The next update for Hunt: Showdown is soon on the way, and it brings a much asked for change to the matchmaking system for the PVP and PVE horror-based shooter from Crytek. Players of Hunt: Showdown have been clamoring for a more balanced and fair matchmaking system, and it appears that it is indeed headed to the bayou.
Update 1.5.1 was just revealed via a tweet from the official Hunt: Showdown Twitter page, along with an accompanying blog post. The details reveal the plan that Crytek has for players. Update 1.5 dropped for Hunt: Showdown last month and it brought massive gameplay overhauls including a new custom ammo system. Update 1.5.1, however, leans towards changes on the matchmaking side.
Hunt: Showdown currently uses the "ELO" system for matchmaking. Players are bracketed into different skill levels based on their play and then matched up into lobbies that reflect that. The problem is that players too often get matched up with enemies or teammates outside of that ELO level, and they have no control over this. Crytek wants to change this, and it will with update 1.5.1. The ELO system will remain, but players will be able to check or uncheck the “Skill Based" option from the lobby, which will change the matchmaking experience.
With "Skill Based" on, players will likely have longer wait times, but will more often than not be placed in rooms with players of equal/similar ELO/skill level. Meanwhile, with the "Skill Based" option off, the matchmaking system will simply look for a game based on ELO but quickly find a match regardless of ELO if it cannot find a room. Additionally, the "Skill Based" option also works as a team, so if players are grouping up it will take the average score of the group, that way the team can fairly take on the new Scrapbeak boss in Hunt: Showdown together in a room with equal and fair opponents.
Hunt: Showdown is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.