MMR: What is MMR and how to increase it?
In most competitive games, the ranking system known as MMR (Matchmaking Rating) is used in place of the traditional ELO system. The idea is simple: the better your performance, the higher your MMR—and that typically translates to climbing the ranks.
How MMR Works in Competitive Games
Some games, like Valorant, take it a step further by hiding your MMR. You won’t see a visible rating, but if you’re consistently playing well, your hidden MMR will increase behind the scenes. That hidden number influences who you get matched with and how your rank progresses.
Players with strong MMR scores are usually rewarded more generously when they win—often gaining more visible ELO points than others, as the game system recognizes their higher skill level. They may also be placed in matches against tougher opponents, even if their current rank is lower.
For most games, there’s no shortcut: the only real way to boost your MMR is by stacking up wins. That said, it’s common for players to feel like they’ve hit a wall—stuck at the same rank no matter how much effort they put in. If that sounds like your experience, you might want to check out some guides on ranking up in games like CS:GO or how to escape “ELO hell” in Valorant.
MMR vs. ELO: Are They the Same Thing?
MMR and ELO are closely related—they both aim to measure player skill and create fair matchups. But they aren’t quite the same.
ELO is a more universal ranking method originally developed for chess, and it’s been adapted for various games. MMR, on the other hand, is often a custom-built system designed specifically for a particular game’s matchmaking needs.
Different games use different systems. For instance, Dota 2 uses its own version of MMR, while older versions of League of Legends were based on a form of ELO. Beyond the label, the real distinction lies in how each system calculates and uses your skill rating. The formulas can vary widely from one game to another, even if the goal—fair matchmaking—is the same.
So while MMR and ELO serve similar functions, the way they operate under the hood can be quite different depending on the game.
Games That Use MMR
Many multiplayer titles, especially MOBAs and competitive shooters, rely on MMR systems to create balanced matchups. A few notable examples include:
- Dota 2: This MOBA uses separate MMR tracks for solo and party play. Your performance in each affects your ranking and the kinds of rewards you can earn.
- Heroes of the Storm: Blizzard’s take on the MOBA genre uses a system called “Hero League,” where players earn ranks and rewards based on their gameplay. The system divides players into tiers that reflect their current skill.
- Smite: Similar to the above, Smite’s “Joust League” tracks progress through a tiered MMR system. As players move up the ladder, they unlock new rewards and face tougher competition.
Do FPS Games Use MMR Too?
Absolutely. Plenty of first-person shooters also use MMR-based systems to maintain competitive balance. Here are a couple of examples:
- Rainbow Six Siege: Ubisoft’s tactical shooter uses a ranked system that matches players based on their hidden MMR. As you perform well, you rise through the ranks and face more challenging opponents.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: The game uses an MMR-driven matchmaking system to keep lobbies fair and competitive. Players earn rewards and face stronger adversaries as they move through the divisions.
