Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) is a mechanic in Fortnite: Battle Royale that causes players to be matched up against other players which have a similar skill level. While this mechanic exisited in Arena, it was first introduced to core playlists in Season X.
Functionality[]
Skill-Based Matchmaking works in Solos, Duos, and Trios where players matchmake with other players based on their skill level. Stats that influence Skill-Based Matchmaking include the number of Eliminations and Victory Royales. For low skilled players, they are entered a with many Bots (sometimes half or more of the lobby are Bots). As players progress, there will be less Bots in a lobby and more skilled players. In Duos and Trios, the lowest skilled player in the team is factored in the most.
For players who play on Mobile, Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, Skill-Based Matchmaking rarely takes effect and they mostly matchmake on lobbies filled with Bots and other lower skilled players to compensate for the more poorer performance and harder controls on those platforms.
In Arena playlists when Arena was still in Fortnite, Skill-Based Matchmaking worked based on the amount of Hype points and their division, they were matchmaked with other players in the same divsion or league.
In Ranked playlists, Skill-Based Matchmaking works based on whatever rank you're currently at. Unlike Arena though, you may be matched up with people who are outside your rank, though it tries to match players with similar ranks or the same rank together.
Controversy[]
Though the mechanic had good intentions from Epic Games were to help less skilled players, this Update created much backlash within the Fortnite community, with many complaining of more skilled players and it being harder to obtain a Victory Royale.
Changes[]
On May 4th 2020, Skill-based-matchmaking was removed only for the game mode of Squads near the end of Chapter 2: Season 2. Not only has the Squad Game Mode been improved, but there seems to be more "Bots" in a lobby as well.