Apex Legends Tests Skill-Based Ranked Matchmaking: Masters & Predators Limited to Diamond 1+ Lobbies Respawn trials a new Ranked approach to reduce mismatches and improve competitive balance in top-tier matches

As Season 25 wraps up, Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment has launched a live test for Ranked mode—limiting Masters and Predator players to matches only with opponents ranked Diamond 1 or higher. This change is live across all platforms and regions.

🎮 What This Test Means

• Masters and Predator accounts are now excluded from lobbies with players ranked below Diamond 1.
• Intended to reduce skill gaps in high-tier matches and prevent lower-ranked players being farmed by stacked high-tier opponents.
• Respawn chose the end-of-season timing for testing due to high queue volume in Master and Predator ranks.
• Player feedback and internal metrics will influence whether the system becomes permanent. Long queue times could halt the trial early.

🧠 Community Reactions

Players on Reddit and forums responded with approval—many saying this would finally prevent Predator stacks from being matched with low-Diamond or Platinum squads:

“Played for almost 3 hours… not a single currently ranked pred or master in any of our games. It was bliss.”
“Why didn't they fix this earlier? It was obvious.”

However, concerns remain around solo queue disadvantages, smurf accounts, and potential effects on queue times across regions.

🚦 What’s Next?

• Respawn will monitor feedback and data before deciding on making the restriction permanent.
• Any negative impact on queue times—especially midday or in smaller regions—may lead to early rollback.
• If successful, Apex’s Ranked structure could see permanent separation of top-tier players, improving matchmaking integrity.

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✅ TL;DR

• Ranked test is live: Masters and Predator players are matched only with Diamond 1+ opponents.
• Goal: Reduce mismatches and prevent unbalanced lobby pools.
• Test timing: Conducted late in Season 25 when Master/Pred queue volume is high.
• Community feedback has been largely positive—but queue impacts and smurfing remain concerns.
• Respawn will determine next steps based on data and player reception.

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