In the high-stakes world of extraction shooters, where every raid pits players against robotic horrors and unpredictable human rivals, ARC Raiders stands out for its deliberate balance of cooperation and conflict. Recently, developer Embark Studios confirmed a intriguing feature: aggression-based matchmaking. This system quietly analyzes your playstyle to pair you with like-minded raiders, ensuring PvP enthusiasts clash with each other while scavengers enjoy more serene runs.
Official Confirmation from Embark Studios
The feature was revealed in early January 2026 by Embark CEO Patrick Söderlund during a GamesBeat interview. "Since a week ago or so, we introduced a system where we also matchmake based on how prone you are to PvP or PvE," Söderlund explained. "So if your preference is to do PvE and you have less conflict with players, you'll get more matched up [with those players]. Obviously, it's not a full science."
When pressed if this qualifies as "aggression-based matchmaking," he replied bluntly: "That's exactly what it is." Art director Robert Sammelin had hinted earlier at behavior analysis influencing matchmaking, but Söderlund's words sealed it.
How Aggression-Based Matchmaking Actually Works
The system operates in layers to maintain fairness:
| Priority | Factor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skill-Based | Matches players of similar skill levels first, ensuring balanced raids. |
| 2 | Group Size | Prioritizes solo, duo, or trio lobbies to avoid mismatches. |
| 3 | Aggression Level | Gauges PvP vs. PvE tendency based on behavior, like initiating fights or avoiding players. |
Aggression is tracked via in-game actions: frequent player kills signal a PvP hunter, while focusing on ARCs and ignoring survivors marks you as PvE-oriented. Reviving or healing others may tilt toward peaceful pools. It's not just kill counts; the system considers context to avoid punishing self-defense.
Details remain opaque to prevent exploitation, such as intentional pacifism farming easy lobbies.
Player Tests and Community Feedback
Steam forums and YouTube creators quickly tested it. One thread reports: after 5+ peaceful raids, lobbies turned cooperative with waves and trades; aggressive runs drew instant hostility. Videos like "Aggression Based Matchmaking CONFIRMED" show creators switching styles and observing lobby shifts.
Pros:
- Protects PvE players from sweats.
- Creates specialized experiences: bloodthirsty PvP arenas or chill scavenging.
- Boosts retention in a growing playerbase.
Cons:
- Feels "forced" or inorganic once known, reducing surprise encounters.
- Group play (e.g., trios) might skew solo reps.
- Edge cases, like defensive kills, could mislabel players.
Some demand separate reps for modes, but devs emphasize tension as core to the game.
Limitations and the Road Ahead
Söderlund admits it's experimental: "not a full science," prone to hiccups in low-pop times or ambiguous behavior. Embark plans tweaks based on data, prioritizing the "unpredictable choices of fellow survivors" without eliminating risk.
As ARC Raiders continues to dominate charts, this system could redefine extraction shooters, rewarding playstyle authenticity over forced combat.
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