Respawn Entertainment has implemented a significant temporary modification to the Ranked matchmaking system in Apex Legends, specifically targeting high-level competitors. The new adjustment prevents Masters and Predator-tier players from being matched with squads below Diamond 1 rank. This strategic change arrives as developers prepare for the launch of Season 26 in early August, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for months to come.

The Ranked mode has consistently served as a cornerstone of Apex Legends' appeal, offering players a structured competitive environment where they can climb from rookie status to the prestigious Predator rank. While this progression system has maintained player engagement, it has also faced persistent challenges. Respawn has consequently implemented multiple revisions to the competitive format, striving to create a balanced experience for its diverse player base. The current matchmaking experiment represents the latest effort to refine this crucial game mode ahead of Season 26.

This matchmaking test specifically addresses concerns from the community regarding skill disparity in Ranked lobbies. By limiting Masters and Predator players to Diamond 1 and above matches, Respawn aims to create more balanced competitive environments. The developer has clarified that this temporary measure responds to frequent player requests, particularly from lower-ranked squads who have historically struggled against elite opponents.

An important caveat remains: players below Diamond 1 might still encounter top-tier competitors under specific circumstances. Respawn's matchmaking system prioritizes squad cohesion, meaning a Diamond 1 player can potentially bring lower-ranked teammates into high-tier lobbies. However, the overall distribution of player skills across matches should see noticeable improvement if the test proves successful.

The timing of this experiment raises interesting questions about its potential longevity. Respawn deliberately chose to implement the change late in Season 25 to ensure sufficient populations of high-ranked players for testing. While the adjustment may lead to extended queue times for Masters and Predator competitors, the developer remains open to ending the test early if wait times become excessive. No definitive end date has been announced for this temporary matchmaking modification.