When is the Apex Ranked solo queue test?
Respawn announced the test for June 9 through June 23.
TL;DR
What changed
- The test runs from June 9 to June 23.
- Ranked becomes solo queue only for Diamond and above.
- Diamond, Master, and Predator players cannot queue as a premade squad during the test.
- Respawn wants to test whether high-skill lobbies become more even and trusted.
- The May 19 in-game warning was a visual error; premades are still allowed until the test begins.
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What changes on June 9?
Respawn confirmed a temporary Ranked test running from June 9 to June 23. During that window, every player who is Diamond or higher will be solo queue only in Ranked.
That means Diamond, Master, and Apex Predator players will not be able to squad up as a premade team for Ranked while the test is active.
If you are Diamond or higher, Ranked premades are disabled during the test. You will queue alone and be matched into teams by matchmaking.
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Why Respawn is testing solo queue at high ranks
Respawn says the test is built around three goals: more evenly matched high-skill lobbies, fewer hard-carries into Diamond, Master, and Predator, and more trust in the fairness of high-rank matches.
The idea is simple: separating Diamond+ players from premade high-rank stacks may reduce the gap between solo players and coordinated squads.
Why it matters: high-rank Apex has always had a trust problem when solo queue players are thrown into lobbies against coordinated premades.
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What this means for Ranked players
For solo players, this could be one of the biggest Ranked tests Apex has ever run. Diamond+ lobbies may feel less like solo players versus organized stacks and more like a true individual matchmaking test.
For premade teams, the change is disruptive. Players who normally climb with a duo or trio will need to play separately once they are Diamond or higher during the test.
For the leaderboard, this could change RP movement, Predator cutoff speed, and how quickly players hold or lose ladder positions during the two-week window.
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What happened with the May 19 notification?
Some players saw an in-game notification on May 19 that made it look like the restriction was already live. Respawn clarified that this was a visual error.
Players are currently still able to squad up without the Diamond+ solo queue restriction. The announced test window is June 9 through June 23.
More on Apex Ranked
Related ranked resources
FAQ
Common questions
Who is affected by the solo queue test?
Players Diamond and above are affected. Diamond, Master, and Predator players will be solo queue only in Ranked during the test.
Can Platinum players still queue with friends?
Based on Respawn's announcement, the restriction applies to Diamond and above. Lower ranks are not described as part of the test.
Can Diamond players duo queue during the test?
No. Respawn said Diamond or higher players will not be able to squad up as a premade in Ranked during the test.
Is the restriction live now?
No. Respawn clarified that the May 19 in-game notification was a visual error. The test begins June 9.
Why is Respawn doing this?
Respawn says the hypotheses are that solo queue at Diamond+ will create more evenly matched high-skill lobbies, reduce hard-carries, and build trust in match fairness.