Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 May Bring Lower-Skill SBMM for More Classic CoD

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is shaping up to be a major talking point before release, thanks to a notable shift in how matches could be put together. Ahead of its upcoming beta, the game is expected to use lower-skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) style playlists—similar to the open-lobby approach recently tested in Black Ops 7—giving players a shot at more “classic CoD” pacing rather than constant skill-based pressure.

What’s changing: Modern Warfare 4’s expected low-SBMM playlists

During the same window where details for Black Ops 7’s Season 5 were teased, the official Call of Duty account also indicated that Modern Warfare 4 would receive a comparable matchmaking setup. While the announcement didn’t go deep on playlist specifics, the key takeaway is clear: during upcoming Modern Warfare 4 beta weekends, players should expect matchmaking that relies less on SBMM than the typical CoD experience.

How this mirrors Black Ops 7’s direction

Last year’s Black Ops 7 drew mixed reactions overall, but it earned praise from some players for being willing to step away from the usual current SBMM approach. By introducing more open matchmaking-style playlists, Black Ops 7 reduced how heavily skill level influenced pairing—bringing the feel closer to older-era Call of Duty.

That approach expanded with Black Ops 7’s Season 5 update, and Modern Warfare 4 is now being linked to a similar plan for its beta weekends.

Why open-style matchmaking has players paying attention

• SBMM has long been a flashpoint in the Call of Duty community and across FPS games generally.
• The goal of SBMM is to match players with similar skill, which sounds fair in theory.
• In practice, some players have argued the system can make the experience feel less consistent or more restrictive than “classic” matchmaking.

When you can try it: Modern Warfare 4 beta weekends

Players won’t have to wait indefinitely to test the new direction. The expected low-SBMM experience is tied to the upcoming Modern Warfare 4 beta weekends, where the open-lobby style playlists should be available.

Which platforms will get access

Players who preordered on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S will be able to access the open-lobby playlists in the shooter’s beta. The beta is also positioned as especially appealing for Switch players—because those interested in playing Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 will be able to join in as well.

Why Activision’s shift matters

Historically, Activision has shown a fairly firm stance in making SBMM a standard part of Call of Duty’s matchmaking. That’s why the move toward lower-SBMM playlists—especially during a Modern Warfare 4 beta—is being viewed as a meaningful change rather than a minor tweak.

The thinking appears to be influenced by how well open-style playlists landed in Black Ops 7, and it also aims to address a practical concern: SBMM was designed to ease onboarding for newer or more casual players by leveling the playing field. The new approach suggests an attempt to preserve the benefits of fair matchmaking while also restoring a more familiar experience for long-time fans.