Battlefield 6 Matchmaking Adds SBMM, Ping, Location

Whether this is good or bad news largely depends on your perspective, but Battlefield 6 appears set to incorporate skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) to some extent.

EA reportedly informed CharlieIntel during a Battlefield 6 press event that the shooter's matchmaking will prioritize ping, player location, server availability, and—controversially—a "skill factor," with weighting varying by game mode.

While most of these criteria are unsurprising—players routinely connect to nearby servers or switch regions during peak hours—the inclusion of skill-matching has sparked debate.

SBMM Controversy Reignites

Skill-based matchmaking remains a polarizing topic across FPS communities, particularly in Call of Duty and Apex Legends. Critics argue it undermines casual play's spontaneity, while proponents claim it creates fairer matches—especially for newcomers. The debate grew so heated in Call of Duty circles earlier this year that some players petitioned Activision demanding transparency about their hidden skill ratings.

Before rallying against EA, note that skill is just one component in Battlefield 6's matchmaking formula. How heavily it influences matchmaking remains unclear, though EA's promised server browser solution could offset concerns by giving players more control.

Battlefield Veterans Weigh In

"FYI For COD Fans," clarified one commenter, "Battlefield has always used these parameters—this isn't CoD-style SBMM. Teams get balanced across skill levels within lobbies."

"Entire COD Community has PTSD from the last decade of releases hahaha," quipped another.

Meanwhile, leaks reveal more about Battlefield 6’s upcoming features. Recent reports detail its battle royale mode, allegedly set in California with CH-47 Chinook deployments and an "NXC"-based destruction ring. Despite speculation, EA confirms Battlefield 6 won't carry an $80 price tag.

A Return to Form?

"Battlefield 6 looks to the series’ golden era, blending elements from fan-favorites like Battlefield 3 and 4," we noted in IGN’s preview. "But does revisiting past successes guarantee excitement?"

The revival of classic classes (Assault, Support, Engineer, Recon) and staple modes like 64-player Conquest suggests a nostalgic yet polished approach—what we called a "safe, yet explosive return to form."

First announced in 2021, Battlefield 6 launches October 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S—though EA currently has no plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 release. Unlike Battlefield 2042’s rocky start, early reception appears positive. Notably, EA took an unusually hands-off approach to recent leaks, allowing assets to circulate freely.