Arc Raiders and its cutthroat PvP encounters have generated dozens of viral clips since launch, however some peaceable gamers favor PvE to such a diploma that they’ve began utilizing the aggression-based matchmaking (ABMM) to discover pleasant lobbies.
The jig is up: developer Embark Studios is matching aggressive PvP gamers collectively. It’s a matchmaking tactic that has set the Arc Raiders group ablaze because the firm introduced its implementation earlier this month. Whereas a number of the extra aggressive followers aren’t certain how they really feel about being linked up with different bloodthirsty Raiders, gentler gamers are utilizing ABMM to discover lobbies the place player-vs.-player violence is virtually off-limits.
The kind of foyer you get after not taking pictures somebody for 20 video games pic.twitter.com/TAYzsiEd6e
— Arc Raiders Intel (@ArcRaidersIntel) January 11, 2026
A number of gamers have shared stories online about discovering pleasant lobbies that see Raiders cooperate with each other by evenly sharing loot after taking down a Matriarch. Some runs have even been stated to end in a group dance get together.
“Took down a matriarch and everybody shared the loot equally after which danced collectively at extract,” one player explained. “After a week of pure PvP that is like a entire new world.”
“Recently I’ve been working into nothing however pleasant gamers,” another added. “Final night time, a gents simply randomly gave me two blue prints. Didn’t have too, simply did.
“I’ve been making an attempt to repay that kindness ahead. I’ll be the primary to admit im not even good at this recreation, however the exploring, looting and assembly friendlies has been completely value it for me.”
There are loads of followers, particularly within the solo queue pool, who favor a extra serene Arc Raiders expertise. Whereas gamers do their finest to use ABMM to land them in pleasant lobbies, some have begun offering advice to those that would favor to keep away from PvP however cannot fairly crack the code. There are even some followers discussing their hope for official help for strictly peaceable lobbies, however for individuals who favor to rummage for loot in Stella Montis with a trace of paranoia, ABMM will be manipulated within the different course, too.
Those that hold the security on when on the lookout for rusted gears and lightweight bulbs with buddies could have some luck balancing their lobbies with each pleasant and aggressive gamers in the event that they don’t solely stick to PvE fight. With sufficient trial and error, a few followers say they’ve had luck tweaking matchmaking to add simply a sprint of mischief.
“I take pleasure in each lobbies,” one Reddit user commented. “PvE for making new buddies and looting correctly. PvP with my mate terrorising the entire foyer and dropping all the great weapons we introduced [because] somebody outplays us with a large smile on our faces and having a nice time.”
Embark has been clear: ABMM isn’t a science. The aggression-based matchmaking software can also be seemingly nonetheless being tweaked as Arc Raiders rides success by means of its third month since launching for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Collection X | S October 30. Nonetheless, it’s confirmed to be a minimum of considerably helpful for these wanting to keep away from PvP, and the strain that comes with it, as a lot as attainable.
Whereas gamers argue over whether or not ABMM is true for Arc Raiders, Embark appears to have made up its thoughts. For the Stockholm-based recreation developer, Arc Raiders is best off with out doubling down on aggressive gameplay mechanics like leaderboards, with CEO Patrick Söderlund explaining in a current GamesBeat interview that “the sport is not about taking pictures different gamers.”
“You are able to do that in order for you to,” he added, “however the ethos of the sport has by no means been to go in and shoot gamers. It is a half that we use to craft stress.”
The Arc Raiders group continues to be deciphering its favourite method to expertise the evolving extraction shooter. Whereas we watch for extra updates, you’ll be able to see what Embark is doing to extinguish cheaters. You can too try what to anticipate from upcoming patches as gamers look out for a potential in-game market.
Michael Cripe is a freelance author with IGN. He is finest recognized for his work at websites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Make certain to give him a observe on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).