Private matches allow you to create a PvP lobby, for your friends, that you’re able to customize. You can choose the map, the game mode, and even the time of day. Players will also be able to choose score and time limits for their games, along with the option to enable Light Levels, which basically makes it matter if you’re wearing stronger gear than other players.
With private matches players will be able to test things out with their friends without having to worry about the competition of regular Crucible. This means that we can start getting even better weapon reviews, map strategies, along with being able to showcase things in a much more effective way. Currently, there’s no way to reliably try to match against your friends if you wanted to test something.
Another reason the addition of private matches is a big deal, is for the competitive Destiny PvP scene. In the game’s current state it’s very inconvenient for players to try to arrange tournaments. They basically use the in-game matchmaking and search for a game in the old 3v3 game mode lobby at the same time as their opponents, then they just hope that they match against each other.
Now with private matchmaking, structured tournaments with set rules are a possibility. This may in turn lead to a bigger PvP community with more new interest. MLG has already expressed interest with competitive Destiny and has already tweeted about sign-ups for a 3v3 Skirmish tournament with a cash prize.
Aside from giving people a place to privately test their competitive skills, private matches also give players the opportunity to have fun arcade style games. You can test the limits of what’s currently available in-game, and even try out what it would be like to play 6v6 Elimination, or 4v4 Control. If your friends co-operate you could even have some more fun and run snipers only, or even play hide and seek. Can’t forget to mention the opportunity to call people out for a one on one (“1v1 me bruh!”).
Private matches are a welcome addition to Destiny. The community’s cries have finally been answered. I can’t wait to see the crazy content that gets generated through them, and also what direction this will take PvP in general. Guardians can hop into private matches when Destiny: Rise of Iron releases on September 20th, 2016.
