Fortnite, the popular battle royale game from Epic Games, has brought millions of players together in a world of fast-paced action and creative builds. Yet, beneath the game’s dynamic surface, a pressing issue has emerged that both frustrates and divides its player base: Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM). While the concept of SBMM seems ideal in theory, in Fortnite, it has led to several unintended consequences that impact players’ enjoyment and competitive balance. This article dives deep into how SBMM affects the Fortnite experience, exploring its pros, cons, and potential solutions. Understanding Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) SBMM is designed to create fair and balanced matches by grouping players with others of similar skill levels. In theory, this makes for a more enjoyable experience, as players are pitted against others who match their proficiency. However, for a game like Fortnite, where players join for various reasons — casual, competitive, or social play — SBMM can be a double-edged sword. Fortnite’s SBMM system uses metrics like a player’s wins, kills, and other performance data to determine skill, aiming to prevent experienced players from overwhelming newcomers. Since Fortnite introduced SBMM in 2019, the community has remained divided. While some players enjoy the increased competitiveness, others argue that SBMM adds unnecessary pressure, taking away the casual fun that drew many players to Fortnite in the first place. Understanding how SBMM functions is key to analyzing why it has created such a stir.

• Origins of SBMM in Fortnite

Epic Games introduced SBMM in Chapter 2, Season 1, as part of an effort to address the growing skill gap. The feature aimed to make matches more challenging for seasoned players while giving new players a chance to learn the game without being eliminated instantly. Initially, it seemed like a fair solution to the problem of experienced players "pub-stomping" lobbies full of beginners. The Pros of Skill-Based Matchmaking SBMM has undeniable benefits, particularly for new and less experienced players. In the high-intensity environment of a battle royale game, the thrill of learning and improving skills can be daunting. For new players, constantly facing players far above their skill level can make for a discouraging experience. With SBMM, new players can better understand the mechanics and gain confidence as they play. For competitive players, SBMM can provide a more satisfying experience as they face others of similar skill levels. Matches are challenging, requiring more strategy and precision rather than relying solely on the out-skilling of less experienced opponents. This balance also prepares players for Fortnite’s competitive modes, where the stakes and skill levels are high. [caption id="attachment_1219" align="aligncenter" width="600"] This balance also prepares players for Fortnite’s competitive modes, where the stakes and skill levels are high[/caption]

• Advantages for New Players
  • Creates a safer learning environment
  • Reduces frustration from facing highly skilled opponents
  • Encourages player retention among newcomers

The Downside: Increased Pressure on Casual Players While SBMM can help new players, it often adds pressure to those who play Fortnite casually. Casual players typically enjoy Fortnite as a break from the intensity of life, expecting a relaxed, fun experience. But SBMM has increasingly led to highly competitive matches, making it difficult for casual players to enjoy themselves without feeling constantly outmatched. Instead of unwinding, casual players may feel compelled to try hard to keep up, even if their intention was simply to have a relaxed gaming session. This change in gameplay can be frustrating for players who don’t intend to play competitively but now face a tougher environment every time they load into Fortnite. The Influence on Streamers and Content Creators Streamers and content creators face unique challenges with SBMM. For streamers, the game’s difficulty directly affects content creation. To engage their audience, streamers need to perform well consistently, but SBMM means that as they improve and win more, their opponents become increasingly skilled. For many creators, this leads to a cycle where matches are more intense, and the quality of their content may suffer if they lose repeatedly. Content creators also face the challenge of balancing SBMM with audience entertainment. Playing against equally skilled or superior players constantly can reduce the number of flashy plays, impressive eliminations, and moments that keep audiences engaged. The pressure to perform at a high level becomes a burden, detracting from the fun and spontaneity that often defines Fortnite streaming.

• Audience Expectations and SBMM

Fans tune in for entertaining plays, but SBMM can lead to slower-paced, strategic games that don’t necessarily appeal to viewers looking for fast, dynamic gameplay. Consequently, streamers may feel compelled to play longer or at off-peak times to mitigate SBMM's effects on their matches. SBMM’s Impact on High-Skill Players High-skill players often find themselves in a “sweaty” environment, where every match is a tough battle for survival. Rather than encountering a mix of skill levels, SBMM keeps these players in extremely challenging matches, limiting the number of lobbies where they might feel in control. Fortnite's casual game modes can sometimes feel more intense than the competitive ones due to SBMM, leaving high-skill players frustrated. For players who put hours into honing their skills, this experience might feel rewarding initially, but the constant grind can also lead to burnout. It’s no longer about exploring and enjoying new updates and mechanics but about constantly performing at peak levels, which can be exhausting.

• Burnout in High-Rank SBMM Lobbies
  • Less time for relaxed exploration and creativity
  • Constant performance pressure leading to fatigue
  • Limited options to play casually without facing high-level opponents

The Effect on Duos and Squad Play SBMM also impacts the experience for players who prefer duos or squads. Since SBMM averages the skill levels of teammates, players who group up with friends of different skill levels may face uneven matchups. A new player joining a high-skill friend may find themselves overwhelmed by advanced opponents. Similarly, high-skill players can become frustrated by the challenges of “carrying” less experienced teammates through intense matches. This dynamic can affect friendships and team dynamics, as friends who want to play together find themselves facing lobbies that don’t cater to either player’s ideal difficulty. Many players feel that SBMM forces them to play solo or to group only with others of similar skill levels, limiting the game’s social aspect. [caption id="attachment_1220" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Many players feel that SBMM forces them to play solo or to group only with others of similar skill levels, limiting the game’s social aspect[/caption] SBMM vs. Random Matchmaking One major debate in the Fortnite community is whether SBMM should be scrapped in favor of traditional random matchmaking. In random matchmaking, players face opponents of all skill levels, creating an unpredictable but often more relaxed experience. Some players argue that random matchmaking is a better fit for a battle royale game, as the variability makes each match feel unique and exciting. Advocates of random matchmaking argue that SBMM detracts from the “battle royale” spirit, which is about survival against random opponents, not calculated skill-level matchups. They suggest that SBMM be restricted to competitive modes, leaving casual modes open for players who want a less structured experience. Epic Games’ Response to SBMM Criticism Epic Games has acknowledged community concerns regarding SBMM and has made small adjustments to address player feedback. Occasionally, SBMM is toned down or adjusted, particularly in limited-time modes. Epic’s changes, however, have largely kept SBMM intact, with only minor tweaks to the formula. The developer’s balancing act between catering to new players and satisfying the veterans of Fortnite has proven challenging. As the company continues experimenting with SBMM in different modes, the community remains divided on whether the adjustments are effective enough to address the underlying issues. [caption id="attachment_1221" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The developer’s balancing act between catering to new players and satisfying the veterans of Fortnite has proven challenging[/caption] Suggested Alternatives to Improve SBMM Several potential solutions could improve the SBMM experience. One suggestion is to implement “skill brackets” in casual modes, where players of broadly similar skills are grouped rather than tightly controlled matchmaking. This would allow some variability while still providing a level of skill-based balance. Another proposed solution is an “SBMM-free” mode, giving players an option to play without skill restrictions. Such a mode would allow players who want to enjoy Fortnite casually to do so without the intense pressure of SBMM, while competitive players could still engage with SBMM in ranked modes.

• Other Options to Consider
  • Adjust SBMM based on player engagement rather than skill alone
  • Experiment with periodic “SBMM off” days for casual gameplay
  • Introduce region-based matchmaking for a mix of player skills

Conclusion The debate over SBMM in Fortnite reflects a larger question of balance in online multiplayer games. While SBMM helps protect new players and offers challenges to competitive players, it alienates those who play Fortnite casually, placing unintended pressure on content creators and streamers. Epic Games has implemented SBMM to balance the skill spectrum, but the feature’s continued evolution is necessary to create a gameplay experience that can satisfy the wide range of Fortnite’s player base. Ultimately, whether through adjustments, new modes, or an opt-in SBMM-free experience, players hope Epic Games will find a solution that maintains Fortnite’s spirit of adventure and accessibility without alienating any group.