If you’ve ever suspected that some lobbies in ARC Raiders can be more friendly or hostile than others, then you’d be correct. It turns out that Embark Studios has employed aggression-based matchmaking in ARC Raiders, and it’s a fairly unique decision.
Typically, multiplayer games employ a skill-based matchmaking system in an attempt to pit similarly skilled players against one another and maintain a fair, balanced environment. Embark Studios has taken that system one step further, with the addition of aggression-based matchmaking, but what does that even mean?
In this guide, you’ll learn what aggression-based matchmaking is in ARC Raiders, as well as understand how you can affect the systems in place.
Aggression-Based Matchmaking In ARC Raiders, Explained
ARC Raiders’ aggression-based matchmaking takes into account not only your skill level, but also your game-by-game interactions with other raiders.
Do you often team up with random raiders to take down powerful ARC threats like the Queen or Matriarch? If so, chances are you’re flagged as a friendly player and matched with others who prefer cooperation. On the flip side, if you’re quick on the Trigger ‘Nades when another raider appears, you’ll find yourself grouped with similarly aggressive, shoot-first players.
For a game like ARC Raiders, it’s a surprisingly intuitive system. Embark Studios’ aggression-based matchmaking ensures players are funnelled into lobbies that suit their preferred playstyle—whether that’s social teamwork or ruthless looting. However, should you fancy a different gameplay experience, the system is never set in stone.
Can You Change Aggression-Based Matchmaking In ARC Raiders?
Generally speaking, you can affect ARC Raiders’ aggression-based matchmaking, but it’s not as simple as just picking a lobby to join.
Think of it as a reputation system: the more hostile you are towards other raiders, the lower your reputation falls. This can be reversed, but it takes a serious alteration to your playstyle. Instead of shooting on sight, you’ll need to settle for pacifist approaches—or at least only fire in self-defence.
The same can be said for the reverse. If you want more violent ARC Raiders lobbies, then get aggressive and shoot first! After a few matches, the game will begin to register your behaviour and put more effort into matching you with other bloodthirsty raiders.
It’s not a perfect system, and of course, we don’t know the ins and outs of it, but the aggression-based matchmaking is a highly engaging addition that only elevates every raid you embark on.
Do you think Aggression-Based Matchmaking is a good fit for ARC Raiders? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
For more ARC Raiders content, check out how Helldivers 2 influenced the price of the game, as well as how you can find Guitars and Shakers.
