ARC Raiders Dev Explains How Playstyle Shapes Matchmaking

ARC Raiders continues to stand out in the crowded extraction shooter space, and new details from Embark Studios shed light on why the game’s matchmaking feels more balanced than most. Beyond traditional skill-based systems, ARC Raiders now considers how players actually behave during matches.

🎯 Matchmaking Goes Beyond Skill

Embark Studios has confirmed that ARC Raiders matchmaking starts with skill-based factors, but that’s only the foundation.

From there, the system layers in additional elements, including:

Whether players queue solo, duo, or trio
How often players engage in PvP encounters
How frequently players focus on PvE objectives instead

By combining these elements, ARC Raiders aims to create lobbies where players with similar intentions are more likely to meet.

🔫 PvP vs PvE Playstyle Matters

One of the most notable changes is aggression-based matchmaking. The game now tracks whether players tend to:

Seek out fights with other players
Avoid PvP and prioritize survival, looting, and AI encounters
Switch between aggressive and passive play depending on the situation

Players who regularly engage in PvP are more likely to encounter others looking for combat, while PvE-focused players are less likely to be constantly interrupted by overly aggressive opponents.

🧠 Why This System Makes Sense

In many survival and extraction shooters, mismatched playstyles can lead to frustration:

Casual or PvE-focused players may feel overwhelmed by constant PvP pressure
Aggressive players may feel bored when opponents avoid fights

ARC Raiders attempts to reduce these friction points by aligning player behavior rather than forcing everyone into the same experience. While no system is perfect, this approach lowers the odds of extreme mismatches.

📈 Strong Retention Supports the Approach

Since launching in late 2025, ARC Raiders has shown impressive player retention for a new IP. While long-term success will depend on future content updates, the current matchmaking structure appears to be contributing positively to player satisfaction.

Unlike some shooter franchises where skill-based matchmaking has sparked controversy, ARC Raiders blends skill with behavioral data to create a more nuanced system.

❓ Open Questions Remain

Despite this transparency, some details remain unclear:

How mixed-aggression parties are prioritized
How quickly player behavior influences matchmaking changes
How edge cases are handled when playstyles shift mid-session

These systems are typically kept under wraps, so players may never get full clarity. Still, the explanation provided offers valuable insight into how ARC Raiders balances its player ecosystem.

📝 Final Thoughts

ARC Raiders’ matchmaking philosophy prioritizes player intent alongside skill, which helps preserve the core appeal of the extraction shooter experience. By acknowledging that not all players want the same type of encounter, Embark Studios has created a system that supports long-term engagement and healthier lobbies.

As the game continues to evolve, this adaptive approach to matchmaking could become a model for future live-service shooters.