Difficulty Level

[Panthergirl]

When reviewing the details of a tournament for Ark Nova, for example, a difficulty level is indicated (Normal, Expert, Experienced?), but there is no way to see an explanation of what these different levels mean, unless I'm missing something.

Are difficulty levels specific to the specific game? How can I see whether it's worthwhile for me to join a tournament that indicates "Experienced"? I don't want to get matched up against 500 ELO players constantly, which is what seems to happen to me.

[turtler7]

The levels are set to elo of participants. The base elo to join a tournament is 100.

Beginner 0 elo
Apprentice <100 elo
Regular Player 100<elo<200
Good Player 200<elo<300
Strong Player 300<elo<500
Expert Player 500<elo<700
Master Player 700+

They are basically only explained by trophies with those names as you break into that elo bracket.

If you set it to regular through strong players it will not allow a 500 elo player to sign up for the tournament.
If someone gains elo after signing up, it will have no effect on them so you can still end up playing an expert.
Note that while a particularly high elo often means a particularly strong opponent, there are very frequently extremely potent players who do not have those elos. Many people are good at games in person then only play occasionally online and might bat at a much higher skill than their elo indicates.

[mrdoctor]

Difficulty in Ark Nova relates only to the solo game settings. Irrelevant in tournaments.