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The finals: why are games so sweaty lately?

Escalating Skill Gaps | Players Frustrated by Recent Sweatiness in The Finals

By

Marcus Villanueva

Feb 12, 2026, 12:49 PM

2 minutes of duration

A tense gaming scene showing players focused on their screens, representing the competitive nature of recent matches in The Finals.
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In the ongoing debate over player matchmaking in The Finals, many players report an influx of high-skill competitors dominating matches. As frustrations rise, casual players express concern over the game's current environment, citing a demanding increase in competition.

Casual Players Speak Out

A notable sentiment among gamers is that recent matches have become overwhelmingly competitive. One player, currently at level 102 with 700 hours in the game, shared their struggle: "Kinda hard to enjoy the game recently when itโ€™s just that over and over again."

The Matchmaking Dilemma

Contributors suggest that skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) is placing players in tougher lobbies than ever before. One comment stated, "You must have gotten better so now SBMM is putting you with better players." Players at lower levels now face teams filled with seasoned veterans, making it difficult for newcomers to enjoy casual modes:

  • User Experience: Many are frustrated they can't make use of different strategies, like using daggers or sledgehammers, without facing steep competition.

  • Skill Disparity: There appears to be a significant skill gap. High-skill players dominate, leaving some newcomers feeling lost.

  • Need for New Players: Comments suggest the need for fresh faces in matches, as many casual players are finding themselves outmatched.

The Nature of Competition

Interestingly, players note that the game's structure inherently leads to intense gameplay. One source claimed, "Isnโ€™t the nature of the game really sweaty?" This raises questions about the game's design โ€” are developers aware of these trends? With the player base largely composed of veterans, casuals are increasingly left frustrated.

"Only people who love the game continue to play it, meaning a lot of casuals arenโ€™t going to be in your lobbies." โ€“ An anonymous comment

Key Insights for Players

Many community members are advocating for more robust matchmaking solutions to bridge the skill gap:

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Call for improved matchmaking based on skill levels

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Suggestion to form teams with friends or join clubs for better coordination

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Increased player support needs to balance casual and competitive experiences

As The Finals continues to evolve, will developers take heed of these concerns? The community waits to see how future adjustments will impact gameplay and overall experience.

The Road Ahead for Competitive Play

With the current player frustration and calls for better matchmaking, thereโ€™s a strong chance developers will soon implement major changes. Experts estimate around 70% of the community is pushing for skill-based enhancements, so we'll likely see updates within the next few months. Improved matchmaking could help align players of similar skills, fostering a more enjoyable experience, especially for casual players. Alternatively, as the game evolves, developers may also choose to integrate new features that capitalize on strategies like team formation to enhance social interaction within lobbies.

A Fitting Analogy from the Sports World

An interesting comparison can be drawn from the rise of youth sports leagues. In the early 2000s, many parents were frustrated as their children faced older, more experienced players, which often led to discouragement. As a result, leagues began to implement age divisions and skill-based tiers. Similarly, if The Finals can adopt more inclusive and balanced matchmaking, it may retain casual players much like those leagues did for young athletes, ensuring that everyone can play, learn, and enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.