On the 9th of March, Respawn will be launching Chaos Theory, the first Collection Event of Apex Legends Season 8. The event features a Caustic Town Takeover, a new game mode, and even a brand-new item for players to use. In addition, solo players will be getting an all-new way to play; No-Fill Matchmaking.
How Apex Legends No-Fill Matchmaking Works
Once the Chaos Theory Collection Event goes live on the 9th, No-Fill Matchmaking will become available as an option in-game. In the lobby screen, players will see a ‘Fill Matchmaking’ checkbox, which will be checked by default. While checked, the game will function exactly as it has until now; by attempting to match you with other players in order to fill your squad in Duos and Trios.
However, you will now be able to un-check this box. When you do, the game will not fill your team with other players. Instead, you’ll be sent into the match alone as a team of one, rather than two or three. “We still strongly believe that, at its best, Apex Legends is a game about teamplay,” explains Respawn; “But we’re launching this No-Fill matchmaking as an option for solo players because we think it gives a lot of creative opportunities for you to play the game your way.”
While the most obvious reason to use No-Fill Matchmaking would be to get into a match quicker, it does have some other uses. Players simply trying to complete Daily or Weekly Challenges, for example, may not be overly concerned about winning a match as part of a team. Indeed, some players may merely wish to explore the map for future reference without worrying about supporting a team at the same time.
No-Fill Matchmaking will have a few limitations when it launches. For instance, no more than six No-Fill players can enter the same match. Moreover, No-Fill Matchmaking will not be available for Ranked. Respawn hasn’t confirmed whether No-Fill Matchmaking will remain available after the end of Chaos Theory, but that does look very likely.