Respawn is preparing a major ranked matchmaking experiment for Apex Legends, and this one could seriously change how high-level ranked feels for Diamond, Master, and Apex Predator players. From June 9 to June 23, Ranked will become solo queue only for all players Diamond and above, meaning anyone in those ranks will not be able to squad up as a premade team during the test.
According to Respawn, the goal is to see whether removing premade squads at the top end of Ranked can create more evenly matched high-skill lobbies, reduce hard-carries into Diamond, Master, and Predator, and improve trust in the overall fairness of ranked matches.
The test follows ongoing community discussion around ranked fairness, premade advantages, and the long-running struggle of solo queue players in higher ranks. EA also recently listed another ranked matchmaking test on its official forums, showing Respawn is actively experimenting with high-rank matchmaking restrictions this season.
Apex Legends Ranked Is Going Solo Queue Only for Diamond and Above
The upcoming test will only affect players who are Diamond rank or higher. If a player reaches Diamond, Master, or Apex Predator during the test window, they will be forced to queue into Ranked alone. Premade duos and three-stacks will not be allowed for those ranks while the experiment is active.
The test is scheduled to begin on June 9 and will run until June 23. That gives Respawn roughly two weeks of live match data to judge whether the change actually improves lobby quality at the highest ranks.
The restriction is specifically aimed at the upper end of the ladder, where premade coordination, carry potential, and lobby balance have been recurring points of frustration.
Respawn Wants More Even High-Skill Lobbies
Respawn’s main hypothesis is that solo-only queueing for Diamond and above will create more evenly matched high-skill lobbies. That is a big statement because Apex Ranked has often struggled with the balance between competitive integrity and accessibility.
At higher ranks, a coordinated premade squad can have a huge advantage over solo players who are paired with random teammates. Even if all players are technically in the same rank range, the difference between a full three-stack on comms and three solo players trying to adjust on the fly can be massive.
By forcing everyone in Diamond and above to queue solo, Respawn is testing whether the playing field feels more even when every team is built through matchmaking rather than premade coordination.
The Test Is Also Targeting Hard-Carries Into Diamond, Master, and Predator
Another key reason for the test is to reduce hard carries into Apex Legends’ highest ranks. Respawn specifically mentioned Diamond, Master, and Predator, which suggests the team is looking closely at whether premade squads are allowing weaker players to climb higher than they realistically should.
Some players argue that Apex is a team game and premades should be rewarded for coordination. Others believe that the ranked ladder becomes less trustworthy when players can be carried deep into high ranks by significantly stronger teammates.
The June test seems designed to collect real data on that exact issue. If solo-only queueing creates cleaner rank separation and more consistent match quality, it could become a serious option for future ranked changes.
Respawn Is Watching Community Sentiment and Match Data
Respawn also made it clear that this is only a test, not a guaranteed permanent change. The studio said it will monitor both community sentiment and match data during the trial.
Solo queue players may see it as a long-overdue fix for high-rank fairness. On the other hand, players who enjoy grinding Ranked with friends may feel punished for playing Apex the way it was originally designed, as a squad-based battle royale.
There is also the question of queue times. Removing premades from Diamond and above could improve competitive fairness, but it may also create longer waits or strange matchmaking issues depending on player population during the test. That is likely why Respawn is limiting the experiment to a defined two-week window.
A Big Ranked Experiment With Huge Implications
This is one of the more interesting ranked experiments Respawn has run in Apex Legends because it directly targets one of the biggest arguments in the game’s competitive community. Should Apex Ranked reward premade teamwork at the highest level, or should the top of the ladder be built around individual performance in a solo queue environment?
There is no easy answer. Apex is built around teamwork, legend synergy, and communication, so removing premades from the highest ranks could feel unnatural to some players. At the same time, solo players have long argued that ranked fairness breaks down when random teams are forced to compete against coordinated stacks.
The June 9 to June 23 test will give Respawn a real chance to measure both sides of the debate. If the data shows better match quality, fewer suspicious climbs, and stronger player trust, solo-only ranked for Diamond and above could become one of the biggest competitive changes Apex Legends has seen in years.
