We Finally know how Arc Raiders Matchmaking Works

ARC Raiders developers have finally explained how the game’s matchmaking system works after months of confusion from the community over PvE and PvP lobbies.

Since launch, players have debated whether aggressive behavior automatically pushes users into harder matches, while passive players believed they were secretly being placed into safer PvE-focused lobbies.

Now, Embark Studios has clarified exactly how the system determines who you play against.

Arc Raiders does not have PvE-only lobbies

In a recent blog post, the developers explained that matchmaking is designed to keep ARC Raiders “unpredictable” while still grouping together players likely to enjoy similar experiences.

According to Embark, the game tracks player behavior on a scale based on how often they engage in combat against other players.

Instead of separating the community into strict PvE and PvP groups, the matchmaking system places players closer to others with similar playstyles.

That means:

• Aggressive players are more likely to meet other aggressive players
• Passive players are more likely to encounter calmer lobbies
• But the game never fully guarantees either outcome

Even players who rarely attack others can still run into highly aggressive Raiders during a match.

One kill will not suddenly ruin your matchmaking

The studio also addressed several common matchmaking myths circulating throughout the community.

One of the biggest rumors claimed that killing a single player immediately pushes users into highly competitive PvP-focused lobbies.

Embark denied this completely, explaining that playstyle adjustments happen gradually over time rather than from isolated fights.

The developers also confirmed there are no fully “friendly” lobbies where PvP is disabled.

“You may trend toward meeting Raiders with similar preferences, but there’s no guarantee you’ll never be attacked by another Raider,” the blog explained.

Matchmaking changes are already being made

Alongside the clarification, Embark Studios revealed that some matchmaking adjustments have already gone live.

Most notably:

• Defending yourself is no longer treated the same as starting fights
• Shorter matches now have less impact on determining your playstyle rating

The changes are intended to better distinguish aggressive players from users who are simply reacting to combat situations.