Matchmaking 101
Okay! I just signed up for the site how do I find a match?
When you sign up and join chat, this is how the site should look like (note: the site updates frequently and some layouts may change):
The main chat for each game is on the left; on the right, you have matchmaking. Here, you can find a match whether for friendlies, or for ranked.
The Matchmaking Box
Depending on the games you have selected on your profile, your view may vary:
When you select a game (OR the Start Matchmaking Button) from the top, you will be prompted to choose your method of gameplay with others:
For Friendlies:
Friendlies are your go to when you are looking to get your smash fix. They are for fun and for learning new playstyles and to experiment with your characters.
To play friendly matches with others, as stated before, choose the game you want from the top, then choose one of the methods below, followed by clicking on the "Confirm Search" button.
You have a choice of whether to play "Singles," "Doubles," "Endless," Best of 3/5".
Singles: 1v1 matchmaking between you and one other person. A singles search created a game lobby only one other person can join.
Doubles: 2v2 matchmaking among 3 other users. A doubles search created a game lobby multiple people can join.
Endless: You get to play as long as you and your opponents hearts desire. Usually tourney legal rules apply but you can do whatever you like within your opponents desire.
Best of 3/5: Simulates the Tourney/Ranked environment without the risk of ladder points.
When you select an option, your name will then appear in the Friendlies Matchmaking List below:
When someone clicks the game icon by your name, you will receive a challenge at the top of the matchmaking box. From here you can either accept or deny challenges:
One thing to note before you accept, are the colored locations. The closer you are to someone, the less input lag there will be. The colors you see go as followed
Blue - Short Distance / Minimum Input Lag
Yellow - Close/Regional / Slight Input Lag
Light Orange - Moderate/Nearby Region / Moderate Input Lag
Dark Orange - Pretty Far Away / High Input Lag
Red - Very Far Away / Heavy Input Lag - Unplayable for some
ALTERNATIVELY, you can as well just click the game icon by a user's name to request a match from them (without having to create a game request/lobby for yourself).
Now that we have our challengers, it is time to select one. When you join, you are given your very own chat window to (Depending on game) trade Netplay Codes, NNID, Friend Codes, etc.:
For Project M, Melee or Brawl:
Please refer to the Netplay Guide(s) on how to host/connect within dolphin.
Once you are finished dueling, you will need to click the "Im Done Playing" button on the top left:
From here you will be prompted to leave feedback for the user you just played. It is highly recommended you do so:
And once you're all finished, you click the "X" on the top right:
Also Available, you may Request a Rematch or if you didn't actually play the other user (time based), are these two options:
Ranked*:
Ranked is a great way to improve your tournament skills and to forge your abilities through it's fires. It is high stakes/high pressure environment where you lose or gain points in an attempt to climb the ladder and show your skill and dedication. You can view ranks for any game at the top of the page under "Ranks":
*Your account has to be older than 24 hours to be able to play ranked, otherwise it will automatically go to friendlies.
To play a ranked match follow the friendlies steps but instead of selecting "Friendlies", Select "Ranked"
The options available for Ranked are very similar to friendlies minus the endless feature. Once in a ranked match, you will be prompted to select your character. Confirm your choice and follow the automated system:
Next When prompted, follow through in the stage banning process:
Once you're finished, you will be prompted to play your match.
***ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS DO A BUTTON CHECK/LAG TEST FIRST!***
If you fail to do so, you are obligated to continue to play through the set if the lag is bad (Unless both parties agree to cancel):
When you finish your match, report the correct match results. If you fail to do so, the match WILL be disputed and a Site Moderator will be notified.
Disputes:
We have written up a guide to aid you in understanding disputes better and what to do in light of issues in ranked matchmaking. Please Click Here for more info.
FAQ
Distance Colors:
Blue - Short Distance / Minimum Input Lag
Yellow - Close/Regional / Slight Input Lag
Light Orange - Moderate/Nearby Region / Moderate Input Lag
Dark Orange - Pretty Far Away / High Input Lag
Red - Very Far Away / Heavy Input Lag - Unplayable for some
My Rank is all of a sudden missing:
Every season the ladder resets in order to give players a fresh start, this means that after a season you will be unranked and have to play 8 matches to obtain a ranking again.
Seasons last around 3 months each. Old seasons can be found on your profile.
Matchmaking Etiquette and Formalities
Be respectful and patient with users. Saying GGs [Good Games] (even if they weren't) goes a long way.
Never call people out in main chat, no matter how salty or "annoying" they are/their playstyle is. (This is against site rules).
If you're dealing with a user that is harassing you, please report them immediately and provide proof.
[In Ranked] ALWAYS report your match result correctly. Failure to do so can result in a judgement against you.
If there was a desync or error, please provide proof if a dispute were to occur. Failure to do so may result in a judgement against you.
Any Questions, Comments, Critiques; feel free to ask in the comment section.
You are now a Matchmaking Wizard!