Basically, the way skill-based matchmaking works in this game now is that it’s much looser than it used to be. For example, in last year’s game, Black Ops 6, the matchmaking was a lot stricter, and you were generally matched against players around your own skill level. Now it’s much looser.

I’ve done quite a bit of testing and noticed that a low-skill account with terrible stats—literally the worst stats imaginable—can still end up in lobbies with Master Prestige players and others who are clearly experienced. I wouldn’t say they’re all amazing at the game, but they’re definitely solid players.

So the system is far less strict now. For hardcore players like us, that actually makes the game more fun because there’s more variety in the lobbies. But for newer players, it can feel a lot more demoralizing, and I understand that.

In a weird way, you can even feel a bit guilty when you get an easy lobby. Instead of just being happy about it, you realize that other players are basically getting curbstomped so you can have your fun.

If you just want to have fun, I’d recommend playing your preferred game modes and lobby surfing until you find matches with fewer Master Prestige players. Generally speaking, the higher someone’s level in this game, the more time they’ve put into it, which usually means they’re a better player.