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A new player's take on the finals: fun yet frustrating

New Players Voice Concerns | Matchmaking Issues Plague The Finals

By

Mark Johnson

Sep 7, 2025, 04:41 PM

3 minutes of duration

A new player enjoying the fast-paced action in The Finals on PS5, showcasing thrilling gameplay and vibrant environments, while looking frustrated with matchmaking.

A wave of feedback is rolling in from new players of The Finals, culminating in a significant outcry over matchmaking concerns. Players are sharing their experiences, highlighting frustrations over uneven matchups that hinder the gameโ€™s enjoyment.

Thrilling Combat Clouded by Matchmaking Woes

One new player recently posted about their journey with The Finals, clocking over 35 hours in just two weeks. They described the game as "an absolute blast" thanks to its "destructive environments" and engaging gameplay. Despite this, they were quick to point out a major drawback: poor matchmaking.

Their sentiment echoes that of many others who expressed disappointment at being placed against high-level players without any grace period. The player stated, "Victories feel unearned," emphasizing how this imbalance often turns learning experiences into frustrating losses.

Community Responses: Mixed Sentiment

Commenters chimed in on the topic, rallying both support and critique:

  • One user asserted: "Play casual if you donโ€™t want to sweat every match."

  • Another pointed out, "Matchmaking requires a big sample size to be effective. The game simply doesn't have that."

Yet, some responses suggest players should embrace the challenge. "Keep playing, have fun, and eventually youโ€™ll be better," advised a commenter.

"It has been incredibly bad since launch," lamented another player, articulating a common frustration regarding player placement and team skill disparity.

Interestingly, a few users noted that even quick play can become grueling, often leading players to seek out friends for cooperative play. This raises an important question: Are casual play options adequately meeting the needs of new players?

Key Insights from Player Feedback

  • โ–ณ 9/10 core gameplay rating, marred by poor matchmaking.

  • โ–ฝ Matchmaking imbalance creates a frustrating experience for newcomers.

  • โ€ป "Games often struggle with perfect match equality," one commenter clarified.

Players are hopeful that developers will address these matchmaking challenges quickly, as many note that beneath the frustrations, there is a fantastic game waiting to be fully realized. Itโ€™s clear that for The Finals to thrive, attracting and retaining new players should be a priority. With mixed sentiments fueling discussions, will the developers step up to enhance the experience for everyone?

As the game evolves, players are left wondering if addressing these issues will turbocharge its growth.

For more updates and discussions on gaming, visit IGN or join your favorite forums to share your gaming journey.

What Lies Ahead for The Finals?

Developers are likely to prioritize addressing matchmaking issues, aiming for a smoother experience for new players. Given the strong feedback from the community, thereโ€™s a probability estimate of around 70% that theyโ€™ll introduce updates within the next three months. These may include expanded player pools, revised skill metrics, or more tailored matchmaking algorithms. If implemented effectively, it could significantly enhance player retention, boosting overall engagement and satisfaction. As players rally for changes, their voices might inspire an expedited response, ensuring that The Finals can harness its engaging core and cultivate a thriving gaming community.

A Lesson from the Phoenix Wright Series

In the early days of the Phoenix Wright series, players faced intense frustrations over convoluted puzzles and confusing mechanics. Just as new players of The Finals struggle with uneven matchups, those who navigated the courtroom battles also felt lost without proper guidance. Over time, developers adapted the tutorial systems, allowing players to engage more fully with the game. This situation serves as a reminder of how adaptability in game design can transform frustration into enjoyment, hinting that with the right adjustments, The Finals could emerge from its current challenges a stronger contender in the gaming arena.