Dota 2 Hidden Pool: The Truth Behind the Secret Matchmaking Mechanism

The matchmaking in Dota 2 has been the center of attraction and bickering among gamers for eons. One of the most enigmatic features of this system is the so-called ‘hidden pool.’ This phenomenon has given rise to a number of legends and speculation, but what is the hidden pool, and what possible influence can it have on the game? In this article, we will look at the key questions regarding this issue.

What is the Hidden Pool?

The hidden pool is purportedly the internal matchmaking system that places players with high report rate, low manners, or high global win percentage separately in the matchmaking lobby. It is thought that the players who qualify to this specific pool are members of teams comprising of poor performers or frequent team grievers. A majority of players believe that this has been put in place to ensure win ratio’s among the players are capped and even the players don’t get to go on an extensive win streak regardless of their game level.

Credit: Valve Corporation

Why Does the Hidden Pool Exist?

As per the primary assumption, the hidden pool is supposed to serve the purpose of enhancing the quality of matches in Dota 2 on an average. If a player repeatedly gets reported for bad manners or if there is a certain noticeable ‘was this the same player’ difference in their performance, the system is said to put them in games with players exhibiting similar behavior. This is either to caution players on their conduct or to equalize their rates of wins so that no one player holds a huge number of wins in succession.

Myths and Reality About the Hidden Pool

There’s an ongoing myth believed by a good amount of Dota 2 players. They, for some reason, feel that they are put into a hidden pool which automatically drags them into a pessimistic set of chances for multiple matches, solely losing them. As Valve states, a such possibility has never been proven nor acknowledged. It is,however, understood that even though the behavior score system assists or minimizes the match making, it still does not isolate ‘pools’ as a factor.

Credit: Valve Corporation

Behavior score can range anywhere from zero all the way to ten thousand with the scale describing how a player interacts with members of the community. Players with a lower behavior score have a high chance of being grouped with players with a similarly low score. It leaves players wondering, is this a troubleshooting factor for matchmaking or merely a product?

How To Check Your Dota 2 Account Status?

Credit: Valve Corporation

There’s a very easy way for players to check their behavior score which in return can explain how a good or bad player my be seen in the community. Your score is critical in figuring out what place you hold when it comes to matchmaking.

• To start, open Dota 2, and go to the section marked as Your Profile.

• Once I launch the application, I will move to the top right corner where the profile name is visible.

• I will click on the name and a new window will pop up.

• I will look at the left bottom part of the screen.

If my behavior score is indeed poor, that might also mean that I am competing in a lot of matches with players having a low behavior score alongside me.

How to Steer Clear Of The Hidden Pool Of MMR?

Credit: Valve Corporation

To not get put together with a team who has bad behavior, it would be salient to watch how you act and treat other players. Given for maintaining high behavior score and not ending up in a hidden pool here are tips for you.

• No to toxicity. Make sure to never insult a teammate or instigate fights during video games.

• Consider your team. Consider your teammates, don’t just look for personal glory. Looking for and listening to your teammates will help you win more matches and in return lower the chances of getting reports against you.

• Abide by the rules of the game. Unless it is necessary, do not abandon a game, and do not go AFK or throw.

• Earn accolades. Teammates can leave positive comments and this can improve your behavior rating greatly.

How to Escape The Hidden Pool?

There are specific measures that players can apply in order to enhance their player reputation and work out of the low quality players pool. Here are those mentioned measures:

• Never be a provocateur. Even if the game is extremely losing that would deserve a ragequit, no one should pronounce any offensive words and must maintain proper gaming etiquette.

• Communicate with your teammates. In the course of the game, make a decent attempt to communicate with your teammates and provide assistance whenever it is necessary. This puts you in a better status and even earns you some commendations.

• Teamwork should be your focus. The greater number of supporting roles you play (supporting like support characters or support by warding), the lesser criticisms you obtain for any wrong moves you make.

• Learn from any problematic issues. Look at the earlier fights again and try and establish anything that could have drawn the ire of other players.

These are very simple steps, however, if applied consistently, they will slowly improve your behavior score and hence enhance the chances of you playing in check, rather than being in a pool of low level gamers.

Credit: Valve Corporation

Conclusion

Pool maintenance has always been one of the most mysterious concepts in the dotes, nonetheless, This topic remains one of the most debated points within the game’s community. Please look at the screenshot attached. This allows you to build and target your calculations to match your audience's needs. As part of their community, they must engage in constructive discussions with a critical view, but also with an open mind.

There should be no abuse of the system, but rather for keeping the system in a more enjoyable and optimistic place for all the players one should have to be gracious while engaging with it. And regarding the hidden pool? It is a non-existent feature but it does accentuate a very interesting notion when playing competitively, and that’s the idea of respect.