How would it be fair to the rest of the lobby to let you at a pack of beginners just because you queued in with your beginner friend?
The only solution is for the two of you to stop queueing together, hope he does well enough on his own to want to stay, and then maybe team up later when your mmrs are a little closer together. Though I have to say that the matchmaking in this game is so bad that he'll probably keep getting the same brutal matches whether you queue together or not. It's as if the game was designed to actively push away newcomers.
I completely agree with everything you said. You’ve pointed out the harsh reality of why this game feels like it’s actively pushing newcomers away, and I understand the fairness concern regarding high-level players entering beginner lobbies.
However, I believe there should be a middle ground where we can find a balance.
If the current Unranked MMR is designed to prevent 'stomping' in public matches, then Bot Royale needs to be a truly safe and private environment.
My suggestion for a compromise would be:
It’s heartbreaking to see a game I love become the reason my friends quit. I’m not asking for an easy win in public lobbies; I’m just asking for a functional space where I can share the Apex experience with them without the matchmaking system turning it into a nightmare. We need a solution that preserves both the competitive integrity of the game and the friendships of its players.
Don't even get me started on how they've ruined bot royale with live players. I don't want all-bots for the same reasons as you, but I definitely want all-bots, and this is just one example of how the means can serve more than one end.
Right now I'd have to say that the firing range is really your only fall back. There's a lot you can do there to help your buddy get up to speed, although, as noted, bots are a far cry from live enemies no matter which difficulty setting you choose.
Best of luck to both of you. I hope he sticks it out - not sure there are any games out there that are any better than this one. And I mean that in both senses - the good and the bad.
"I’m right in the middle—I’ve been playing for a long time, but my MMR isn't that high. I’m no pro, but I truly enjoy this game. It’s actually funny because I’ve tried so many other games out there, but I always end up coming back to this one. I love the theme, the characters, and the gunplay is just top-tier. I genuinely love Apex, and that’s why I still want my long-time friends of 15 years to give it a real shot.
Here’s an update on my squad:
Friend A felt stressed at first because his high MMR was making the game too brutal for a beginner, but he is doing better now and is ready to get back in.
Friend B (the beginner) is actually back with a vengeance. Instead of quitting, he is now motivated to push himself and get good enough to take revenge on those who looked down on him.(lol)
The three of us strongly believe that a 100% Bot mode is essential. We really want the developers to bring it back as a private option.
It’s the only way for veterans to mentor their friends in a safe environment without the broken matchmaking interference. We’ve decided to stick together and will be spending time in the Firing Range for now. We aren't letting a bad system or toxic encounters ruin a 15-year friendship. See you in game!"
