There’s been considerable talk about matchmaking in ARC Raiders, and we want to clarify what the system is designed to achieve, how it operates in practice, and its limitations.
In the Rust Belt, the type of Raider you become is your choice. The unpredictability of Topside plays a key role; you can’t always rely on other players, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to your adventures.
However, we aim to prevent dedicated PvP players from dominating those less inclined towards PvP or who are still finding their way. Our matchmaking revolves around two primary goals:
- Fairness: We strive to pair players with similar chances of success. For instance, we prioritize matching based on equal squad sizes when feasible.
- Enjoyment: The goal is to pair players likely to enjoy the session together. Based on our observations, matching by playstyle enhances enjoyment and minimizes conflict.
We take various factors into account when creating a lobby, with prior playstyles being a prominent factor, particularly regarding interactions with other Raiders. Remember, playstyles exist on a spectrum rather than being binary, with some players being consistently cooperative and others more PvP-oriented.
What it does
Playstyle-based matchmaking operates under two core principles:
- Similarity is likely but not guaranteed: You are more likely to be paired with players whose previous actions were similar, although there is no absolute guarantee.
- Your behavior gradually shapes future lobbies: Changing your playstyle will influence the type of players you encounter over time, but it won’t confine you to a specific experience.
This leads to a diverse array of interactions in Topside, from spontaneous collaborations to unexpected betrayals. While some scenarios are rarer, they contribute to the unique adventure of each round. Despite our efforts to maintain some unpredictability, we wish to dispel several common misconceptions:
- Matchmaking is not limited to two factions—friendly or aggressive. It’s a gradient, with most players falling somewhere in between.
- A single PvP encounter doesn’t push you into “PvP-focused” lobbies, as matchmaking assesses patterns over time rather than abrupt actions.
- There are no “PvE-only” lobbies, and while you may meet Raiders with similar tendencies, you can’t guarantee safety.
- Your end-of-round feedback doesn’t dictate matchmaking, it aids in observing trends, but doesn’t affect the next lobby.
In response to community feedback, we’ve updated our system to treat defensive actions differently from initiating fights and to reduce the impact of low-activity rounds on your playstyle history. These changes are currently active, and we will continue refining our approach based on performance.
In summary, we are dedicated to enhancing the balance, enjoyment, and rewards in Topside, all while retaining the unpredictability that defines ARC Raiders. Play your way, knowing that your actions will influence your experiences, but expect the unexpected.
See you Topside,
The ARC Raiders Team
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