Many Black Ops 6 players are voicing their anger over the game’s Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) system, which they claim ruins the experience, especially in multiplayer modes. Many are demanding an alternative: input-based matchmaking that separates controller and keyboard-and-mouse (KBM) players.
Players argue that SBMM sucks the joy out of the game by creating ultra-competitive lobbies every time they play. According to these players, the game feels punishing, especially after a few good matches, because the system ramps up the difficulty, pitting them against “sweaty” players who jump, slide, and sprint around the map with surgical precision.
One player said, “I started playing yesterday and it felt like BO2. But after a few rounds, it wasn’t fun anymore. It’s like I’m playing against the best Optic team every single match.”
Similar complaints highlight how players can no longer relax in casual modes. Instead, every match feels like a tournament, leaving little room for enjoyable or mixed-skill gameplay. Even some popular creators like NerosCinema have ranted about the problem.
Beyond SBMM complaints, another significant issue revolves around input methods. Players say mixing controller users with KBM players is a recipe for frustration. Console players benefit from aim assist, giving them smoother target tracking, which many PC players feel is unfair. On the flip side, controller users don’t enjoy playing against the precise flicks and fast movements of KBM users.
One player summarized the problem: “It’s so annoying to have to play against controller players as their aim assist just completely counters the new movement. And I’m sure controller players feel the same way about mnk [mouse and keyboard] players. It’s just insane that console players can turn crossplay off but pc players can’t as well”
There are over a dozen posts on Reddit, even from when the game was in testing, as well as complaints on X about matchmaking issues. The frustration with SBMM and cross-input matchmaking isn’t new to Call of Duty fans. However, Treyarch’s silence on the matter has only made things worse. Whether the studio will address these issues through future updates remains to be seen, but for now, players are stuck navigating what they describe as a “fantastically awful” gaming experience.
Apart from matchmaking woes, players aren’t quite vibing with the new maps either. Until something changes, it seems players might simply have to adjust to the current gameplay experience, as they usually do. Feel free to drop a comment letting us know your thoughts on SBMM in the game.
Dwayne Cubbins
392 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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