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| In Arc Raiders, matchmaking factors in group size and player behavior in addition to skill. |
Embark Studios confirms long-standing community theories, detailing a system that matches players by playstyle, not just skill.
For months, the Arc Raiders community has whispered about a hidden layer to its matchmaking. Some players reported consistently chaotic, combat-heavy matches, while others found themselves in squads more focused on exploration and survival. Today, those theories have been confirmed and explained. In a revealing live gameplay interview, Embark Studios CEO Patrick Söderlund officially detailed the game's pioneering "aggression-based matchmaking" system—a move that could redefine how competitive-extraction shooters handle their communities.
The confirmation came during a December 30th broadcast with veteran journalist Dean Takahashi of GamesBeat. Söderlund didn't just discuss the game's mechanics; he pulled back the curtain on a sophisticated matchmaking approach designed to fundamentally shape player experience based on in-game behavior.
Beyond Skill: Matching Playstyle, Not Just Stats
At its core, Arc Raiders still utilizes a skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) foundation. Players are also, logically, separated by group size (solo, duo, or trio). The revolutionary step is the third layer: a behavioral analysis that acts as a dynamic filter.
"We look at how you actually play," Söderlund explained. "Are you the type of player who actively seeks out PvP, engaging other Raiders on sight? Or do you prioritize the PvE threats, looting, and completing objectives with your team? The system identifies these tendencies and uses them as a supplementary factor in creating matches."
Internally, Embark refers to this as "aggression-based matchmaking." In practice, it means players who frequently initiate hostile actions against others are funneled toward matches with similarly aggressive opponents and teammates. Conversely, players whose sessions are defined by cooperation, exploration, and tackling the game’s robotic "ARC" enemies will find themselves in lobbies with more like-minded, objective-focused Raiders.
Söderlund was careful to note these aren't rigid, binary categories. "It's a spectrum of behavioral tendencies," he clarified. "The system learns and adapts over time. Your playstyle can evolve, and so will your matches."
You can watch the full, revealing conversation between Patrick Söderlund and Dean Takahashi.
Community Reaction: Validation and Praise
For the dedicated Arc Raiders player base, this announcement felt less like a revelation and more like a long-awaited validation. Forum threads and social media posts for months have pondered an unexplained "vibe" to different matchmaking pools. The official confirmation has sparked overwhelmingly positive reactions.
The comment section under the YouTube interview is filled with praise. Players are applauding not only the innovative approach to curating gameplay experience but also Söderlund’s transparency and hands-on involvement. Many see it as a direct and thoughtful solution to a perennial genre problem: the clash between hyper-aggressive PvP enthusiasts and more cooperative, PvE-focused players within the same high-stakes match.
"This is genius," wrote one commenter. "Finally, I can enjoy the tense looting and robot fights without feeling like I'm just fodder for a death squad." Another added, "This might be the first real attempt to manage toxicity through design instead of just reporting tools. Let the PvP chads fight each other."
A Potential Blueprint for the Genre?
The implications of Arc Raiders' matchmaking system extend far beyond its own dystopian playground. The extraction shooter genre, popularized by titles like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown, is famously intense and often punishing. New or less aggressive players can be easily driven away by constant, high-level PvP predation.
Embark's behavioral approach offers a compelling middle ground. It doesn't remove PvP—a core tension of the genre—but it intelligently modulates its frequency based on the collective behavior of the lobby. This could potentially increase player retention by offering a more tailored experience and reducing friction between disparate playstyles.
While the exact timeline of the system's implementation remains unclear, its official confirmation marks a significant moment for Arc Raiders. It signals a development philosophy deeply attuned to community dynamics and player agency. As the game continues to evolve, all eyes will be on whether this "aggression-based" experiment succeeds in creating a healthier, more enjoyable ecosystem—and whether it becomes a new standard for a genre in desperate need of innovation.