Arc Raiders Introduces New Aggression-Based Matchmaking System

If you’ve noticed that recent matches in Arc Raiders are leaning more towards PvP encounters, you might not be surprised to learn that there’s a reason behind it. In a recent chat, the CEO of Embark Studios, Patrick Söderlund, revealed that the game has implemented an “aggression-based matchmaking” system to pair players with similar playstyles. When asked about their matchmaking strategy, Söderlund explained, “About a week ago, we introduced a system that matches players based on their inclination towards PvP or PvE. If you prefer PvE and want to avoid player conflict, you’ll be matched accordingly.” This revelation aligns with what many in the Arc Raiders community have been speculating. Over the past few weeks, players have noticed a rise in competitive lobbies, sparking discussions about the new matchmaking approach. This shift is particularly interesting considering that early conversations around Arc Raiders highlighted its welcoming community compared to other more aggressive extraction shooters.

In a December interview, there were also mentions of “behavior-based matchmaking,” which stirred up excitement among players who felt validated in their theories. Now, with the details out in the open, it’s clear that matchmaking isn’t solely based on kill counts. Söderlund emphasized that multiple matchmaking layers are at play in each match. “First, it’s skill-based, of course. Then, you have solos, duos, and trios,” he noted. Following that, Arc Raiders matches players based on their likelihood to engage in combat with others. Söderlund’s comments suggest that the team anticipated the need for such measures as the player base expanded, allowing those who enjoy the cooperative spirit of the game’s early days to continue enjoying that experience, while more aggressive players can dive into their own competitive lobbies.