Vampir implemented a server shuffling on December 23rd. This shake-up followed a round of server transfers, with several top-tier clans packing their bags and moving house. Naturally, the competitive landscape of the skirmishes has shifted significantly. In this analysis, we’ll take a deep dive into the current matchmaking state across each server following these migrations.

General Group Matchmaking Forecast

Groups A~E: Line-deul-ui-Line migrates to Liris 3

Let’s start with the matchmaking status for Groups A through E. The real head-turner here is Group C. The heavyweight clan, Line-deul-ui-Line, has decamped to the Liris 3 server. This has given Group C a very distinct competitive flavour, setting the stage for everyone else to take a crack at challenging the reigning giants.

In Group A, we’re looking at an inevitable clash between Gimyo-han-saram-deul and CommanderZ. Both are sitting on three skirmish wins, though Gimyo-han-saram-deul failed to rack up points in the previous group period. CommanderZ, however, has been busy padding their stats. A collision between the two seems almost certain this time around; it’ll be a cracking watch to see who rings the victory bell for the fourth time.

Group B looks set to be a scrap between Gabal-sseun-saram-deul and Jeontu-minjok. The former finally started collecting points with a two-win streak last cycle. Jeontu-minjok previously had to contend with Gongjeong-georae-wiwonhoe, but with the latter having moved to a different server, the path is clear for Jeontu-minjok to seize control. We expect them to start hoarding trophies in earnest now.

A Curious Matchup Table for Groups F~J

The F~J groups are seeing some rather unique brackets, largely thanks to the recent exodus. The key players here are the aforementioned Gongjeong-georae-wiwonhoe, Rich Forest, and HOUND. Gongjeong-georae-wiwonhoe has moved to Olga 2, right next door to Olga 3, effectively creating a Group G dynamic similar to Group C: a single server applying pressure to those who have yet to taste victory.

Rich Forest, formerly of Shima 2, has relocated to Dollingen 2. However, their cumulative experience is notably lower than that of the server’s top clan, Goryeo, and they are trailing by two clan levels. It’s uncertain if they’ll even make the cut for the upcoming preliminaries. Meanwhile, HOUND has been on a steady winning streak on the Duncan server, but let’s be honest—that’s because Duncan was a new server and exempt from shuffling. Now that they’re in the mix with the rest, we’ll see if that streak holds up.

Groups K and L: Who will claim the first victory?

With Vampir tossing the Duncan server into the shuffle, Group L was born. None of the servers in Groups K and L have a single skirmish win to their name—quite the exquisite setup. While Kizia 1 once had a perfect record, the stars behind it, Line-deul-ui-Line, have buggered off to another server, leaving the throne vacant. For both groups, the next skirmish is essentially a battle for the crown.

Streamer Group Matchmaking Forecast

New Group Formation Rules Applied

The rules for the streamer group formation have had a bit of a shake-up. Vampir recently announced these changes during a live broadcast, applying them to the streamer group first. Tiers were divided based on the results of the last two skirmishes. The Diamond Group is packed with high-win-count servers, and we expect the likes of 4-win clans like Shinhwa, Sashin, and Sparta A to enter the fray. As you descend through the groups, the win counts get progressively thinner.

The Platinum and Gold 1 groups are likely to see some volatility among participating clans. In Platinum, it’s a neck-and-neck race between Heuhyeol-dan on Ridel 2 and Ridel v. For Gold 1, the Oscar 3 server is the one to watch. While the Dongsamuso clan holds a higher rank in the clan qualifiers, the Mad Dogs clan—despite their lower rank and level—has dominated the combat power charts. The real spectacle will be seeing which of these two earns their spot in the qualifiers.