If this system fails, the game becomes a frustrating, unplayable mess that bleeds players instantly.
This article explores how developers design these algorithms to keep queue times short while maintaining a competitive environment.
How You Are Ranked
Most modern strategy games utilize a modified version of the Elo rating system, originally designed for professional chess.
If the system matches you perfectly, you should mathematically have a 50% chance of winning every single game you play.
- Do not expect to win every game.
- Because there are fewer Grandmasters, the algorithm struggles to find perfect matches.
- You will eventually stabilize.
Level-Based Matchmaking
The standard Elo system works perfectly for chess because all pieces are equal, but tower rush games feature upgradeable cards.
To combat this, developers have implemented secondary checks that look at the player’s King Tower level.
| Matchmaking Factor | Significance |
|---|---|
| Elo Rating | Absolute Highest Priority |
| Upgrade Status | The system tries to match levels, but will abandon this check if the queue takes longer than 10 seconds |
Maintaining Competitive Integrity
Because the ladder algorithm must balance queue times against fairness, it will never be perfectly balanced.
The algorithm is blind; it only respects victory.
