You’ve likely seen lots of talk about matchmaking in ARC Raiders. Let’s break down the system: what it’s designed to do, how it works, and what it doesn’t.
In the world of ARC Raiders, you get to choose who you become. The unpredictability of Topside is what makes it exciting. You never quite know who to trust or what might happen next. That mix of freedom and uncertainty shapes your journey, creating unique stories with every run.
However, we don’t want skilled PvP players to overpower those just starting or who aren’t as competitive. So, our matchmaking focuses on two main goals:
Fairness: We aim to match players with similar chances of success. For instance, we try to pair squads of equal sizes.
Enjoyment: We want players to have fun together. By considering different playstyles, we can reduce frustration and enhance the overall experience.
We take several factors into account when forming lobbies, but one of the most significant is your playstyle from previous games. It’s worth noting that playstyles aren’t just black and white. They exist on a scale:
- Some players are almost always cooperative.
- Others engage heavily in PvP.
- Most fall somewhere in between, adapting to the situation.
Our system tries to connect you with players whose styles are similar while still maintaining that unexpected twist that makes Topside intriguing.
What the System Does
Similarity is likely but not certain: You’re more likely to be matched with players who play like you, but it’s not a sure thing.
Your behavior influences future matches: Change how you play, and gradually, the types of players you meet will change too.
In Topside, you’ll see a wide range of interactions. There might be moments of teamwork, surprising betrayals, or intense firefights. Each round is a new adventure.
Some common myths are worth clearing up:
- It’s not just about being friendly or aggressive. Most players exist along a spectrum of styles.
- A single bad action doesn’t put you in “PvP mode.” Matchmaking looks at long-term behavior.
- There are no completely safe lobbies; you might still encounter PvP.
- Your end-of-round feedback doesn’t directly change your next match-up.
Recently, we made improvements to how we estimate playstyle. First, we now treat defending as different from starting a fight. Second, rounds with minimal interaction weigh less in your playstyle assessment.
These changes are in effect now, and we’re continually refining them. Our goal is to make Topside fairer and more enjoyable, while still embracing the unpredictability that makes ARC Raiders special.
Play the way you want. Over time, your actions will shape your matches, but expect surprises along the way.
See you Topside!
The ARC Raiders Team
For more details on the game’s dynamics, check out our official site for insights and updates.
