Tags: OS rating, OpenSkill, minrating, lobby commands, beyond all reason
New BAR players constantly ask what OS means and how to set skill floors in lobbies. Here is a quick breakdown.
OS stands for OpenSkill, which is the rating system BAR uses to match players of similar ability. Everyone starts at a baseline rating and the system adjusts up or down after each game. Higher numbers mean stronger play.
Lobby hosts can set a minimum OS rating to keep lobbies at a certain skill level. This prevents brand-new players from joining highly experienced groups where they would get crushed, and it keeps competitive lobbies from being flooded with beginners.
Use the lobby voting system to propose a minrating before a match starts. If enough players back the vote, the minimum rating gets enforced. This is how BAR communities self-regulate competitive matches.
One thing that trips new players up is the tech gap between tier 1 and tier 2 units. If your opponent has fully committed to T2 while you are still running T1, you cannot win a direct engagement. The stat differences are too large.
The correct response when you are tech behind: go defensive, secure your economy, and rush your own tech transition. Trying to fight with inferior units just costs you resources and falls you further behind.
Creed of Champions uses rating-aware team balancing so newer and improving players always get fair matches.
[Crd] One of the few places where you can for sure coordinate with people in matches with a good supportive attitude. Everybody tends to be understanding and constructive.