Marvel Rivals Matchmaking System Explained

How Does the Marvel Rivals Matchmaking System Work?

Matchmaking has always been a touchy subject in competitive games, and Marvel Rivals is no exception. Since its release, the community has debated how fair the system actually is and whether it quietly manipulates outcomes to keep players engaged. On August 21, 2025, the official Marvel Rivals YouTube channel released a detailed video breaking down how matchmaking works in practice, aiming to clear the air once and for all.

How Marvel Rivals Builds a Match

According to the developers, matchmaking in Marvel Rivals begins with several “node” selections that factor in your team composition and competitive score. The system’s goal is simple: create balanced teams without forcing players into long waits. If you spend too much time in the queue, the search will expand to higher and lower ranks, meaning you might face players just outside your usual skill range.

Once a match is found, teams are divided according to competitive scores. This ensures that no side has an overwhelming advantage, although outliers still occur. For example, sometimes a player significantly stronger than the lobby average might end up in a weaker match, or vice versa. These cases are frustrating for both sides, but the developers argue that without this flexibility, queue times would spiral out of control.

Party Sizes and Uneven Compositions

The game also addresses party matchmaking. You’ll only face groups of a similar size, but the breakdown isn’t always identical. A 3-player party could face off against a 3-2-1 split or even a 3-1-1-1 arrangement. In these cases, the competitive score of solo players becomes a key balancing factor. This system, while not flawless, tries to prevent one team from gaining a major advantage simply by having a larger, coordinated party.

Interestingly, Marvel Rivals has chosen not to adopt strict role-based matchmaking, a system common in other competitive titles. The developers believe this would slow down the process too much, especially in higher ranks where the player pool is smaller. To further avoid imbalance, four-player and six-player groups are restricted at the top level of play.

The “EOMM Agent” Rumors

Before this video, rumors had been circulating that Marvel Rivals was secretly running on an Engagement-Oriented Matchmaking system. For those unfamiliar, EOMM is designed to manipulate match outcomes to keep players hooked—essentially giving you a win when you’re on the verge of quitting and throwing tougher games your way when you’re doing well.

Fans pointed to streaky win-loss patterns as supposed evidence. Some even nicknamed those suspicious matches “EOMM agent” games, where outcomes felt predetermined. But the developers have flat-out denied using this system. Instead, they explained that skill disparities created by the expanding search range often led to those streaks. In other words, the matchmaking algorithm wasn’t boosting or sabotaging players—it was simply trying to keep queue times reasonable.

The Timeline Leading to the Reveal

The tension began on August 11, when Creative Director Guangguang was asked about matchmaking during an interview. His vague answer suggested more information was on the way. A day later, the official Marvel Rivals X account denied any use of EOMM and promised a full demonstration within the week. Skeptics were unconvinced, as it wasn’t the first time the developers dodged direct questions about the system.

When the video finally dropped on August 21, it offered the clearest explanation yet. The studio admitted to using what they call a “filling” approach, which sometimes pairs uneven skill levels to keep the game moving. While not perfect, it isn’t designed to manipulate win rates—just to balance speed and fairness.

Impact on Ranked and Esports

The reveal landed with mixed reactions. Some players appreciated the transparency, while others remained unconvinced by the explanation. After all, no matchmaking system is flawless, and outliers will always frustrate competitive players who feel like their climb is being derailed.

Still, the developers made one thing clear: the ranked ladder isn’t secretly controlled by an algorithm designed to influence emotions. Instead, performance disparities are simply a byproduct of how the system balances queues. For players looking to climb, this means focusing on personal performance is more valuable than blaming a hidden matchmaking agenda.

From an esports perspective, the explanation probably won’t change much. Pro players and organized teams already operate outside the regular matchmaking flow. However, it may boost confidence in the competitive scene by shutting down rumors of manipulative systems lurking behind the curtain. If nothing else, it reframes the conversation: instead of debating whether the game is rigged, players can now focus on strategies for boosting their play and mastering heroes to secure wins.

Closing Thoughts

Marvel Rivals’ matchmaking system might not be perfect, but the developers’ willingness to address the controversy head-on is a step toward rebuilding trust with the community. By openly explaining why queue times and balanced matches can’t always coexist, they’ve set more realistic expectations for players.

For anyone grinding the ranked ladder, the takeaway is simple: matchmaking isn’t out to get you. Instead of blaming an unseen system, the best way to climb is through consistent improvement, smart teamwork, and adapting to the ever-changing roster of heroes. Whether you love or hate the explanation, one thing is certain—understanding how the system works can only help you increase your chances of success in Marvel Rivals.

Coming up next, why not take a look at the best crosshairs in Marvel Rival?

 

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