This video features a gameplay session of a new Call of Duty beta, focusing on a newly introduced "Open Mosh Pit" mode that allegedly minimizes or reduces skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). The creator tests this mode to see if it provides a more casual experience compared to the notoriously strict SBMM of previous titles.
Throughout the session, he uses a powerful sniper and shotgun combination. A key moment occurs when he discovers the shotgun is a "charge" weapon, which, when paired with the "Gung-Ho" perk, becomes exceptionally overpowered, allowing him to dominate matches. While he finds the lobbies are slightly less intense and punishing than standard matchmaking, he notes they are still filled with highly skilled players, likely due to the closed beta environment. He concludes that the overpowered shotgun skews the experience, but the reduced SBMM seems to prevent the relentless spawn-trapping common in stricter matchmaking systems. He remains skeptical about whether the change is a genuine, long-term feature or a temporary test by the developers.
Testing Call of Duty's New Reduced SBMM Mode
0:00:03 - A New Matchmaking Philosophy: The creator tests a new game mode in the Call of Duty beta that supposedly does not prioritize skill in its matchmaking, focusing instead on connection quality.
01:35 - Two Distinct Playlists: The game now offers two options: "Open Mosh Pit" (reduced SBMM) and "Normal Mosh Pit" (standard SBMM), prompting the question of why players would choose the latter.
05:45 - Closed Beta Considerations: The creator notes that the lobbies are still filled with dedicated, "sweaty" players because it's a closed beta for those who pre-ordered. The true impact of reduced SBMM may only be visible during the open beta with a wider player base.
08:33 - Official Mode Description: The in-game description for the "Open Mosh Pit" explicitly states it features "Classic matchmaking where skill is minimally considered."
11:34 - Core Issues Persist: Despite the matchmaking change, fundamental game problems, such as the complete lack of audible footstep audio, remain.
29:20 - Game-Changing Weapon Discovery: The creator realizes the shotgun he has been using is a "charge shotgun," which he had been firing incorrectly with a delay.
36:52 - The Overpowered Combo: He combines the charge shotgun with the "Gung-Ho" perk, allowing him to sprint while charging a shot. He calls this combination "next level cheese" and uses it to dominate opponents.
45:49 - Skepticism of Developer Intent: The creator speculates that Activision may use the data from this mode to claim players dislike non-SBMM playlists, thereby justifying its removal and the continuation of strict matchmaking in the full game.
1:44:40 - Guaranteed Nerf Prediction: He firmly believes the charge shotgun will be nerfed before launch because it is "game-breaking" and provides a rare, powerful advantage for mouse-and-keyboard players against those using aim assist.
2:11:16 - How the Lobbies Feel Different: He concludes that the reduced SBMM lobbies feel more manageable. Instead of facing six top-tier players, it feels more like two "gods" per team mixed with other good players, which prevents constant spawn trapping.
3:58:57 - Final Verdict: The creator had a much better experience using the overpowered shotgun in the reduced SBMM mode. However, he emphasizes that the lobbies are still challenging and that players using standard weapons, especially on mouse and keyboard, will likely still have a difficult time.
Error: value error Invalid operation: The response.text quick accessor requires the response to contain a valid Part, but none were returned. The candidate's finish_reason is 1.