In addition to skill, it’s now about behavior – Embark CEO confirms new matchmaking in Arc Raiders

Arc Raiders is now using a new approach to matchmaking – rather than relying solely on player skill, the system also takes actual in-game behavior into account. This was confirmed by Embark CEO Patrick Söderlund during a live gameplay interview with Dean Takahashi from GamesBeat on December 30.

In the interview, Söderlund explained that Arc Raiders recently introduced an advanced matchmaking system that goes beyond traditional skill-based pairing. The new system also analyzes players’ PvP and PvE behavior – an approach Embark internally refers to as “aggression-based matchmaking.” In practice, this means players who frequently engage in hostile actions against others are more likely to be matched with similarly aggressive – and potentially toxic – players. Meanwhile, those who focus on exploration, looting, and cooperative PvE are more likely to find calmer matches with like-minded teammates. Söderlund emphasized that these are not strict categories, but behavioral tendencies the system adapts to over time.

In practice, the new matchmaking system in Arc Raiders works as follows:

1. Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) serves as the foundation
2. Players are separated based on group size – solo, duo, or trio
3. Behavioral analysis is applied as a supplementary factor, distinguishing between PvP- and PvE-oriented playstyles

The updated matchmaking system appears to be a direct response to months of speculation within the Arc Raiders community. Many players had long suspected that the game already distinguished between aggressive PvP players and more cooperative raiders – now, for the first time, there is official confirmation. However, it remains unclear exactly when the system was implemented. Community reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Commenters under the YouTube video praised not only the unique matchmaking approach, but also Söderlund’s transparency and hands-on involvement in the game’s development.

By the way: Arc Raiders is also verified for the Steam Deck (currently priced at around $790 on Amazon).