January 30, 2026
ARC Raiders Dev Clarifies Matchmaking System and Addresses Player Concerns
ARC Raiders players have been debating the game’s matchmaking system since launch, especially after comments suggesting the game uses an “aggression-based” approach. Now, Embark Studios has provided more clarity, explaining how the system really works and why the label may be misleading.
🎯 How ARC Raiders Matchmaking Actually Works
Unlike many modern multiplayer titles, ARC Raiders does not rely on traditional skill-based matchmaking. Instead, the system looks at how players typically engage in the game — whether they lean more toward PvP encounters or focus primarily on PvE activities.
Key takeaways from Embark’s explanation include:
- Matchmaking is influenced by how often players engage in PvP versus PvE
- Players who avoid PvP are less likely to be grouped with highly aggressive players
- The system is weighted, not strict or binary
This means players aren’t locked into purely PvE or PvP lobbies, but their past behavior can influence the overall tone of their matches.
⚙️ Why “Aggression-Based” Is a Misnomer
Embark’s developers clarified that calling the system “aggression-based” oversimplifies how it works. The system is layered and continuously tuned, rather than being a simple on/off switch for PvP-heavy lobbies.
Important clarifications:
- The system is not purely aggression-based
- It uses multiple weighted factors
- Players may still encounter mixed playstyles in any match
This approach allows ARC Raiders to create more dynamic lobbies while still responding to how players choose to play.
🛡️ PvP vs PvE and Player Intent
One major concern from the community has been whether players can “game” the system to avoid PvP entirely. Embark has acknowledged that players can influence their experience, but it’s considered part of the intended design.
The system can track things like:
- Who shoots first
- Who deals and receives damage
- Who gets the final elimination
However, it does not attempt to judge intent. For example:
- The system can’t tell the difference between self-defense and failed aggression
- A defensive kill may still register as PvP engagement
- No moral or intent-based assumptions are made
This keeps the system data-driven while avoiding subjective judgments.
🚫 No Skill-Based or Gear-Based Matchmaking
Embark also confirmed that ARC Raiders does not use:
- Skill-based matchmaking
- Gear-based matchmaking
This shuts down speculation that player skill level or equipment strength plays a role in lobby placement. Instead, the focus remains on behavioral patterns related to PvP and PvE activity.
🔒 Cheater Crackdowns and Future Updates
Looking ahead to 2026, Embark is also addressing one of the community’s biggest concerns: cheating. The studio has confirmed it is:
- Deploying new detection systems
- Updating rulesets to combat abuse
- Issuing bans to identified cheaters
While some bans have been temporary so far, Embark has stated it is taking cheating seriously and will continue refining enforcement.
🧠 Final Thoughts
ARC Raiders’ matchmaking system is more nuanced than many players initially believed. Rather than strict skill or gear filters, the game uses a weighted, behavior-based approach to shape the overall experience. Embark’s continued tuning, along with stronger anti-cheat efforts, suggests the system will keep evolving based on player feedback and match health.
For players, this means your playstyle matters — but no system will completely lock you into one type of lobby. Expect a mix of encounters as Embark continues refining how ARC Raiders matches its community.