ARC Raiders is known for allowing players to choose their focus on PvE, PvP, or a healthy mix, despite playing together. Players have suspected for a while a form of “Aggression-based Matchmaking” – and an interview with the developers confirms: You are right.
How does matchmaking work in ARC Raiders? In an interview with GamesBeat via YouTube, Embark CEO Patrick Söderlund explained during a session about ARC Raiders what makes the game’s matchmaking special. Just like in most multiplayer games, there is a skill-based matchmaking system that groups you with players in lobbies that are on a similar level as you.
Additionally, there is a type of “Aggression-based Matchmaking” that takes into account how aggressively you play. You should be grouped with players who exhibit similar gameplay behavior. So if you often shoot at your teammates without warning, you can expect to encounter more such Raiders.
It is important to maintain a balance between both variants and to continue experimenting to see what works and what doesn’t. The current matchmaking is therefore not set in stone, and particularly the “Aggression-based Matchmaking” has only been implemented for about a week. The goal is to give both camps their space while still having a “gray area” that supports hybrid forms and maintains tension.
This confirms a suspicion players have had for a while. So far, it has only been explained, that your behavior also affects matchmaking, but it hasn’t been elaborated upon. The community is responding positively to this confirmation, although there are also some criticisms.
“Best mechanics choice. Let the PvP players play PvP and the PvE players play PvE.”
What does the community say about the current matchmaking? On Reddit, players are discussing the statements regarding matchmaking. Most celebrate the approach and believe that this type of matchmaking has a significant impact on the game’s success. Radthereptile even calls this decision the best mechanics choice (see Reddit).
However, some argue that it can be difficult to be classified into PvE lobbies, as there is a feeling that the game perceives one as aggressive, even when merely defending against incoming shots (see Reddit). Others advise that in such cases, it is best to play as passively as possible. This way, one would end up in “friendly lobbies” after just a few matches (see Reddit).
tinselsnips points out that it is difficult to satisfy all camps and that this type of experimental matchmaking is a good way to give as many as possible their space for a good gaming experience (see Reddit).
Even before this confirmation by Embark CEO Patrick Söderlund, players suspected that they themselves were responsible for the type of lobbies they are placed in. They were already convinced that they knew what to do to achieve the chillest matches: “Welcome to the Oasis” – The ARC Raiders community is convinced: There is a way to get into lobbies with friendly players
