Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)has long been a highly debated topic within theCall of Dutycommunity, as it is considered that the system uses a player’s performance to impact lobby creation. Although Activision never explicitly acknowledged SBMM, the system seemed to adjust dynamically based on a hidden skill rating, leading to frustrations due to the lack of transparency.
SinceModern Warfare(2019), players have observed a noticeable shift in matchmaking, often finding lobbies increasingly challenging. This sparked speculation about the role of skill in the game’s matchmaking system. However, Activision finally released a secure method to access this hidden skill rating. Here’s how to check your skill rating inCall of Duty.
How to Access Hidden Skill Rating in Call of Duty (Black Ops 6 & Warzone)
To access yourhidden skill rating inCall of Duty, includingBlack Ops 6andWarzone, you will need to follow these steps:
When you receive the HTML file, you’ll need toimport it into aspreadsheet applicationto check it thoughtfully.If you plan to share it, be sure toremove all sensitive information first,as the file will include personal details, like your IP address.
This method was initiallyshared by a viewer of YouTuber TheXclusiveAce, who highlighted and explained the trick in a video to reach a wider audience.
Among all the information, the data will display your skill rating changes after each match fromCall of Duty: Vanguardonwards, showcasing how the game evaluates your performance to place you within a specific skill rating bracket. The detailed information provided also includes:
Since this discovery is still new, players are just beginning to analyze their data, leaving questions unanswered about the maximum achievable skill rating or benchmarks for high and low ratings. With more submissions, a clearer understanding of how skill ratings influence matches will emerge.
“Encountered an Error. Please try again” Message, Explained
Call of Dutyplayers eager to view their skill ratings oftenencounter an error messageon the Action Support site stating,“We’ve encountered an error. Please try again.”This issue is likely due to a high volume of requests, which can overload the system and temporarily limit access to your data. If you experience this, patience is key. Keep trying periodically to retrieve your skill rating and relatedCoDinformation through this method.
Call of Duty: Skill Rating, Explained
Activision’s white papers onCall of Dutymatchmakingdescribe skill as “how well a player can be expected to perform against the rest of the population in a given game mode, based on their previously observed performance.” Skill is determined based on “a player’s overall performance: kills, deaths, wins, losses, mode selection, and recent matches as an overall metric across all Multiplayer experiences.”
After each match, a player’s performance metric is recalculated and compared to others in the lobby. Skill values are adjusted inversely to the probability of achieving the observed outcome, ensuring that unexpected results significantly impact skill rankings.
This system prioritizes balanced teams tocreate a “fun and competitive experience”for players of all skill levels. Activision claims this approach improves end-of-match placement satisfaction for 80–90% of players, encouraging longer play sessions and reducing mid-game quits.
