Hey everyone,
I want to bring up something that’s been bothering me (and I’m sure I’m not alone): the almost complete
lack of activity in the 1v1 queue.
Let’s be honest — 1v1 used to be the core of competitive FAF. It teaches fundamentals, improves micro and macro awareness, and encourages map knowledge in a way teamgames simply can’t replicate. But nowadays, the queue is a ghost town.
People sit in custom lobbies all day, spamming dual gap and 3v3 TMM, and then wonder why they plateau at 1200 rating and blame balance.
After thinking about it, I believe we need a systemic solution — not just encouragement, but a structural incentive.
Here’s my proposal:
Make 1v1 games mandatory for new players (and smurfs) before they can access team matchmaking.
Let’s say:
• 25 ranked 1v1s minimum before TMM unlocks, 5 1v1 games for every global one
• Optional booster: if you reach 1000+ global in 1v1, you can skip the last 10 games
• Exceptions can be reviewed manually by a balance councilor but should follow strict guidelines
I know this sounds harsh, but hear me out. This would:
• Teach basic eco and build orders before someone becomes a teamgame liability
• Improve the overall quality of TMM matches (no more teammates stalling at min 5)
• Revive the 1v1 scene naturally without needing to beg people to queue
• Separate the wheat from the gaplords
Let’s treat 1v1 not as an optional mode, but as a rite of passage.
After all, you wouldn’t let someone into a 4v4 if they can’t even handle a mex grab without stalling, right?
Curious to hear serious feedback on this. I’m aware it might ruffle some feathers, but I think it’s time we consider more radical steps if we want FAF to grow in a healthy direction.
Additions:
According to FAFDB analytics, over 73% of players below 900 global have never played a single 1v1. That’s not just a statistic — that’s a cultural failure.
Even Tagada once said in a cast, ‘Teamgames are where players go to plateau. 1v1 is where you learn to play the game.’ But nobody listened.