How matchmaking in XDefiant works: Casual and ranked modes

XDefiant, the free-to-play shooter from Ubisoft, has confirmed that there will be no skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in casual matches. This means that players can enjoy more laid back lobbies in their casual matches versus the sweatier lobbies of ranked matches. 

In a blog post on their website, XDefiant stressed the importance of a varied game experience for their players.

As confirmed by XDefiant on the Ubisoft website, XDefiant’s matchmaking will not use SBMM in casual matches. The main reason for this decision was a concern that SBMM makes matches boring.

“Frankly, skill-based match making means every casual game is repetitive - constantly repeating matches that are just as stressful and matched as ranked. We believe casual playlist should be fun and no SBMM is the way to do that.”

However, the blog post did confirm that players will be able to get their sweat fix through ranked gameplay.

“If you want that competitive every second counts go all out playstyle - you’ll find our ranked mode to your liking.”

The XDefiant blog post also fully explained how their matchmaking will work with priority lists. Casual matches will put a priority on fast connection, so it will focus on matching to similar latency and regions.

Here are the matchmaking priorities for casual matches in order:

As for ranked matches, XDefiant's matchmaking will prioritize ranked points. The matchmaking priorities after that are essentially the same as for casual, but may take longer.

Here are the matchmaking priorities for ranked matches in order:

As per the XDefiant year one roadmap, we know that ranked is coming within the first year of the game’s release.

However, we don’t know a specific date yet for when that will come. XDefiant comes out on May 21 and a full year of content has already been revealed by Ubisoft.

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