Dota 2: Big change matchmaking system, removed MMR, added MMR role

Dota 2 players discovered their matchmaking scores were dropping when Valve introduced a new experimental matchmaking system on August 6, focusing on the team play aspect. The MMR numbers have been deleted, but the medals earned during the season are still kept. The new update focuses on two big areas: removing the two types of MMR party and solo, as well as adding the MMR role (role).

Valve understands that removing the two MMRs will cause controversy in the community, but adding the MMR role is something players have been craving for a long time.

Excerpt from Valve’s announcement

“Getting the MMR system on track: We realized there was a trade-off between the quality of the MMR data if the match featured mmr solo vs party mmr numbers. However, the team found that the impact of the data was less than initially expected, as well as the fact that it was discussed online. Most of the problems related to it are solvable with better algorithms. Another common scenario is when playing with friends who have a higher mmr than you, with the expectation that your mmr will go higher. This was somewhat true in the old matchmaking system, but the latest update has fixed this issue. We have enough data on the number of matches to balance the game, and win against equal opponents. At base level, we thought we had enough confidence to play against friends without having to worry about impacting your average mmr, to play a properly balanced game.”

Experimental Matchmaking Update: https://t.co/2nC6t67pd6

— DOTA 2 (@DOTA2) August 6, 2019

Instead of solo and party MMR, players will now use Core and Support MMR. To do that, Valve has moved Ranked Roles from the Dota Plus feature to the regular matchmaking rank. Starting now, before finding matches in rank, players must choose the role they want. You have the option to choose more than one option and it includes 5 roles in the team: Carry, Mid, Offlane, Soft Support and Hard Support.

This experimental MMR system is part of the Summer Scrub update and will remain in place until the end of this season. Valve will open a feedback channel on the system soon, after The International 2019.