad as they might seem.
In fact, based on everything the devs and insiders have shared so far, Battlefield 6’s matchmaking approach might actually land on the more reasonable side of the spectrum.
What Makes Battlefield 6’s SBMM Different from Other Games?
To start with, Battlefield 6 will include skill-based matchmaking, but not in the aggressive, stats-first style that some other franchises have leaned into.
EA and Battlefield Studios revealed in press briefings and developer sessions that matchmaking will consider four main factors: ping, location, server availability, and a small skill rating component.
However, skill isn’t the dominant piece of the puzzle, but just one part of a wider formula designed to improve the quality of matches without suffocating the experience.
The key feature of this system is its flexibility, as it adapts the importance of factors depending on the game mode.
In a huge 64-player Conquest game, the priority is probably having stable, low-lag servers, whereas in smaller competitive modes like Team Deathmatch, player skill matters more.
That flexible approach avoids the “one-size-fits-all” trap that has burned other franchises in the past.
Is Skill Used Before or After Match Start?
Even better, the developers clarified before that Battlefield 6 doesn’t just lean on pre-match SBMM.
Once you’re in a game, the system also tries to rebalance teams server-side—which means that even if a match starts off slightly lopsided, the backend will attempt to keep things fair.
According to lead producer David Sirland, a skill value is still needed to create decently balanced teams, but it’s used to support gameplay rather than control every match outcome.
He stressed that Battlefield shines when everyone, whether new or experienced, can play together and have fun without being blocked by ranking hurdles.
That philosophy is reflected in the tone of everything Battlefield Studios has said so far. They’re aware of the reputation SBMM carries, especially after years of backlash toward stricter systems used in games like Call of Duty.
Instead of making the game more competitive, Battlefield 6 aims to preserve the chaotic, large-scale, and open gameplay fans love, but still provides some structure for fair matchups.
Can You Avoid SBMM Completely?
This plan might also include options beyond traditional matchmaking, as bringing back features like the server browser and Battlefield Portal could give players more control over their gameplay.
If those tools work the way they did in past titles, fans could simply bypass SBMM altogether and pick their own lobbies based on filters, location, and other preferences.
That’s a huge relief for anyone who hates being funneled into hidden skill brackets.
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