ARC Raiders has emerged as one of 2025s standout extraction shooters, and its mix of PvP and PvE combat has raised questions about how its matchmaking works. Many players had assumed the game relied on traditional skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) to create its often punishing lobbies. According to Embark Studios, that is not the case.
In a recent interview with GamesBeat, Embark Studios CEO Patrick S f6derlund explained that ARC Raiders uses what the studio calls aggression-based matchmaking rather than standard SBMM.
So if your preference is to do PvE and have less conflict with players, youll get more matched up [with those players], S f6derlund said.
Instead of measuring factors such as kill/death ratio or rank, the system tracks how players behave in matches and pairs them with others who show similar patterns. Players who focus on objectives and avoid direct confrontations are more likely to be grouped with others who favor PvE-style play. Those who frequently hunt down other players are matched into lobbies with similarly aggressive opponents.
This approach is relatively uncommon in online multiplayer games, where major titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty typically rely on traditional SBMM based on in-game performance metrics. Embarks system aims to tailor matches around player intent and preferred playstyle rather than pure skill.
The clarification comes as interest in ARC Raiders grows following its recent Cold Snap update, which is expected to bring a wave of new and returning players. As the game continues to evolve, the impact of aggression-based matchmaking on player experience and game balance will be closely watched.