Board Game Arena

Arena filters have limitations. Even when used properly, there can be streaks of unlucky pairings.

For one game, I was decided to switch my filter from "only my level" to "+/- 1 level". Because this game only has two tiers in this season's arena, that means I could be matched with anyone.

I made the switch so I could play against a wider variety of opponents, and maybe get some easier games mixed in with the highly challenging ones. There weren't a lot of players at my tier, which I hadn't realized until I checked, which is why I made my switch. The low number of players explained why I kept getting the same opponents.

Even after the switch though, I still seem to be getting the same matchups. Which is understandable in a small sample size.

Even with optimal settings, players could still be repeatedly be matched up with much stronger or much weaker players.

At the end of the day, getting paired with the players you want is a preference thing, not a fairness thing. Just because you get "unlucky" in not getting the types of opponents you want doesn't make the Arena system any less valid.

If you only match with stronger players, then you'll have to capitalize on the few wins you get against them to climb up. If you only match with weaker players, then you'll have to capitalize on the many wins you get against them to climb up. In both cases, it comes down to the same. It's just that a player may prefer one way or another. But both should lead you to the Arena score you deserve eventually.