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Partly. ARC Raiders’ regular matchmaking considers how you have played previous rounds, including whether you tend to engage other Raiders, alongside factors such as squad size, queue time and latency. It treats playstyle as a gradual tendency—not a switch into guaranteed PvE or PvP lobbies. Separately, Embark has announced a limited PvE-focused matchmaking test for October 13–20, 2026; as of October 8, that test has not started.
Does regular ARC Raiders matchmaking put PvE players together?
It can make similar playstyles more likely to meet, but it does not sort everyone into strict “PvE” and “PvP” queues. In its May 20, 2026 explanation, Embark says matchmaking weighs several factors, including prior-round playstyle, squad size, matchmaking time and latency. Engagement with other Raiders is a particularly strong playstyle signal. The stated aim is to bring together players with a similar likelihood of succeeding and enjoying the same round.
Playstyle is a spectrum, from mostly cooperative to highly engaged in PvP, with many players between the two. Similarity affects the likelihood of a match; it is not a guarantee that every Raider in your lobby wants the same kind of encounter. Embark explicitly says regular matchmaking does not provide PvE-only lobbies or servers where other Raiders will never attack you. Embark’s matchmaking explanation
What affects ordinary matchmaking?
- Past playstyle: How you engage with other Raiders is one input, and Embark calls it a particularly strong signal.
- Squad size: The size of your group is another factor.
- Queue time and latency: These also influence matchmaking.
Embark has not published the exact formula, action weights or thresholds, so there is no reliable basis for predicting a particular lobby from a specific action.
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![ARC Raiders Deluxe - PC Steam [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I3Aj2PM0L._SL160_.jpg)
- 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.
Does shooting back put you in PvP lobbies?
Not immediately. Embark says one shot or kill does not instantly move a player into PvP-focused matchmaking. Its May update distinguishes initiating a PvP encounter from defending yourself, addressing a previous limitation in how those behaviors were treated. It also reduced the influence of rounds with little Topside interaction, such as spawning and surrendering. Embark describes playstyle changes as influencing future lobbies gradually, rather than causing an instant switch.
Other behaviors commonly speculated about are not matchmaking levers according to Embark: end-of-round survey answers do not directly set your next lobby; loadout cost and looting downed players do not affect matchmaking; and the squad leader has no special influence over the squad profile. Changing crossplay changes the player pool and can affect queue time, but does not guarantee more cooperative teammates.
What changes during the October 2026 PvE toggle test?
Embark announced a limited test running October 13–20, 2026. During that window, players can choose between the classic PvPvE experience and PvE-focused sessions. Unlike regular matchmaking, the test’s PvE sessions disable player-to-player damage. Embark says the toggle will be removed when the test ends; the announcement does not promise a permanent PvE mode.
| Feature | Regular PvPvE matchmaking | Limited PvE test |
|---|---|---|
| Player-to-player damage | Possible; no guaranteed PvE-only safety. | Disabled in PvE-focused sessions. |
| Effect on PvPvE matchmaking rating | Regular matchmaking considers prior-round playstyle among several factors. | PvE play does not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating. |
| Squad grouping | Squad size is one matchmaking factor. | Solo, duo and trio players are combined in PvE sessions. |
| Availability | Regular experience. | October 13–20, 2026; the toggle is scheduled to be removed afterward. |
| Locations and conditions | Not specified as a comparison in Embark’s test announcement. | Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate are excluded. |
| Loot and queues | Not specified as a comparison in Embark’s test announcement. | Overall loot value is lower in PvE sessions; queues may be slightly longer in low-population regions or off-hours. |
The test’s safety has limits beyond Raider combat: Embark notes ARC enemies can reacquire downed Raiders who crawl, while they ignore players who stay still. The studio says it will monitor the player economy, matchmaking and session quality, then review feedback and data. Any future version could differ from this test. Embark’s PvE toggle test announcement
What player-preference figures did Embark share?
In its September 24, 2026 announcement, Embark reported that 37% of players were friendly co-op players, 27% mixed players and 34% pure PvP players. It also said over 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players wanted fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of the surveyed playerbase expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option.
These are figures reported by Embark, not independently audited population estimates. The accessible announcement does not provide a sample size or detailed survey methodology, so the percentages should be read with that qualification.
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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!)
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