Matchmaking



Matchmaking is the process through which the system groups players into opposing teams for public games. Players who decline a ready match are blocked from finding another match for 45 seconds.

Ratings
All matchmaking is based on a hidden player rating similar to the Elo system. Theoretically, players of roughly equal skill will be placed in the same game. Partying with higher or lower ranked teammates may skew this calculation in unknown ways.

Find a match
This function matches the player with or against random teams and solo players.

Find a team match
This function matches your team against another random team. You must be in a team to queue for this function. Team matches are always played in Captains Mode.

Find a co-op bot match
This function matches you or your team against AI-controlled bots. If you are queuing solo, the system will select your teammates based on similar skill ranking. Co-op bot matches are always played in All Pick mode.

Find a compendium match
This function matched you or your team with random players to replay certain matches of The International 2013. It was only available to players who purchased The International 2013 Interactive Compendium Bundle.

Settings
Settings allow players to be matched only with others who have selected the same settings. Selecting more settings can significantly reduce wait time, as the system will be able to search for compatible players from a larger population pool.

Game Modes
Game Modes determines which modes you would like to queue for. Checking more game modes will increase matchmaking speed.

Current game modes for public matchmaking include:


 * All Pick
 * Single Draft
 * Captain's Mode
 * Random Draft
 * Least Played
 * All Random
 * Limited Heroes
 * Captain's Draft

Region
Region determines which regional server you would like to play on. Checking more regions will increase matchmaking speed, but may cause latency issues if the server location is far away. You can select up to 6 regions.

Current regions include:


 * US West
 * US East
 * Europe West
 * Europe East
 * Russia
 * South America
 * SE Asia
 * Australia
 * South Africa

Preferences
The preference window allows you to select up to 3 languages. You will be matched with other players who have selected the same languages. Checking more languages will increase matchmaking speed. If no languages are checked, you will be matched with people of any language preference (fastest matchmaking speed).

Current languages include:


 * English
 * Russian
 * Chinese
 * Korean
 * Spanish
 * Portuguese

Find Match Settings
This option allows solo players to enable/disable being matched against opponents who are in a Party. Selecting this option may increase matchmaking time. This option is disabled if you are in a party.

Priority
Priority is a status that determines how quickly the system will match you with other players. All players start at Normal priority by default.

Low Priority
Low priority is a penalty administered when:


 * A player has abandoned too many games.
 * A player has failed to "Accept" ready games multiple times.
 * A player has been reported multiple times.

Players in low priority will:
 * Have longer than normal queue times.
 * Not receive any item drops or Battle Points.
 * Cause all players in his/her party to enter low priority until they leave the party.

Low priority cannot be removed. A countdown in the main menu will indicate the time remaining until low priority is lifted.

High Priority
High priority is granted when:
 * A player is returned to queue after a recently failed matchmaking attempt.

Players in high priority will:
 * Have much shorter queue times.