Arc Raiders Introduces New Aggression-Based Matchmaking, Sparks Player Plea for Friendliness

You might have noticed some shifts in your matches of Arc Raiders lately, with players either ramping up the aggression or playing it safe. This isn’t just a coincidence; the developers at Embark Studios have confirmed they’re implementing “aggression-based” filters to group players more effectively.

Patrick Söderlund, the CEO of Embark, discussed this adjustment while diving into some gameplay. He explained, “First, it’s skill-based, of course, then you have solos, duos, and trios. And recently, we introduced a system that also considers how likely you are to engage in PvP or PvE.”

In essence, your tendency to provoke other players and get into chaotic shootouts versus focusing on looting and taking down drones will influence your matchmaking. While he admits “it’s not a full science,” he acknowledges that “aggression-based matchmaking” is a fitting description. Ironically, during their chat, an opposing player appears in-game, insisting they’re friendly.

In a game like Arc Raiders, it can be challenging if you frequently clash with your teammates. Being pulled into firefights when you’d rather explore can be frustrating, and it risks diminishing your rewards as you’re constantly under fire.

By introducing a spectrum that gauges players’ likelihood to engage in combat, the game aims for better balance. However, there’s an inherent ambiguity needed to prevent players from targeting weaker opponents and to keep encounters unpredictable. While this should enhance your overall experience, it’s important that the challenge remains intact.

This update comes on the heels of Arc Raiders enjoying a highly successful launch. Despite debuting alongside major titles, it quickly became one of the standout games of 2025 and continues to thrive into 2026. Adjustments like these are sure to help sustain the community for the long haul.

Arc Raiders leaves players pondering after sacrificing their characters for light Expedition loot: “Was it worth it?”