ARC Raiders Can Now Distinguish Between Self Defense and Starting Fights for Matchmaking

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Beyond its solid gameplay, ARC Raiders is known for its matchmaking, which appears to pair players who enjoy player-versus-player combat with each other, and those who prefer cooperative play with others. The game’s developer, Embark Studios, recently explained how this system works in detail and announced some upcoming improvements.

Embark Studios aims to create tension and unpredictability when players meet in ARC Raiders raids. They plan to include some player-versus-player combat, but also want to make sure the system is balanced and fun for everyone, no matter how they choose to play.

Embark Studios says the appeal of Topside lies in its unpredictability. You’re never quite sure who you can trust, or how much danger they might pose. This uncertainty is what creates exciting tension, unique encounters, and meaningful choices, making each playthrough feel like a fresh, individual experience.

To make matches fairer, the company uses a system called playstyle-based matchmaking. This system analyzes how players behave in previous games to determine whether they prefer teamwork or player-versus-player combat, and then places them in matches accordingly. It’s not a simple system of labeling players as one or the other; instead, it uses a range to find the best fit for each individual.

According to the developers, Topside is full of unpredictable moments. You’ll find everything from raiders jamming together and people helping each other out, to ruthless scavenging, unexpected betrayals, satisfying acts of justice, and both sudden gunfights and peaceful resolutions.

Players will generally be matched with others who play similarly, but it’s not a perfect system. The developers have clarified that a single mistake won’t automatically put you in harder matches. Things like how you perform at the end of a round, the gear you use, game updates, and even looting other players don’t affect who you’re matched with.

The game is improving its matchmaking to better understand player behavior. It can now tell the difference between players who are simply defending themselves and those who are actively seeking fights. This means players who prefer a more cautious approach and only fight when necessary won’t be unfairly matched with aggressive players. Additionally, rounds with less action won’t negatively impact your matchmaking profile as much. Actions like quickly giving up after spawning won’t immediately categorize you as a cooperative player.

You can play ARC Raiders on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. If you’re curious about how the game’s matchmaking system works – which combines player-versus-player and player-versus-environment gameplay – design director Virgil Watkins explained it in detail back in February.

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2026-05-21 14:41