Many Hearthstone players find themselves stuck in a frustrating MMR bracket, facing opponents consistently tougher than they'd like. One strategy some consider is intentionally conceding games to lower their MMR and find more evenly matched opponents. However, there's no magic number of games to concede to achieve a specific MMR drop. The system is far more complex than simply counting losses.
This article will explore the intricacies of Hearthstone's MMR system and offer a realistic perspective on MMR manipulation through conceding.
How Does Hearthstone's MMR System Work?
Hearthstone's Matchmaking Rating (MMR) is a hidden value that determines your opponent's skill level. It's not a straightforward points system; instead, it's a complex algorithm considering several factors beyond just wins and losses:
- Win/Loss Ratio: While crucial, it's not the sole determinant. A series of losses will lower your MMR, but the magnitude of the change depends on other factors.
- Opponent's MMR: Winning against a high-MMR player provides a larger MMR gain than winning against a low-MMR player (and vice versa for losses).
- Performance Metrics: The system likely considers factors like how quickly you win or lose, your deck choices, and even individual card plays, though Blizzard doesn't publicly detail these metrics.
- Hidden Adjustments: Blizzard periodically makes adjustments to the MMR system to maintain balance and account for player skill progression. These changes are not always transparent.
Will Conceding Games Consistently Lower My MMR?
Yes, conceding games will generally lower your MMR, but it's not a guaranteed linear progression. Consistently conceding will likely reduce your MMR, but the rate of decrease isn't predictable. You might find that you need to concede several games to see a noticeable shift, and even then, the change isn't uniform.
Furthermore, repeatedly conceding is considered unsportsmanlike and can negatively impact your overall experience. You risk encountering the same problem when the algorithm notices the pattern of rapid concession and re-evaluates your skill.
How Many Concessions Before Seeing a Difference?
There's no definitive answer to this question. The number of concessions needed to lower your MMR varies widely among players and depends on the factors discussed above. You might see a drop after a few concessions, or you might need many more. It's an inefficient and unsatisfying method.
What Are Better Alternatives to Lowering My MMR?
Instead of resorting to conceding, consider these more positive and effective approaches:
- Play a Different Deck: Experimenting with a less optimized or less meta deck can temporarily lower your win rate, subtly impacting your MMR.
- Take a Break: Sometimes, a break from the game allows you to return with a fresh perspective and improved gameplay.
- Focus on Improvement: Instead of focusing on MMR, concentrate on learning the game better. Improving your skills will naturally lead to a more appropriate MMR.
- Practice Against Friends: Playing casual games with friends can refine your strategies without affecting your ranked MMR.
Is it Against the Terms of Service to Concede Repeatedly?
While Blizzard doesn't explicitly forbid conceding games, repeatedly doing so to manipulate the MMR system is generally frowned upon and could potentially lead to account restrictions or warnings in extreme cases. It's against the spirit of fair play.
Conclusion
While conceding games can theoretically lower your MMR, it's an unreliable, unpredictable, and ultimately unsatisfying method. Focusing on self-improvement and experimenting with gameplay are far more effective and rewarding approaches to finding more enjoyable and appropriately matched opponents in Hearthstone.
