Along with its strong core gameplay, ARC Raiders has become well-regarded for its matchmaking system that seemingly matches players more interested in PvP together, while the co-op-focused players get matched together. In a new post, developer Embark Studios has gone into more detail about how this matchmaking system works and has also announced a few changes to the system.
Embark Studios has noted that it wants to maintain a sense of uncertainty between players when they encounter each other during a raid in ARC Raiders. While this means incorporating some PvP elements, the studio has also noted that it wants to ensure that its system remains fair and offers players plenty of enjoyment, depending on their play style of choice.
“Topside works because it’s unpredictable,” explains Embark Studios. “You can never be sure if you can trust the people you meet, or how dangerous they might be. That freedom – and the uncertainty it creates – is what drives the tension, the encounters, and the choices that make every run feel like its own story.”
To achieve this, the company makes use of what it refers to as playstyle-based matchmaking, taking into account player actions from across their previous rounds to decide where they will fall in a graph of co-operative and PvP-focused players. The post has also noted that the system isn’t strictly binary, and instead works on a spectrum that tries to put players where it thinks they should be.
“This is why we see such a wide range of interactions Topside: Raiders forming impromptu musical bands and others vibing along; strangers lending a hand in a tough moment while scavengers thrive on remains; betrayals when you least expect them and justice when you need it most; firefights that start on sight – and negotiations that end with everyone walking away,” says the studio.
This also means that, while players are likely to be matched up with others with a similar focus, it is by no means a guarantee. The company has also dispelled some myths about the matchmaking system, confirming that a single errant shot wouldn’t instantly put a player into the PvP-focused side of the spectrum. Other aspects, like end-of-round feedback, loadout, patches and updates, and even looting knocked-out players, also have no bearing on a player’s matchmaking profile.
As for the changes, the studio has confirmed that its matchmaking system is getting smarter, and it can now distinguish between players defending themselves and starting fights. This means that more cautious players who only get into a fight in order to survive will no longer be treated as PvP-focused. Players finding themselves in low-activity rounds will also see their matchmaking profile be less affected when compared to rounds with more activity. Things like spawning and instantly surrendering, for example, won’t start instantly putting you into the co-operative player bucket.
ARC Raiders is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. For more on how the PvPvE extraction shooter’s matchmaking works, check out what design director Virgil Watkins said about it back in February.
