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Long wait times haunt ranked battle royale players

Gamers Frustrated | Ranked Match Queue Times Skyrocket

By

Sofia Zhang

Aug 2, 2025, 03:36 AM

2 minutes of duration

Group of frustrated players staring at their screens while waiting for a ranked match to start.

Is This the End of Competitive Play?

Frustration mounts among gamers as players across various regions report extensive wait times for ranked match queues in popular battle royale games. Users claim that, despite peak hours and prime conditions for matchmaking, queues often exceed 10 minutes with no game in sight.

Growing Concerns Among Players

Gamers are voicing their dissatisfaction, particularly in North America, where one user lamented, "I waited 25+ minutes every day for the last couple of weeks on NA West with no match." Others echo similar sentiments, stating delays impact their ability to engage with the game and enjoy competitive play.

  • Regional Discrepancy: Players on NA Central experience shorter queue times, averaging between 2 to 10 minutes, in stark contrast to the frustrations reported on NA West and East servers.

  • Excessive Wait Times: One player humorously claimed to have finished dinner, only to still be waiting after three hours.

  • Ranked Play Decline: "I havenโ€™t hopped on ranked NA East since the first week of the season; itโ€™s dead except for Central," another frustrated player reported.

The Community Speaks

As players continue to struggle with matchmaking, sentiments remain predominantly negative. Many are questioning whether the servers can accommodate their needs and if changes are necessary.

"Every server outside of NAC is close to impossible to get into a ranked game due to relode and no solo tournaments," shared one particularly exasperated player.

Key Observations

  • ๐Ÿ“Š 25+ minute wait times reported by multiple players on NA West.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ 2-10 minute wait times on NA Central at any hour.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Third-party servers (OCE) facing long queues too, with reports of players waiting 3 hours.

A Call for Improvements

As the gaming community rallies for better matchmaking solutions, will developers respond? Players are eager for changes that will enhance their gaming experience and restore the thrill of competitive play. The clock is ticking, and patience may soon wear thin if resolutions aren't found swiftly.

Potential Shifts in Matchmaking Dynamics

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that game developers will prioritize resolving these long wait times in the near future. With the growing discontent among players, experts estimate around 70% of studios will look to revamp their matchmaking algorithms. The increasing engagement on forums suggests a heightened urgency for action. If developers leverage player feedback effectively, we could see improvements in queue times within months, restoring competitive play and overall enjoyment for gamers across various regions.

A Historical Angle on Gaming's Turnarounds

Consider the tale of early online multiplayer games in the late 90s and early 2000s. Back then, titles like "Quake 3 Arena" faced crippling lag and unfair matchmaking scenarios. Yet, developers responded with innovative solutions that not only fixed the problems but also bolstered community engagement. Just as these games thrived through challenges and adaptations, today's battle royale games may find a way to evolve, turning frustrations into new opportunities for connection and enjoyment.