by JR Cook - 8 years ago     show comments

One of the downsides to Quick Match as a solo queue players is that you can often run into some very…interesting team compositions. While this problem certainly isn’t limited to solo queue players, if you are in a group with one or two other people you are likely to have at least some synergy within your team. If you queue alone though, there is not telling what the matchmaking gods might bestow upon you. While it can be frustrating to end up with a team like Cho’gall, Abathur, and Nova on Dragon Shire, you are going to have to play the game anyway. Rather than get upset and let it get you down, lets look at what you can do to try and make the best of the situation.

For starters, stay positive. Even the ugliest of team comps can win. Be honest, have you ever had a game where you went in thinking you didn’t have a chance after seeing the loading screen only to come away with a victory? I know I have. I just had a game like that right before I started writing this. In fact, it was the inspiration for the article!

When I saw the map and our team, I actually said “Ugh” out loud. No one complained though, even after we lost the first two tributes. Even non-meta comps can have their advantages, you just have to figure out what they are. For us in this game it was the XP lead that we were able to get thanks to Abathur. Although we were losing all of the early team fights, we were able to drag them out long enough for Abathur’s soak to keep us ahead in levels. We hit level 10 first, and actually ended up cruising to a rather easy victory. It certainly wasn’t what I expected when the game began.

Even in those rare circumstances where your team truly doesn’t stand a chance, it doesn’t do any good to complain about it. Rather than spend the next 20-30 minutes being negative, use that time to have fun and get better. You might be wondering how you can have fun in a game where your team is getting their tail handed to them the entire time? The answer is to play a different game. If your team can’t win a team fight or secure an Objective, then come up with your own game that you can win. Maybe you need to improve your stutter stepping, so a victory for you might be to go the entire game without attacking from a stationary position. Maybe you stink at hitting combos on Kerrigan, make a game out of tracking how many you hit and how many you miss. Try counting how high you can get your stacks for Talents like Seasoned Marksman, Conjurer’s Pursuit, or Death Ritual. Make a game out of improving your map awareness. The rules are simple, check the mini map every five seconds and note what has changed since the last time you looked at it. Regardless of what you come up with, sometimes making a game within the game can take the focus off of winning and losing when you get those difficult team comps. It also helps you get better along the way.

Unusual Quick Match groups can also be a great chance to try out new builds. End up with three supports? Sounds like a the perfect time to try out DPS Kharazim or maybe Lightning Shield Rehgar. Maybe you play a Hero who has access to Bribe, but you have never tried it. This could be your chance. Ever gone full merc build with Gazlowe? Pick up Mercenary Lord and Robo-Goblin and see what happens. There are many situations where it can make sense to choose different talents. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You might learn something, but at the very least you can have fun trying something new.

The morale of this story is to not give up before the game even starts, surprising things can happen. Getting a win with a team that you thought had no chance is a sweet feeling. Even when you can’t get a win, there are plenty of other ways to make the game productive and enjoyable. Find something else to focus on other than simply winning and losing and those bad comps will be a lot less frustrating.

Stay tight!