What is skill-based damage in Call of Duty MW2? – Explained

Many online games include a skill-based matchmaking system, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 proves no different. However, some players have recently speculated that MW2 also features some form of skill-based damage on top of that. The potential presence of such a feature may worry some fans, but others may wonder what people even mean when talking about skill-based damage. This guide will explain the meaning of skill-based damage and discuss whether or not the feature exists in MW2.

Essentially, skill-based damage refers to the idea of a game scaling the player’s damage output based on their rank or skill level. So if a player has a relatively low skill level compared to others in their lobby, then, according to the theory, that player will receive a boost in power. On the other hand, players who boast a higher skill level than others in the lobby would have their damage nerfed. This system, so the theory goes, would exist to give less-skilled players a better chance at competing with the pros.

Assuming this feature exists, it would serve as a much-more drastic method of leveling the playing field than a skill-based matchmaking system. A feature that has remained in the Call of Duty series for years now, skill-based matchmaking simply pairs you up with players that closely match your skill level. This reduces the chance of a match becoming a one-sided affair where less-skilled players become completely overwhelmed by experienced veterans. Although this feature comes with its fair share of criticism, it does not change the rules of the game mechanics like skill-based damage would.

Image via Infinity Ward

Does MW2 feature skill-based damage?

As of right now, we have not received concrete evidence suggesting that MW2 has any kind of skill-based damage system. Infinity Ward has not confirmed the feature’s existence, and the possibility that the studio will do so later down the line is unlikely, but not impossible. Of course, none of this has stopped some players from claiming that they have video proof demonstrating the feature in MW2. However, the demonstrations shown so far can largely be chalked up to server desyncing issues or inaccuracy in the players’ shots. In the latter example, some players in the thread are chalking it up to the Quick Fix perk in action.

As of right now, those who worry that a potential skill-based damage system may undermine or take their victories away from them can rest easy. However, this does mean that players don’t have other issues to worry about, pertaining to either the game itself or, more seriously, to publisher Activision.