You might have felt every player moving like a pro, every gunfight feeling punishing, and no chance to relax while playing Call of Duty.
SBMM is the reason behind it, and many of you might hate it. But it’s important to understand how it works. In this guide, I’ll explain what SBMM in Call of Duty is, how it affects every match you play, and whether it’s beneficial or a curse for the game.
What is SBMM in Call of Duty?
Many players talk about SBMM in their lobby, on Reddit, and on YouTube, but very few actually understand what it means or how it works.
Definition of SBMM
SBMM in Call of Duty stands for Skill-Based Matchmaking. It’s a system used to group players together based on performance levels. The core idea of this system is to place you in a lobby where other players are of the same skill level as you.
In simple words, you can consider it a ranking system that you can’t see, but it shapes every COD game you play.
What SBMM stands for
- S – Skill
- B – Based
- M – Match
- M – Making
As the name suggests, this system makes your matches based on your skills. It seems simple to hear, but its workings are far more complex than it sounds.
Why does it exist in COD?
SBMM in COD explained simply: Developers at Treyarch, Infinity Ward, and Sledgehammer Games use this method to keep matches more balanced. Without it, a new player could face an opponent who is a pro at the game, which could lead to a discouraging experience for the newcomer.
SBMM exists to protect the experience of every Call of Duty gamer, ranging from beginners to pros.
How SBMM Works in Call of Duty
The Skill-Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty is more complex than it appears. It not only tracks your performance from a single match; instead, it tracks your skills constantly to adjust who you face next in the game.
Factors like KD ratio, win rate, and accuracy
According to Activision’s official 2024 matchmaking white paper, the COD matchmaking system focuses on the following factors in order:
- Internet Connection Quality (Ping) — one of the most important factors for matchmaking.
- Time to match — this helps reduce queue time.
- Skill — individual performance metrics used for grouping and balancing in the lobby.
Internet connection is the most common issue that many players ignore. So if the system has to make a choice, it will give you a match with better internet (low ping) even if the skill balance isn’t perfect, rather than a perfectly balanced match with a bad connection.
For the Skill factor, the system tracks multiple performance metrics at once, including:
- KD ratio (Kill/Death ratio) — how many kills you get versus how many times you die in a game.
- Win rate — how often your team wins.
- Score per minute — how much you contribute to a particular match.
- Kills per minute — your average kill output across a gaming session.
- Objective play — plants, defuses, captures, and other in-game actions you perform.
All these stats together affect the matchmaking process, as the system creates a composite skill profile from every one of these metrics combined.
How recent matches affect matchmaking
COD’s system doesn’t track your entire career; instead, it relies on your most recent matches for matchmaking. If you win 10 games in a row with a high KD, then be ready to face stronger competition in the next match.
This is one of the main reasons many players experience some good sessions and some bad ones, due to the constant change in opposition levels. The matchmaking system constantly reassesses your data to keep your win rate around 50%.
Lobby balancing system
It’s important to understand how SBMM works in COD at the lobby level. It doesn’t create a lobby where all players have similar skills; instead, it balances the teams by placing high-skill players against similarly skilled players on the opposing team.
Activision also confirmed that the system doesn’t consider the amount you’ve spent on the game, and doesn’t use bots in general matchmaking.
SBMM vs Traditional Matchmaking
Skill-Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty is the primary reason why older titles felt different to many of you. If you have played Modern Warfare (2009) or Black Ops 2, you would have definitely noticed the differences immediately.
Random matchmaking vs skill-based
The traditional matchmaking used in older titles was simply based on connection quality and lobby availability. The method was to match a player with others of similar ping and put them together in a match. Skills never played a role at that time.
SBMM changes that method completely, as here skill comes first. Connection becomes secondary, and that’s why many players complain about higher ping in newer titles compared to older ones.
Differences in gameplay experience
Here’s the clear difference in the gameplay of old and new titles:
- Old matchmaking: wide skill range, a mix of easy and hard matches, random lobbies.
- SBMM matchmaking: consistent competition, every lobby filled with players of the same skill, and very few easy matches.
With old matchmaking, you’d sometimes get tough opponents and sometimes less competitive ones. The majority of matches had players with lower skill sets than you in earlier days, but SBMM removes that completely.
Why older COD games felt easier
Honestly, the matches weren’t easier in the old days — it’s just that you’d get lobbies with less competitiveness. You were matched with lower-skilled players, and your performance looked better in older titles.
When I tried playing the old titles recently, I found that the lobbies are no longer easier because the games are now well-populated and self-selecting. So the feeling of an easier COD is just nostalgia for random matchmaking, not for the game itself.
Why SBMM is Used in Call of Duty
Despite heavy criticism, Skill-Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty exists for a reason. Activision made a data-driven decision and implemented it, releasing official documentation for the first time to back their decision.
Protecting new players
The main aim of introducing SBMM in Call of Duty was to protect new gamers from facing strong veterans in lobbies. Without it, many newcomers could quit before they even get to know the game well.
According to Activision’s official matchmaking white paper, when skill was not prioritized in matchmaking, it was observed that 90% of new gamers returned to the game less frequently within two weeks of testing. That significant number proved the real importance of SBMM in Call of Duty.
When I tried a new title recently, I noticed that it felt quite easy to compete in the initial matches — that’s not luck. It’s SBMM giving new players room to adjust.
Keeping matches competitive
SBMM also focuses on mid-tier players, the largest portion of the COD player base. In this range, there are players who enjoy casual gaming with meaningful matches. Matchmaking that is either too easy or too hard in difficulty could quickly kill the engagement of such players.
The system thus arranges matches that keep players feeling close to a win, giving them room for a comeback and convincing them to play another game.
Player retention and engagement
Engaged players benefit the game, as they buy battle passes, cosmetic bundles, in-game content, and more. A frustrated player, on the other hand, won’t even play for a few hours, let alone make purchases.
Activision has stated that this matchmaking system is designed to deliver the best player experience and help build a stronger Call of Duty community worldwide. That’s why SBMM is very important to their philosophy.
Pros of SBMM
Despite the majority of players constantly criticizing Skill-Based Matchmaking in Call of Duty, it has a positive side too. These benefits are real for players who are not professionals or streamers.
Fairer matches
After the introduction of SBMM in Call of Duty, players are rarely completely dominated or outclassed. The reason lies in matchmaking being based on your skill level rather than luck.
It’s better than older titles, where you could go 2-18 against a lobby full of pro players. The COD matchmaking system based on skills removes such situations completely.
Less skill-gap frustration
For casual gamers, it’s important to face other casual players, and SBMM does that for them.
With this, each match feels more rewarding. Without SBMM, casual gamers might stop playing COD entirely after repeatedly facing top-tier players.
Better learning curve for beginners
New players need room to grow, and SBMM gives them that by matching them with lower-skill lobbies in the beginning.
This allows players to:
- Learn map layouts.
- Experiment with loadouts.
- Build game sense through regular play.
- Develop confidence before facing more experienced opponents.
The early experience of a player is the most critical part of the system. SBMM helps them stick with the game while also helping them improve their skills over time.
Cons of SBMM
This is where all the frustration comes from, and I think it’s valid. If “Is SBMM good or bad?” is the question, this is the side of the answer that justifies players’ complaints.
Sweaty lobbies every game
This is the most common complaint from players. Since SBMM uses your recent data for matchmaking, there’s barely an easy game for most players. “Sweaty” here means players feel pressure to perform in every session. It’s exhausting for many, especially when you just want to play and relax.
Hard to relax and play casually
Traditional matchmaking used to allow players to have some tough and some easy matches, but SBMM removes that factor completely.
Every match demands the same focus and effort as your peak performance, making it feel more like a job. When I recently tried playing the game after a long break, I was faced with strong opponents rather than players at my current level.
Punishment for improving
This is the biggest con of the system — the better you get, the harder the lobbies become. With improvement, your challengers become stronger, and no visible progress is reflected in your experience.
Inconsistent lobby difficulty
Despite the matchmaking working on skill, the difficulty still varies from session to session. One match feels manageable, and the next feels impossible — all within the same gaming session.
This rubber-band effect frustrates players, as lobbies are now matched based on recent data. The better your recent record, the harder your upcoming sessions will be.
SBMM in Warzone vs Multiplayer
SBMM works differently for Warzone and Multiplayer modes, and the impact is noticeable when playing.
Differences in Warzone matchmaking
Warzone accommodates up to 150 players per session, making it tough for SBMM to create a lobby of players with identical skill sets.
As a result, SBMM in Warzone is less aggressive than in Multiplayer mode. You’ll experience players across different skill sets in a Warzone match compared to Multiplayer.
According to Dexerto, Warzone uses EOMM — Engagement Optimized Matchmaking — alongside traditional skill metrics. This system matches players in a way that encourages them to return to the game and continue for longer, more engaged sessions.
This difference alone greatly changes how matchmaking behaves in practice across modes.
Multiplayer SBMM intensity
Standard Multiplayer lobbies feature 6v6 or 12v12 formats, which makes it easier for SBMM to enforce skill-based matchmaking. The smaller the lobby, the more aggressive the SBMM becomes.
This is the primary reason why many of you feel frustrated in 6v6 matches.
Player experience comparison
The difference between Warzone and Multiplayer is significant and clearly visible:
- Warzone — less pressure, bigger lobby, with a mix of tough and easy competition.
- Multiplayer — small lobbies, high competition, and the toughest opponents.
For players who find Multiplayer SBMM frustrating, Warzone can feel like a relief. Its larger lobby creates a more natural matchmaking feel that standard Multiplayer lacks.
Can You Avoid SBMM in Call of Duty?
Many players try to “beat the system,” and this is one of the most searched topics in the Call of Duty community. The clear answer is no, and those who try often face serious consequences.
Reverse boosting explained
One of the most common practices is called reverse boosting, where players deliberately play badly — avoiding kills, sitting idle, or dying intentionally — to get easier lobbies. It works for a few games.
But there are some significant downsides to this method:
- It ruins the experience for other players in the lobby.
- Activision states that reverse boosting is a violation of their policy.
- Once you start playing normally again, the system recalibrates the difficulty.
- This can lead to a permanent ban or account suspension.
Playing with lower-skill friends
This is one of the more practical approaches, where players queue with less-skilled friends. The skill disparity can make the lobby feel easier than playing solo.
However, you need a meaningful skill advantage for this to have any noticeable effect. The lobbies may become a bit easier, but it won’t completely change the experience.
VPN and lobby tricks
Some players use VPNs to connect to regions with fewer players, hoping the system will match them in less competitive lobbies.
But here are some things to understand before trying this:
- This could only work in regions with very few players, forcing the system to fill lobbies regardless of skill.
- A VPN can lead to higher ping, resulting in a worse gameplay experience.
- Many players report mixed outcomes using this method.
It’s something players try, but it’s not something I recommend.
Reality of avoiding SBMM
SBMM in Call of Duty is designed to create lobbies with matched players. If someone tries to use the methods above, they may get flagged by the system.
It’s better to adjust your expectations rather than looking for ways to circumvent SBMM. Shifting your mindset from lobby difficulty to personal performance improvement can help you enjoy the game more.
Is SBMM Good or Bad?
This remains one of the biggest debates in the community, and the answer depends entirely on how you play. There’s no clear-cut answer — everyone has their own experience with it.
Perspective of beginners vs pros
For beginners, SBMM in Call of Duty provides the protection they need from lobbies filled with elite players. It helps them gain confidence, adapt to the game, and eventually grow.
But for professionals, the system has been a constant source of frustration, as they need to perform well in every session. Many streamers, including Nickmercs and TimTheTatman, have been vocal about this SBMM issue across different COD titles.
Casual vs competitive players
The system is genuinely beneficial for casual players, as it protects them from overly strong competition while keeping matches engaging as their performance improves.
Competitive players, on the other hand, face ongoing challenges — the better they play, the harder the lobbies become. They continuously improve, but their experience never reflects that progress, which causes frustration.
Balanced viewpoint
From a balanced perspective, here are the key takeaways about SBMM:
- SBMM does solve the problem of new and casual gamers being matched against elite players.
- SBMM causes players to focus on performing rather than simply enjoying each session.
- A more nuanced version of SBMM that better serves both newcomers and veterans could resolve much of this debate.
Currently, the system is more focused on retention metrics than player satisfaction. Hopefully, future updates from the developers will bring meaningful improvements.
FAQs
What does SBMM mean in Call of Duty?
SBMM stands for Skill-Based Matchmaking, where the lobby is designed around your recent performance metrics — such as KD ratio, win rate, accuracy, and more — to match you against players of a similar level.
Is SBMM in Warzone strong?
SBMM is present in Warzone, but it’s less aggressive than in Multiplayer mode. The large lobby of up to 150 players makes it difficult for SBMM to strictly match players by skill, so it tends to feel less competitive than Multiplayer.
Can you turn off SBMM in COD?
No, there is no way to turn off SBMM in Call of Duty. Players attempt workarounds like reverse boosting or VPN tricks to reduce its impact, but once detected, accounts can be suspended or permanently banned. However, Black Ops 7 changed this for the first time. Black Ops 7 now offers both Open playlists, where skill is minimally considered, and Standard playlists, where skill-based matching applies, giving players a genuine choice for the first time.
Why are my lobbies so hard in Call of Duty?
Because SBMM is working off your recent metrics. If you’ve been performing well in recent games, there’s a strong chance you’ll be placed in harder lobbies in your next session.
Do all COD games have SBMM?
Not all, but most modern titles do. Modern Warfare (2019) is widely credited with introducing aggressive SBMM, while older titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Black Ops 2 relied on connection-based matchmaking with no skill prioritization.
Conclusion / Final Verdict
SBMM in Call of Duty is designed to balance lobbies, not punish players. While experienced players may struggle with it, newcomers benefit greatly.
Casual players who play occasionally don’t need to be at their peak to compete in Call of Duty. But for streamers and elite players, the picture is completely different — the game feels more like an obligation than a fun experience.
Understanding what SBMM in Call of Duty is and how it works is essential before passing judgment on it. For some players, it’s genuinely beneficial, and for others, it’s genuinely frustrating. The best approach is to focus on your own improvement rather than the difficulty of your lobby.
SBMM is not perfect, but it is a permanent part of modern Call of Duty. Using tricks to ease your gameplay may work occasionally, but it always carries the risk of getting your account banned.
It’s better to understand SBMM and make peace with it — focusing on the positives rather than the negatives.
