Since its launch, ARC Raiders has sparked plenty of discussion within the community — and one of the most debated topics by far is its matchmaking system. Labeled as “aggression-based” by Embark Studios’ CEO, the system immediately raised questions, concerns, and a fair amount of speculation among players. Now, thanks to further clarification from the development team, we finally have a clearer picture of how it really works.
What Is Aggression-Based Matchmaking, Really?
In most modern live-service shooters like Call of Duty, Battlefield, or Fortnite, matchmaking is largely built around player skill. ARC Raiders, however, takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on raw skill level or gear score, the game looks at how players tend to interact with others once they drop into the world.
According to Embark Studios, the system evaluates whether a player usually leans toward PvE-focused gameplay or frequently engages in PvP encounters. Players who avoid conflict are less likely to be matched with highly aggressive opponents, while those who actively seek PvP will naturally encounter more hostile lobbies.
That said, design lead Virgil Watkins explains that calling it “aggression-based” is something of a misnomer. The system isn’t binary, and it’s far more nuanced than simply labeling players as peaceful or aggressive.
A Weighted System, Not a Hard Rule
One major concern from the community was whether players could “game the system” to force themselves into safer PvE lobbies. Embark’s response? That flexibility is actually part of the intended experience.
Watkins emphasizes that the system is weighted, not absolute. Players aren’t locked into purely PvE or PvP environments. Instead, matchmaking subtly shifts based on behavior over time, creating a dynamic balance that still allows unpredictability — a core element of ARC Raiders’ tension and excitement.
Importantly, the game does not use skill-based or gear-based matchmaking at all, shutting down another popular theory among fans.
No Intent, Just Data
Another interesting detail is how the system tracks combat. While ARC Raiders can register who shoots first, who deals damage, and who gets the kill, it does not attempt to interpret intent. If a weaker player attacks first and loses the fight, the system doesn’t distinguish between self-defense and outright aggression. It simply logs the PvP engagement.
This data-driven approach avoids moral judgments and helps keep matchmaking consistent, even if it sometimes misreads the context of a fight.
What’s Next for ARC Raiders?
With 2026 shaping up to be a major year for the game, Embark Studios has promised continued tuning of matchmaking, ongoing monitoring of player feedback, and stronger action against cheaters. While the system isn’t perfect, it’s clear the developers are committed to refining it rather than abandoning their unique vision.
And if you’re a fan of ARC Raiders beyond the battlefield, don’t forget to check out the official ARC Raiders merch over at arcraiders-merch.com — a great way to show your support for the game in the real world.
As always, ARC Raiders continues to evolve, and its matchmaking system remains one of the most intriguing experiments in modern multiplayer design.