Destiny 2: Crucible matches are getting skill-based matchmaking

A few things are changing for Destiny 2’s Crucible matches with the start of Season 18.

This includes the introduction of a skill-based matchmaking system (SBMM).

A first step

According to developer Bungie, SBMM first comes to selected playlists (control), a kind of test, so to speak.

In Season 19 of Destiny 2, the feature will then be expanded to more playlists if it has proven itself.

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So far, the focus of matchmaking has been on a good connection and thus fast matchmaking. Going forward, the system will follow this approach: “Start with a broad definition of match fairness and trade off matchmaking speed to keep match fairness and connection quality high.”

The changes are intended to make it easier for players at both the high and low end of the scale to find matches. This results in longer matchmaking times, but the balance should be better overall.

Bungie’s goal is to have a kill differential of less than 20 between the best and worst players on the team in 90 percent of matches. Likewise, most matches should end with less than ten points difference between the teams.

Whether that happens remains to be seen. Season 18 in Destiny 2 starts on August 23, 2022.