When it comes to team-based competitive games, fair matchmaking is essential. It ensures that players need only face off against their equals and win or lose the match fairly and squarely. No one wants to be matched with uneven opponents unless you are the stronger one. The same goes for the players of Brawl Stars.
To resolve issues regarding the uneven matchmaking system, Supercell launched a new system called "Underdog" - a system even for those who never spend Brawl Star Gems. So, how does it work? How to trigger it? How to take advantage of it? All these questions will be answered as you dive deep into the article. Before that take note, the best platform to make Brawl Stars top up is TOPUPlive, as it offers the gems at the cheapest rate on the web.
Overview of the Underdog System
This mechanic is a matchmaking modifier that is used in only 3v3 game modes including Brawl Ball, Gem Grab, Heist, Knockout, and others. It is activated when there is a difference among the team players or between both teams. Instead of providing buffs that further complicate the match, this mechanism operates only around the trophy gain and loss system.
If you have been tagged as "Underdog" at the beginning of the match, you will be at a statistical disadvantage as compared to the opposing team. This case is most likely due to the team composition or a noticeable gap in the brawler trophy count.
Working mechanics of the "Underdog"
Brawl Stars' matchmaking system is no simple concept and hence measures multiple variables:
- Brawler Trophy Count
- Player Skill Level
- Randomized or Pre-made Teams
- Queue Availability
- Waiting Time
It can be noticed that when one team is composed of players who have a lower average trophy count, the match can turn one-sided. This happens when a solo player is matched with a high-level duo or when they are matched with a fully synergized duo.
The goal of the Underdog system is to level out the playing field – not by evening the teams in terms of power but rather by adjusting the risk and reward metric. This allows the players to play even an unfair match without the fear of heavy punishment.
Triggering the Underdog System
This system triggers purely upon chance, depending on the trophy count of the person you are paired with. If you are thinking of unlocking this system by buying Brawl Star Gems, then just remember that this system does not care about spending. But two matchmaking scenarios are believed to trigger the Underdog mech.
Uneven Trio Formation
This happens when you're a solo player and you're paired with a duo with a much higher trophy count than yours. The difference may range from between 150 trophies to 200 trophies or even higher. This leads to your team average being higher and hence you will be matched to face off an enemy much stronger than you. If this happens, you will be flagged as "Underdog" and although you are statistically expected to lose, you will be offered a better reward if you manage to win somehow.
Team Average Trophy Difference
This scenario applies to full teams or pre-made groups. If your three-player squad is faced off an enemy team with a disparity of 150+ trophies per player, your entire team will be granted the status of "Underdog".
This usually happens when the game runs out of similarly ranked opponents and has to make a compromise. Although this is ideal in no way, the game does try its best to make ends meet by changing the stakes. Losing will cost you reduced or no trophies at all whereas winning will grant you with more trophies and even rare rewards.
Modified Rewards
While the Underdog status does not offer too glamorous rewards as compared to the normal reward system, it offers just the right amount to soften the blow of the even matchup and console you enough to press the "Play Again" button. Listed below are all the modifications in the reward system of Underdog:
- Victory: Based on the brawler's current rank, you will receive an additional 4 or more trophies to congratulate your win against a stronger opponent.
- Defeat: Depending on your rank, you can either lose fewer trophies or lose none at all. Promoting the value that "not all is lost and we can still win".
- Draw: This doesn't happen usually but in game modes, where draw is possible, 4 trophies will be granted.
Limitations
The triggering system might be a failsafe but some rules apply to the system:
- This system is only available in 3v3 game modes. It is not available in Solo Showdown or any other special events.
- The "Play Again" button will remove the Underdog Status.
- Underdog does not guarantee fair matchmaking. It only supports fair trophy treatment. So although your match might be ruined. The reward will be fair.
- The Underdog status is not granted to players with more than 1,000 trophies.
- If you try to be smart and queue up in a pre-made team of low-trophy brawlers just to force the underdog status, then don't be surprised when if the game doesn't grant you it. The exact criteria for the mechanism have not been published and cannot be used as a strategy.
Conclusion
The Underdog system might be a small addition but improves the overall experience of the game. It maintains the morale of the low-trophy players while also keeping the competitive integrity intact. It teaches the players to remain strong when facing the stronger opponents rather than backing off. So, if you find yourself in one of the Underdog matches, don't panic. See it as an opportunity to learn and prove that even underestimated players can turn the tide of the battle.
