Players in Embark's cooperative shooter Arc Raiders have discovered a method to manipulate the game's matchmaking system by intentionally provoking friendly fire incidents. This exploit allows them to force opponents into player-versus-environment (PvE) lobbies, disrupting the intended game flow.
Embark recently overhauled Arc Raiders' matchmaking with a more comprehensive system designed to consider player behavior across different lobby types and to better handle self-defense scenarios. Initially, a strict matchmaking system meant that downing an aggressive raider could unexpectedly thrust players from PvE into more challenging player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. This led to numerous complaints from players unprepared for PvP combat.
To address this, Embark introduced a "self-defense clause." This update allows players to remain in PvE lobbies even if they kill another raider, provided they were not the primary aggressor. The exact mechanics of how the system determines the primary aggressor are unclear, but it likely considers factors such as pre-existing damage. However, this patch has inadvertently created a new problem.
Players, dubbed "rats" by the community, are now exploiting this self-defense clause. They deliberately position themselves in the line of fire when teammates are shooting at enemies, thereby triggering the clause and making it appear as if they were attacked first. Once this happens, the "rat" can then feign victimhood and encourage other, non-exploiting players to eliminate the supposed aggressor, effectively allowing the "rat" to kill and loot their unwitting teammates within the PvE setting.
One player, "craybe," shared an experience where a teammate repeatedly attempted to jump in front of their gunfire. Believing the teammate was initiating the attack, craybe fired, only to be falsely accused by the "rat" to the rest of the lobby. This led to craybe being killed by other players who were misled by the exploit.
This situation has made it difficult to discern trustworthy players from those actively seeking to disrupt the game. The ease with which players can now manipulate the matchmaking system contrasts with the game's earlier days, when knowledge of such exploits was less widespread, making it simpler to identify and counter disruptive players. The current state of affairs means players must remain vigilant against suspicious behavior, as the "rats" are now indistinguishable from genuine teammates.