ARC Raiders Separates Matchmaking by Playstyle, Ending Mixed PvE and PvP Lobbies

Embark Studios has rolled out a major matchmaking update for ARC Raiders, introducing separate matchmaking pools based on player behavior rather than simply skill level. The long-requested change is designed to reduce situations where highly aggressive PvP-focused players are matched with those who primarily enjoy exploration, looting, and avoiding combat.

According to the developers, the new system analyzes how players approach raids over time, taking into account factors such as combat engagement, cooperation with other Raiders, and general playstyle. This allows the game to place players with similar preferences into the same lobbies, creating more consistent experiences whether someone prefers tense PvP encounters or a more survival-oriented approach. Embark also confirmed that matchmaking is not influenced by a player's equipment or loadout, and updates will not reset an individual's matchmaking profile.

The changes are intended to address one of the community's biggest complaints since launch: the mixing of radically different playstyles within the same matches. Players who enjoy avoiding unnecessary firefights should now encounter fewer overly aggressive opponents, while dedicated PvP fans are expected to find more action-focused lobbies. Embark emphasized that the system is designed to evolve over time as it gathers more information about each player's behavior, allowing matchmaking accuracy to improve naturally.

The update is part of Embark Studios' broader effort to refine ARC Raiders' core systems following player feedback. Alongside ongoing balance changes, bug fixes, and seasonal content, the revised matchmaking aims to make every expedition feel fairer and better suited to each player's preferred style. While PvPvE remains at the heart of ARC Raiders, the new matchmaking system should significantly reduce friction between players looking for very different experiences.