Yes, you can play ARC Raiders solo—but solo means entering an online multiplayer round without a party, not playing a single-player campaign or a PvE-only mode. Four features make that option more accommodating: solo entry, playstyle-aware matchmaking, an optional Solo vs Squads challenge, and more flexible party invitations. None guarantees a safe or friendly encounter.
1. You can enter a round alone
ARC Raiders is an online multiplayer game, but you do not have to bring a squad. PlayStation’s official game FAQ says players can go Topside solo or in teams of two or three. Going solo means you are one Raider in a shared multiplayer world—not that other Raiders are removed or unable to attack you.
The game is listed for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce NOW on the official ARC Raiders site. PlayStation’s page says PS Plus Essential is required for online multiplayer on PS5; check the current terms for your platform before playing.
2. Matchmaking considers how you play
Embark says matchmaking takes account of behavior across previous rounds, especially how players engage with other Raiders. It tries to place players with others whose playstyles are closer on a cooperation-to-PvP scale and prioritizes equal squad sizes when possible. The goal is similarity, not a guaranteed match with friendly players or other solo Raiders.
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- ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
- Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.
In its May 20, 2026 matchmaking explainer, Embark says the system also weighs fairness, enjoyment, match time, and latency. The team explains that a single shot or kill does not instantly put someone in PvP-focused lobbies. Under the changes described there, defending yourself is distinguished from initiating a fight, and rounds with little interaction Topside count less in the playstyle history. Embark says these adjustments are live.
There are no PvE-only lobbies that prevent other Raiders from attacking. Equipment cost does not determine lobby difficulty, and crossplay settings affect the matchmaking pool and wait time—not whether the people you meet will be friendly. As The ARC Raiders Team put it in the May 20 explainer: “Play how you want to play. Over time, your behavior helps shape the kinds of Raiders you’re most likely to encounter. But there will always be room for the unexpected.”
3. Level 40 solo players can opt into Solo vs Squads
Solo vs Squads is a deliberate high-risk option, not protective solo matchmaking. Since the January 27, 2026 update, solo Raiders at level 40 or higher can enable it and enter the squads queue. The mode offers a stated 20% XP bonus at round end whether the Raider extracts successfully or is defeated, according to Embark’s January Update 1.13.0 notes.
| Choice | Who you queue with | What to expect | XP detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular solo play | You enter without a party; matchmaking considers playstyle and tries to balance squad sizes where possible. | Other Raiders may be solo or in groups, and encounters can be hostile. | No solo-specific bonus is stated in the cited update notes. |
| Solo vs Squads | A solo Raider level 40 or higher opts into the squads queue. | You are choosing to face squads, making this a challenge rather than a safer queue. | Embark states a 20% XP bonus at round end on extraction or defeat. |
The sources do not establish win rates, survival rates, or which choice produces better results. Treat Solo vs Squads as an option for players who want that challenge and reward, not a proven shortcut to faster or more reliable progress.
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The January update also added open parties, allowing Embark and platform friends to join, including while you are in a round and waiting to join the next match. Squadmates can invite others as well. Those options make it easier to connect with friends when you choose to play together; they do not change the protections or behavior of solo matchmaking.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is solo play the right fit?
- Choose regular solo play if you want to explore and make decisions independently, while accepting that the round remains multiplayer and other Raiders may attack.
- Consider Solo vs Squads if you are level 40 or higher and specifically want to enter the squads queue for its stated XP bonus.
- Use a party if you want friends alongside you and the coordination that comes with playing as a group.
PlayStation’s page describes support for up to 21 online players simultaneously. That is a platform page’s stated player-support figure, not a promise about lobby composition or the number of opponents in any particular round.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
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