A developer at Embark Studios has clarified how the so-called aggression-based matchmaking works in ARC Raiders, addressing the topic often referred to as ARC Raiders how player matchmaking works within the community discussion.
ARC Raiders matchmaking does not work like a simple skill or gear filter. The system looks at player behavior across previous raids, then tries to place Raiders with similar playstyles together.
That means aggressive players are more likely to meet other players who actively seek fights. At the same time, Raiders who usually avoid PvP should see fewer highly aggressive opponents over time. Still, this does not create safe PvE-only lobbies.
Here is how matchmaking works in ARC Raiders:
- Matchmaking is playstyle-based, not split into PvP-only or PvE-only lobbies.
- Skill and gear score do not directly decide your lobby.
- The system tracks repeated actions, including PvP engagement.
- One shot or one kill does not instantly change your matchmaking profile.
- Player intent is not read directly, so the system judges actions and outcomes.
- Embark continues to tune the system based on match health and player behavior.
From previous statements made by CEO Patrick Söderlund, the approach being taken is indeed aggression-based. Although Watkins also emphasized that there is no true “opt-out” from PvP combat for players. You can affect your experience in your lobby, but you are going to encounter mixed playstyles anyway.
ARC Raiders Matchmaking Explained
ARC Raiders matchmaking works around player behavior, not a simple PvP or PvE switch. The system looks at how Raiders usually act across previous runs, then tries to place them with players who show a similar playstyle.
That does not mean you can create a fully safe lobby. Topside still has risk, and even careful players can meet aggressive squads. Still, if you usually avoid fights, help others, or only shoot when pushed, your future lobbies should slowly reflect that pattern.
Factors Which Actually Affect Matchmaking
ARC Raiders uses playstyle-based matchmaking, so the system pays attention to how you interact with other Raiders. It does not judge whether you are “good” or “bad,” it only reads what happens during your runs.
The main factors are:
- How often do you engage with other Raiders.
- Whether you usually start PvP encounters.
- How often do you play cooperatively or avoid fights.
- Your behavior across several previous rounds.
- The playstyle history of every squad member, not only the leader.
- Low-activity rounds now matter less than normal runs.
This means your matchmaking profile slowly moves with your habits. If you spend many raids hunting players, you are more likely to meet Raiders with a similar approach. If you usually loot, disengage, or only defend yourself, the system should lean another way over time.
Factors Which Do Not Affect Matchmaking
ARC Raiders matchmaking has caused plenty of myths, mostly because every run can feel different. One raid may be calm, while the next turns into a full ambush near extraction. That randomness is part of the game, not always proof that your profile changed. These factors do not directly affect matchmaking:
- One shot or one kill does not instantly change your lobbies.
- The system looks at patterns, not one fight.
- Your loadout does not affect matchmaking.
- Expensive gear does not mean harder lobbies.
- Looting knocked players does not affect matchmaking.
- The system cares about how you engage, not what you grab afterward.
- End-of-round feedback does not affect your next match.
- Surveys help the developers track trends, but they do not tune your lobby directly.
- Patches do not reset your matchmaking profile.
- Your playstyle history stays active after updates.
- Crossplay does not control lobby aggression.
- Turning it on or off changes the player pool and queue time, not the mood of the match.
- There are no PvE-only lobbies.
- Even careful Raiders can still run into PvP.
The biggest recent change is how the system treats self-defense. ARC Raiders no longer handles defending yourself exactly like starting a fight. So, if another Raider opens fire and you shoot back, the system should read that situation with more nuance than before.
Embark has stated that they will continue to watch the response of the community and improve the system accordingly. This is in addition to the efforts they already make regarding issues of cheating and match quality.