Arc Raiders is quietly testing a new layer of matchmaking that could tilt how players encounter one another in its PvP-focused shooter. In a GamesBeat interview, Embark CEO Patrick Söderlund confirmed that the game has added aggression-based matchmaking as part of its ongoing matchmaking equation. He stressed that the system is not a full science, but it is intended to gently nudge players toward sessions that reflect their preferred playstyle, particularly when it comes to PvP versus PvE encounters.
The base matchmaking still considers skill level and party composition, with solo, duo, and trio queues in play. However, a newly introduced dimension weighs how prone a given player is to PvP versus PvE. Söderlund said, "Since a week ago or so, we introduced a system where we also matchmake based on...how prone you are to PvP or PvE." The goal, he noted, is to tilt matches toward experiences that match how players actually play. He described the change as part of the broader equation used to place players into sessions, not a hard rule.
If you’re prone to gunning for others, you’ll still find both skill and team size matter, but the system will treat you as somewhat more likely to be placed into encounters with similarly inclined players. The exact metrics and weightings aren’t being shared, which makes it hard to gauge how precise the nudges are. Notably, the feature is framed as a gentle adjustment rather than a rigid alignment, and it’s still early days for evaluating its impact.
Critics may wonder whether biasing encounters toward PvP tendencies could reduce the unpredictability that keeps shooters engaging over time. The GTA Online example often cited in industry discussions—where player behavior is policed or manipulated to shape sessions—lingers as a cautionary reference point. Embark suggests the aim is to balance experience quality with player preference, not to enforce a particular play pattern.
In the short term, players seeking a more relaxed or PvE-heavy experience may encounter fewer hornets in their headset, while frequent PvP adversaries could find fewer unexpected calm moments. In the long term, the policy’s effect on match variety remains to be seen, and Embark says it will continue to iterate based on data and player feedback. As with any experimental matchmaking, the industry will watch closely to see whether the approach improves the feel of Arc Raiders’ online battles or ends up diminishing the spark that keeps competitive shooters fresh.
