Tired of Unfair Matches? How Understanding Marvel Rivals Hidden Score System Can Help You Win More

Is Marvel Rivals’ Matchmaking a Frustrating Mess? Devs Finally Explain Why Your Games Feel Unbalanced

When Marvel Rivals first appeared, it quickly became a favorite in the world of hero-based team games, even challenging long-standing titles like Overwatch 2. Players loved the fast action and famous characters. But soon, a big problem started to spoil the fun for many: the matchmaking. It felt…off.

Players from all skill levels began reporting strange and frustrating patterns. They would win many games in a row, only to be followed by a long, crushing streak of losses. These streaks didn’t feel like the normal ups and downs of gaming; they felt artificial, almost as if the game was deciding when they should win or lose.

This shared frustration led to a popular theory. Players started to believe the game was using something called Engagement Optimized Matchmaking, or EOMM. This is a controversial idea where a game’s code might intentionally create unfair matches. The goal of such a system would be to keep players hooked by managing their win rate, aiming to keep it around 50%.

The thinking is that if you don’t lose too much, you won’t quit, but if you don’t win too much, you’ll keep chasing that victory. This speculation grew stronger when a 2020 document from the game’s developer, NetEase, called “OptMatch,” was discovered. This paper talked about creating highly contested matches to improve “player satisfaction,” which sounded a lot like EOMM to worried players. Now, in response to these growing fears, NetEase has released a detailed video to set the record straight and explain how finding a match in Marvel Rivals truly works.

The Developer’s Side of the Story: How Matches Are Made

In a recent video, Zhiyong, the Lead Combat Designer for Marvel Rivals, directly addressed the community’s concerns. He started with a clear and firm statement: Marvel Rivals does not use EOMM. He explained that the game is not designed to manipulate win or loss streaks to keep you playing. Instead, the system is built on a few core ideas focused on fairness and speed.

Here is a simple breakdown of how the matchmaking process works, according to the developers:

Base Points and Competitive Score

Every player in Ranked Mode has a “Competitive Score.” You can think of this as your personal skill number. This score goes up when you win and down when you lose. The amount it changes depends on your performance. “Base Points” are a starting value that helps the system place you initially. The Competitive Score is the most important number for matchmaking.

Team Balance is the Goal

The system’s primary job is to create two balanced teams. It does this by adding up the Competitive Scores of all the players on a team and calculating the average. The ideal match is one where the average Competitive Score of Team A is almost identical to the average score of Team B.

Finding a Match Quickly

When you press the “Play” button, the system first looks for the best server to give you a smooth connection. Then, it starts searching for other players with a Competitive Score very close to your own. If it can’t find a perfect match within a short time, it will gradually widen its search to include players with slightly higher or lower scores. This is done to make sure you don’t have to wait too long to play, not to create an unfair game.

The developers insist that the feeling of being on a forced winning or losing streak is just a matter of probability and the natural chaos of team games. It is not the result of a hidden system pulling the strings.

If It’s Not Rigged, Why Do Games Feel So One-Sided?

The developers’ explanation sounds good, but it doesn’t change the fact that many games feel incredibly unbalanced. If the system is just matching average team scores, why do so many matches end in a total stomp? The developers admitted that several other factors, which are outside of the matchmaking system’s control, can make a game feel lopsided.

These factors include:

No Role Lock

Unlike some other hero shooters, Marvel Rivals does not currently force teams to have a specific number of damage, tank, and support characters. This means a team could randomly end up with three support heroes and no one to push the objective. Even if the team’s average Competitive Score is perfectly balanced against their opponents, their bad team composition makes it very difficult to win.

The Power of Teamwork

A team of players who communicate, use voice chat, and coordinate their attacks has a massive advantage over a team of silent strangers. Two teams can have the same average skill score, but the one that works together will likely dominate.

Individual Player Differences

The system balances the average score. This means a team could have one very high-skilled player and four lower-skilled players. While the average might be the same as a team of five medium-skilled players, the in-game experience can be very different and often chaotic. One star player might not be able to carry a whole team if the teamwork isn’t there.

Ultimately, the developers are suggesting that while their system creates balanced matches on paper, the outcome of those matches is decided by player choices, communication, and a bit of luck in who you get as teammates.

What This Means for You and How You Can Win More

Understanding how the system works is the first step. The second is using that knowledge to your advantage. If you are tired of frustrating losses and want to climb the ranks, the developers’ explanation offers a clear path forward. The core message is this: you have more control over your games than you think.

Here are some practical steps you can take to improve your experience:

Form Your Own Squad

This is the single most important piece of advice. The developers themselves suggest that players should “gather a squad suited to your needs.” Playing with a group of friends or trusted teammates eliminates the randomness of getting matched with uncooperative players. It allows you to build a balanced team composition and coordinate your strategies.

Communication is Key

Whether you’re playing with friends or strangers, use the in-game communication tools. Call out enemy positions, announce when your ultimate ability is ready, and decide as a team when to attack. A little bit of teamwork goes a long way.

Master Multiple Roles

Because there is no role lock, being a flexible player is a huge asset. If you see that your team has three damage dealers, being willing to switch to a tank or a support character can be the difference between winning and losing.

Focus on Consistent Play

Your Competitive Score is what matters. Don’t be discouraged by a single loss. Focus on playing your best in every match. Over time, your score will more accurately reflect your true skill level, and the matchmaking system will be better able to place you in fair and competitive games.

By taking these steps, you are moving from being a passive victim of matchmaking to an active participant in your success.