Apex Solo Queue Ranked Test Explained

Apex Legends’ solo queue ranked test is a limited-time mode that removes premade squads, forcing every player to enter ranked matches alone and be matched only with other solo players. You queue by yourself, get matched with two random teammates, and play standard ranked rules, but your progress and rank are tracked separately from the main ranked playlist. This test is designed to measure how solo players experience ranked when no one has a communication or coordination advantage from a premade party.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed from a finish time and distance. The pace formula is:

Pace (min/km) = Total Time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)

The speed formula is:

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Total Time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where Total Time is in minutes, Distance is in kilometers, Pace is in minutes per kilometer, and Speed is in kilometers per hour. For example, if you run 10 km in 50 minutes, your pace is 5:00 min/km and your speed is 12 km/h.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (50 minutes, 10 km):

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h, matching the manual calculation.

Why the Solo Queue Test Exists

Respawn Entertainment introduced the solo queue ranked test to gather data on how ranked matches play out when no one is in a pre-made squad. In normal ranked, players can queue with friends, which often gives them an advantage through voice chat, practiced strategies, and coordinated rotations. Solo players frequently complain about being matched against full premades, leading to unfair fights and frustrating losses. The test lets the developers compare match quality, queue times, and rank distribution between solo-only and mixed lobbies.

The test typically runs for a limited time, such as a few weeks, and uses the same ranked rules as the main playlist: RP (Ranked Points) for placements and kills, entry costs, and tier divisions. However, your rank in the solo queue test is separate from your main ranked rank, so playing it does not affect your normal rank. This separation allows players to experiment without risking their main rank.

How the Solo Queue Test Works

When you select the solo queue ranked mode, the game only places you with other solo players. No one in your squad is part of a party, and the enemy squads are also all solo. This means every player has the same communication limitations—you can only use pings and text chat, not voice chat with your random teammates. The matchmaking algorithm tries to balance skill levels based on your solo queue rank, which is calculated from your performance in this mode only.

Key features of the test:

• You must queue alone; you cannot invite friends to your party.
• Your rank in this mode is separate from your main ranked rank.
• RP gains and losses are similar to the main ranked mode, but may be adjusted for testing.
• Matchmaking prioritizes solo players only, so you never face a premade squad.
• The mode is available for a limited time, usually announced in patch notes.

How to Choose: Should You Play It?

If you enjoy ranked but feel frustrated by premade squads, the solo queue test is worth trying. It offers a more level playing field where individual skill and game sense matter more than team coordination. However, if you prefer playing with friends or rely on voice communication, you might find the test frustrating because random teammates may not cooperate as well. Also, since the test has a separate rank, you might need to grind from a lower starting point, which can be time-consuming.

Consider your playstyle:

• If you are a solo player who often uses pings effectively, the test may feel fairer.
• If you are used to calling out strategies with friends, you may need to adapt to quieter matches.
• If you care about your main rank, the test is safe because it does not affect it.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the solo queue test completely removes all communication. In reality, you can still use the ping system and text chat, but voice chat is disabled for your squad. Another issue is queue times: because the mode only matches solo players, wait times can be longer than normal ranked, especially in higher tiers where fewer players are queuing. Some players also report that matchmaking feels less balanced because the solo queue rank is new, so the system has less data to work with initially.

Another frequent complaint is that the test does not solve the core problem of teammates leaving early or not cooperating. Since you are still matched with random players, you can get teammates who ignore pings or make poor decisions. The test only removes the premade advantage, not the randomness of solo teammates.

Comparison: Solo Queue vs. Normal Ranked

The main difference is the absence of premade squads. In normal ranked, you can queue with up to two friends, and you are matched against both solo and premade squads. This often leads to mismatches where a coordinated trio easily beats three randoms. The solo queue test eliminates that mismatch, making each fight more dependent on individual skill and quick decision-making. However, the test also removes the ability to play with friends, which some players find less fun. Additionally, the separate rank means you might need to climb from a lower tier, even if you are a high-ranked player in the main mode.

Costs and Rewards

The solo queue test is free to play, just like the main ranked mode. You do not need to purchase anything extra. Rewards are typically the same as normal ranked: you earn badge trails and other cosmetic rewards based on your final rank at the end of the season. However, the test may have its own reward track, but this is not always the case. Check the in-game news or patch notes for specific details about the test’s rewards. There is no monetary cost, but the real cost is your time, especially if you need to grind a separate rank.

Safety and Fairness

The solo queue test is safe in the sense that it does not affect your main ranked rank, so you can experiment without fear of deranking. However, it is still a competitive mode, and you can lose RP if you perform poorly. The test is designed to be fair by ensuring all players are solo, but it does not guarantee balanced matches due to the new rank system. Also, be aware that the test may have stricter penalties for leaving matches early, as leaving hurts your random teammates. Always play with a stable internet connection to avoid disconnects, which count as losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the solo queue test become a permanent mode?
There is no official announcement about making it permanent. The test is likely to gather data, and the developers will decide based on player feedback and metrics. It could return in future seasons or be integrated into the main ranked mode.

Does my rank in the solo queue test affect my main rank?
No, the two ranks are completely separate. Playing the solo queue test does not change your main ranked rank, and vice versa. This allows you to try the mode without risking your progress.

Can I play with friends in the solo queue test?
No, the mode is strictly solo. You cannot invite friends to your party, and you will only be matched with other solo players. This is the core feature of the test.

Why are queue times longer in the solo queue test?
Because the matchmaking only considers solo players, the pool of available players is smaller than in normal ranked. This is especially noticeable in higher tiers where fewer players are queuing. The longer wait is a trade-off for the guarantee that no premade squads are in the lobby.

What happens if I leave a match in the solo queue test?
Leaving early will result in a loss of RP and may incur a matchmaking penalty, just like in normal ranked. Since your teammates are random, leaving is particularly disruptive, so the penalty may be stricter. Always try to stay until the match ends.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2