Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is the numerical representation of a player’s skill in DOTA 2. Because of this, it is the most contested topic surrounding the MOBA. DOTA 2 players, somehow, believe they are better than the bracket they are allegedly stuck in. This guide will provide details on resetting your MMR if you want to be placed in your rightful MMR.
This guide is specifically for lapsed DOTA 2 players or those returning to the game after years of inactivity. The game changed a lot, even in the past months. Naturally, these players do not perform at their best when returning to the game. Hence, resetting the MMR will allow them to be matched with people of their same level, which is substantially lower than when they last played the game. This should give these players a better experience re-learning the game instead of being subjected to a significantly more skilled/knowledgeable group of the current meta. For those who have been playing the game, recalibrating MMR is not the way. For lack of a better phrase, just get good. Recalibrating MMR will likely drop your MMR.
Brief History of DOTA 2’s MMR
During the early years of DOTA 2, the MMR is separated into two: solo and party. Meaning, skill level is measured separately if you are matchmaking in ranked alone or with a party. Massive changes have been implemented since, including the introduction of medals. Medals merely contextualize the rank of a player visually. The MMR did not get revised or changed. Players in different medals are still pooled together in matches.
Another significant change is the removal of the distinction between solo and party MMR. Instead, the MMR is differentiated depending on a player’s roles in games, be it support or core. This was changed again entirely, and now DOTA 2’s MMR is a singular numerical representation of skill without further fragmentation or categorization.
What is MMR in DOTA 2?
As mentioned earlier, MMR is the numerical value that determines the player’s skill bracket. This is primarily used in matchmaking to determine the best matchup according to skills. However, MMR is not just solely the factor in ranked matchmaking. Behavior score is also calculated. This would group players who have not been toxic in a string of players together away from those who display unsportsmanlike behavior.
MMR reduces if the player loses in a ranked matchup regardless of their performance. A player also gains MMR regardless of their performance in won games except when they abandon the game. If the player leaves a game, they will be punished with reduced MMR and the possibility of low priority. Games played in solo queue reward 30 MMR increase after a win or 30 MMR decrease after a loss. In a party queue, the value of increase or decrease is 20 MMR. There was a time when there was variability in terms of gained or lost MMR after each match, but this was quickly replaced with a flat increase and decrease.
How to Recalibrate MMR in DOTA 2?
A few years ago, DOTA 2 had seasons for MMR placement. Players are subjected to MMR resets every six months or so. Now, DOTA 2 removes the soft reset and allows players to reset their MMR in their own volition. This option only appears once, so you should be very sure of choosing this option.
1.) Launch DOTA 2
2.) Click on the settings cog in the upper-right corner of the screen
3.) Click on the “Account” Tab
4.) Click on the “MMR Recalibration” box
Now, you will be placed in 10 matches without your current MMR to get a new MMR. After ten games, your new MMR should appear. This can only be done once, and Valve has yet to comment on whether they will get back to seasonal ranking or provide another round of recalibration for players.
