Open Moshpit: A New Beta Playlist That Shifts the Matchmaking Balance
The ongoing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta is shaking up one of the franchise’s most debated systems: skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). In a surprising move, Treyarch has introduced a new playlist named Open Moshpit alongside the existing Moshpit. The key change: skill consideration is drastically reduced during matchmaking, with the goal of delivering more varied and less predictable multiplayer experiences.
On the official blog, the development team describes the Open Moshpit as a testing ground for broader skill differences between players. In practice, this means you’re more likely to be matched with opponents of a wider range of skill levels than in the standard multiplayer queues. The result, according to the patch notes, is a more dynamic array of matchups, with wins and losses feeling less dictated by a strict numerical score and more influenced by tactical decisions, teamwork, and momentum.
The beta patch notes explain the two playlists currently available: the traditional Moshpit and the new Open Moshpit. The studio emphasizes that Open Moshpit is not a permanent feature but a beta test designed to gather data and player feedback. Treyarch also notes that they will continue to iterate on the system throughout the remainder of the beta, inviting players to jump in and share their experiences.
What SBMM Is and Why It Bothers Some Players
Skill-based matchmaking, or MMR-based pairing, is a common feature across modern multiplayer games. In Call of Duty, SBMM aims to ensure fairer fights by pairing players with similar skill levels. However, critics argue that SBMM can lead to less varied, more homogenized experiences where clusters of players with similar ranks repeatedly meet each other, potentially reducing the excitement of a close, unpredictable match. For some, it also means longer wait times for mixed-ability lobbies and a feeling that rank disparities can overshadow the casual fun of a match.
With Open Moshpit, Treyarch explores a more permissive approach. By decreasing the weight of skill in matchmaking decisions, the game can create matches that test different strategies, unfamiliar map routes, and improvised teamwork. It may also encourage higher-skilled players to engage with a broader pool of opponents, potentially pushing both ends of the skill spectrum to adapt in real-time.
What to Expect in Practice
Early impressions from players who have sampled the Open Moshpit suggest a noticeable shift in match variety. Games can end up with more unexpected outcomes, and players report opportunities to experiment with loadouts or tactics that wouldn’t be as viable in strictly SBMM-driven queues. The beta’s iterative nature means balance adjustments could swing in either direction as data accumulates.
It’s also worth noting the potential impact on matchmaking times. Some players have anecdotally reported shorter wait times when the system is less constrained by strict skill matching, while others note a broader spread of player experiences. The developers have encouraged feedback to help them determine whether Open Moshpit should influence future design decisions beyond the beta window.
Community Reactions and What It Means for BO7
Fans are watching closely. The Open Moshpit approach could become a precedent for more flexible matchmaking if the beta demonstrates sustained improvements in enjoyment and variety without a disproportionate uptick in frustrating losses. For players who prioritize fast, adrenaline-fueled games, or those who want to practice versus a wider array of playstyles, the new playlist could be a welcome change. Others who rely on predictable performance curves may prefer sticking to the traditional Moshpit.
KitGuru and other outlets are inviting players to share their experiences. Will you be more inclined to test different weapon setups, or will the novelty wear off if the variability feels overwhelming? The beta is the perfect moment to weigh in, as Treyarch collects data to decide whether Open Moshpit should remain a rotating option in future updates.
How to Try Open Moshpit
Players currently in the Black Ops 7 beta can switch to Open Moshpit via the main multiplayer lobby where both playlists are listed. Jump into a few matches, track your win/loss patterns, and compare your performance against the two modes. The key is to approach with an open mindset: treat Open Moshpit as a chance to learn new maps, adapt to unfamiliar teamwork dynamics, and gauge whether a broader skill gap makes matches more or less enjoyable for you.
As Treyarch continues to refine Black Ops 7, the beta remains the best venue to explore these concepts firsthand. Whether Open Moshpit becomes a lasting fixture or a temporary experiment, the community’s response will help shape how SBMM is implemented in the final game. Share your thoughts, experiences, and preferences as the beta unfolds—your feedback could steer the future of Call of Duty’s multiplayer design.
