Epic has released a Fortnite matchmaking blog post discussing bots, skill-based matchmaking, open lobbies, controller settings, smurfing, and more.
Epic has recently introduced skill-based matchmaking to Fortnite, opening lobbies to all platforms by default.
Today, October 3, Epic posted an update blog discussing the future of the matchmaking system.
Matchmaking Update
Epic's latest blog post reveals that they've only implemented skill-based matchmaking in Solo Mode. Duos will be next, and presumably Squads after that.
This makes sense. For me, Solos seem to have gotten harder while all other modes seem unchanged. Now I understand why.
Epic also finally made a statement about grouping all platforms together. They didn't say much other than to acknowledge that this was the case. PC, mobile, and console players are all playing in the same games.
Since they have been rather tight-lipped about this from the start, I still don't know if all platforms remain together in all modes.
If SBMM is only active in solos, are we still playing with open lobbies in other modes? I can't say for sure
Smurfing was also addressed in this blog post:
"On the topic of smurfing, we’ve seen discussion around players smurfing as a way to have easier matches. Smurfing is a bannable offense. We see a bunch of negative behavior that occurs with smurfing and issues with gameplay integrity. If we see consistent reports and perceive that you are negatively impacting other players’ experiences, we will take appropriate action."
Bots
According to the wording of the blog post, it would seem as though Epic hasn't added bots to Fortnite quite yet. This is surprising to me.
I - and I'm sure many of you - have run into players I was sure were the new bots. Apparently, that wasn't the case.
Epic included som FAQs about bots in Fortnite with this post. According to them, they can't do 90's.
What happens with spectating if I am defeated by a Bot?
Instead of viewing the Bot that defeated you, you will view another remaining player. If you are the last remaining human player, the match will end.
Will I be able to party up with Bots?
No, we’re not currently planning to support this functionality. You and your friends can still use The Robot Emote to dance together, however. :)
Can Bots use vehicles? Can Bots do 90s?
Not yet, but long term we’re looking to see how far we can push our Bots.
Can I play a match entirely against Bots?
We’re looking into a “vs. Bot” mode as a means to sharpen your skills, explore the map, and help elevate your game to the next level.
What about Bots in Creative mode?
Bots will not be in Creative. This is something we will consider for our roadmap.
New Settings
The last section of the blog touched on The Combine and the new controller settings. They plan on keeping The Combint in Fortnite for the foreseeable future, so fans of that mode can keep getting better at their speed-runs.
Epic is pushing controller players to the new settings. They want everyone to try it out before going back to the legacy controls.
More interestingly, they are finally looking at implementing Build and Edit Mode sensitivities for KB/M players. This has been a chief complaint from the PC community who see the constant controller and mobile updates.
Right now, mouse and keyboard players need to decide whether they want to sacrifice their aiming for higher Build Mode sensitivity or build slower for better aim. With more sensitivity options, they'll be able to get the best of both worlds.
You can take a look at the whole blog post here, and follow us on Twitter @FortniteTracker for more Fortnite news.