Matchmaking is the process of determining appropriate pairings in Hearthstone.
The matchmaking process functions differently for each game mode. Casual Play mode, Ranked Play mode at Legend rank, and Tavern Brawls determine pairings using each player's matchmaking rating (MMR) for that type of play;[1] Ranked play below Legend rank is determined by each player's rank; and Arena pairings are determined by each player's win/loss record for the current run.[2] Casual Play mode and the Arena feature special mechanics for very new players.
In each case the system attempts to find a player of as similar rating, rank or record as possible. However, the system tries to balance the precision of the match with the length of time taken to find it, meaning that when an ideal match cannot be found in a reasonable period of time, players may occasionally be matched with opponents of significantly different rating, rank or record.[3]
For information and statistics on specific types of matchmaking, see Play mode and Arena.
Matchmaking ratings
Matchmaking rating (MMR) is a special internal rating system used for certain types of matchmaking. Hearthstone uses separate MMRs for different types of play, such as Casual Play mode, Legend-level Ranked play, and non-cooperative Tavern Brawls.[4][1] Each MMR is determined independently and does not affect other types of play. MMRs are 'hidden' and cannot be viewed by players.
MMRs are used for the following types of matchmaking:
- Casual Play mode matches (shared between Wild and Standard format)[5]
- Ranked Play mode matches involving at least one player at Legend rank
- Tavern Brawls (except cooperative)
MMR is adjusted after each match, depending on the outcome of the match, and the MMR of each player:
- MMR is gained with wins and lost with losses.
- The amount of MMR gained or lost is dependent on the MMR of your opponent.[6]
- MMR adjustments are not affected by the duration of the match;[7] or what cards are in either player's deck.[8]
- Casual Play mode MMR is adjusted quickly when a player experiences a win or lose streak.[9]
All Ranked Play mode MMRs are reset at the start of each Season.[10] Casual Play mode MMRs do not reset.[10] Tavern Brawl MMR does not reset, and carries over from week to week.[11]
New players
Casual Play
Casual Play mode matchmaking includes a new player pool. Players are initially placed in a separate pool, allowing them to play exclusively against other new players. After a certain period, players are introduced into the main matchmaking pool.[12] According to Ben Brode, as of April 2016 players remain in the new player pool until they have played 10 games, or have obtained 2 legendary cards.[13] However, this is something that the developers tweak regularly.[14]
Arena
For players on their first few Arena runs, matchmaking is intentionally altered to provide an easier transition into the game mode.[15] For matchmaking purposes, the player's win/loss ratio is considered to have one more loss than it actually does, thus matching them against what should on average be easier opponents.[15] The system will also prefer to match such players against each other.[15]
The exact number of games required to be eligible for this adjustment is something that the developers are "still tweaking a little", but as of April 2016 is "in the realm of 2 or 3 runs."[15] Once the player has exceeded this number of runs, they are matched purely on their win/loss ratio, with their number of previous runs no longer affecting their matchmaking.[15]
Notes
Variation
All forms of matchmaking function to find a suitable opponent from the currently available pool of players. Pairings are therefore affected not only by each player's rating or rank, but by which other players are currently awaiting matchmaking. For example, different times of day often attract different types of players, with certain times typically featuring a slightly more competitive pool of players. Because of this, each type of ranking is entirely accurate only for that same quality of population. Such variations are not fixed, and may vary by day, time of day, or in relation to calendar or game-related trends.
Because wins and losses will ultimately result in an adjusted rating or rank, such variance can also lead to a yo-yo effect with pairings. For example, a player who normally plays Casual Play mode in the mornings may try playing at another time of day, only to find the competition more fierce. This discrepancy in the player's matchmaking will likely lead to the player losing several games in a row, resulting in the player's MMR dropping rapidly in order to select opponents of equal ability. However, should that player then return to playing in the mornings, they may find the opponents selected for them to be extremely easy to defeat, due to the adjustment of their MMR.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Zeriyah on Twitter. (2015-06-18).
- ↑ Zeriyah on Twitter - "Arena matches you against someone with as close of a win/loss record as you have."
- ↑ Casual mode is brutal. (2014-01-03).
- ↑ Hearthpwn - Blue Tweets, MLG/ManaGrind Tournament #10 Review, Legends of Hearthstone W9
- ↑ A New Way to Play. (2016-02-02).
- ↑ Patch 1.0.0.4217
- ↑ Casual mode is brutal. (2014-01-30).
- ↑ Casual mode is brutal. (2014-01-30).
- ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter - "Casual tries to quickly find you an opponent with equal skill. It adjusts your hidden MMR quickly when you lose or win streak."
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Beta Forums: Ranks reset, ELO/MMR stays the same - is this working?
- ↑ Zeriyah on Twitter. (2015-06-18).
- ↑ Blizzcon 2015: Hearthstone Fireside Chat. Tavern Brawls and Q&A. (2015-11-07).
- ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2016-04-12).
- ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2016-04-12).
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 Hafu's Interview with Ben Brode on Arena. (2016-04-13).