Battlefield 6 will feature Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM), but it won’t dominate how matches are made, according to the developers at Battlefield Studios.
Following the official reveal of Battlefield 6 and its October 10 launch date, players have been eager to dig into the game’s multiplayer details. At the recent Battlefield 6 multiplayer reveal event, developers confirmed how SBMM will function, and it’s more nuanced than many expected.
SBMM confirmed, but not everything
In a report by MP1st, Battlefield Studios addressed one of the most debated features in modern FPS games: Skill-Based Matchmaking. The devs confirmed that Battlefield 6 will use SBMM, but it will be only one of several factors in its matchmaking system.
Here’s what will influence matchmaking in Battlefield 6:
- Player skill (SBMM)
- Ping/Latency
- Geographic location
- Server population/fill rates
This more flexible system is meant to keep matchmaking feeling balanced but not overly competitive. The team made it clear that SBMM will not create sweat-fest lobbies every time you queue up.
Matchmaking will change based on game mode
The Battlefield 6 team also revealed that how matchmaking is prioritised will vary depending on the mode. For example:
- Conquest: Matchmaking will prioritise server fill and player location over strict skill balancing.
- Team Deathmatch: More emphasis will be placed on balancing player skill levels.
This approach could help strike a middle ground between casual drop-in sessions and high-stakes competitive modes, something many multiplayer shooters struggle to get right.
Battlefield Portal offers a matchmaking alternative
In addition to standard matchmaking, Battlefield 6 will also feature the return of the Battlefield Portal. This community-driven mode will allow players to browse and join lobbies manually, based on their preferred settings and rulesets, completely bypassing the core matchmaking system if desired.
This means that players who don’t enjoy SBMM can build or join custom matches with specific map rotations, rule tweaks, and even era-based loadouts, just like in Battlefield 2042.
A balanced approach to SBMM?
The inclusion of SBMM in Battlefield 6 was expected, but the way it’s being handled could help address the community’s concerns. While other titles — like Call of Duty — have been criticised for forcing ultra-competitive lobbies on players of all skill levels, Battlefield 6 seems to be going for a smarter, more mode-dependent system.
Whether this approach will satisfy the player base remains to be seen, but at least for now, EA and DICE appear to be listening.
More clarity is likely to come as the Battlefield 6 beta rolls out in August, giving players a chance to experience the matchmaking firsthand.
FAQs: Battlefield 6 SBMM and Matchmaking System
Will Battlefield 6 use Skill-Based Matchmaking?
Yes, Battlefield 6 will include SBMM, but it will only be one part of the matchmaking system. Other factors like ping, region, and server size will also play a role.
How is Battlefield 6 matchmaking different from other games?
Unlike some titles that heavily rely on SBMM, Battlefield 6 will adjust matchmaking priorities depending on the game mode. Large-scale modes will focus more on server health than skill balancing.
Can I avoid SBMM in Battlefield 6?
To a degree, yes. The Battlefield Portal will let you join or host custom games, bypassing the main matchmaking algorithm entirely.
Will all modes in Battlefield 6 use SBMM equally?
No. Conquest will lean more toward fast server fills and low latency, while modes like Team Deathmatch may rely more on player skill to balance lobbies.
When does Battlefield 6 release?
Battlefield 6 will launch on October 10, 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. A beta test is scheduled to begin in August.