Dear DOTA 2 Team,

I wanted to follow up on an issue I previously raised regarding the matchmaking system, as I believe I have now identified a key part of the problem and would like to share my findings.

Initially, I experienced significant frustration when playing public matches with random players or small teams of 2 or 3. The issue wasn’t just an occasional unbalanced match—it became clear that when I wasn’t part of a full team of 5, I was regularly matched with players who had a much lower skill level. This imbalance resulted in demoralizing games, where not only my teammates but the entire player base in these matches appeared to lose interest in Dota 2 altogether.

After experimenting by playing exclusively with a full team of 5, I realized the matchmaking system performed noticeably better. Matches became more balanced and competitive, with both teams exhibiting a similar skill level. This highlights a major flaw in the current system: matchmaking seems severely broken when players are not part of a full 5-player team, and the disparity in skill levels makes the game frustrating for all involved.

I believe the matchmaking system could be improved by incorporating more detailed metrics when assigning players to games. These factors could include:

-Hours played and experience
-Understanding of game mechanics and item usage
-Teamwork and communication ratings
-Overall game sense and strategy

Dota 2 is a game built on deep mechanics, teamwork, and strategy. However, these qualities are not being accurately reflected in matchmaking for players who are not part of full teams, leading to imbalanced games that drive away great players who love this game as much as I do. If these issues aren’t addressed, I fear that the game will lose more dedicated players and could eventually fade into obscurity.

Please, Dota 2 team, I urge you to investigate this aspect of matchmaking and consider applying advanced solutions, such as AI, to better assess player skills and create a more enjoyable experience for all. I love this game, and I want to help ensure it thrives for years to come.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to see a positive change in the matchmaking system soon.

Sincerely,
2Shibby