ARC Raiders does track player behavior during matchmaking. According to Embark Studios, players who consistently play cooperatively are more likely to be matched together, while more aggressive or disruptive playstyles tend to be grouped with similar players. The system is real but the exact details are intentionally kept private.

That’s the confirmed takeaway.

What Was Actually Confirmed

For months, ARC Raiders players speculated that “toxic” or aggressive behavior might influence matchmaking. That theory is now confirmed.

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, ARC Raiders art director Robert Sammelin acknowledged that player behavior is analyzed and factored into matchmaking.

Sammelin explained that the system is complex and designed to adapt over time. When pressed for deeper details, he joked that he couldn’t elaborate making it clear the studio won’t reveal the full formula.

This isn’t a punishment system or a simple “good vs bad” filter. It’s a way to shape fairer matches by aligning playstyles.

Why Embark Is Doing This

ARC Raiders is a cooperative-first extraction shooter. That means your experience heavily depends on the people you’re matched with. One reckless teammate can ruin a run; one supportive teammate can turn a bad drop into a great session.

Embark’s goal is straightforward:
reduce friction and increase match quality.

Instead of only using skill rating or win/loss data, the game looks at how you play:

• Do you help teammates or abandon them?

• Do you communicate and revive, or rush fights alone?

• Do you grief, or play the objective?

Over time, those patterns matter.

How Behavior-Based Matchmaking Likely Works

Embark hasn’t published a technical breakdown, but based on common industry practices, the system probably looks at trends, not one-off moments.

Think of it like this:

No single match defines you. Consistency does.

This approach mirrors systems used in other competitive and cooperative games, where behavior scores quietly influence matchmaking without players seeing a number on screen.

What This Means for Regular Players

For most players especially those aged 14-25 this change is a net positive.

If you play ARC Raiders as intended:

• Team up

• Communicate

• Support your squad

You’re more likely to be matched with players who do the same.

If you prefer aggressive, solo-heavy runs, you may still find games but with others who enjoy that style. The idea isn’t to punish; it’s to match expectations.

That’s important in a game where trust matters.

Is This Tracking “Toxicity”?

Not exactly.

Embark has been careful with language. The system doesn’t label players as “toxic.” Instead, it tracks behavioral patterns. That includes positive actions just as much as negative ones.

In other words, the system isn’t asking, “Is this player bad?”
It’s asking, “What kind of teammate is this player usually?”

That distinction matters for privacy, fairness, and long-term balance.

Why Studios Don’t Explain These Systems Fully

You might wonder why Embark won’t go deeper.

There’s a simple reason: gaming the system.

If the players know exactly which actions affect the matchmaking, some will fake their good behavior just long enough to get better lobbies. By keeping details vague, studios protect the integrity of the system.

This is standard practice across the industry.

How This Fits ARC Raiders’ Design Philosophy

ARC Raiders is built around tension, cooperation, and shared risk. Behavior-based matchmaking supports that vision.

It helps:

• Reduce griefing in co-op sessions

• Create more predictable team dynamics

• Make extraction runs feel fairer

For a live-service shooter trying to build a long-term community, that’s critical.

Community Reaction So Far

Player reactions have been mixed but mostly curious.

Some players are relieved, saying it explains why recent matches feel more coordinated. Others worry about being judged unfairly.

Right now, there’s no evidence of harsh penalties or shadow bans. Everything points to soft matchmaking adjustments, not strict enforcement.

FAQs

1. Does ARC Raiders track player behavior?

   Yes. Embark Studios has confirmed that player behavior is analyzed during matchmaking.

   
   

2. Does ARC Raiders punish toxic players?

   There is no evidence of punishments. The system appears to group similar playstyles together.

   
   

3. Is this behavior-based matchmaking visible to players?

   No. There is no public score or meter shown.

   
   

4. Can one bad match affect matchmaking?

   Unlikely. The system looks at long-term behavior, not single games.

   
   

5. Why won’t Embark explain the full system?

   To prevent players from abusing or manipulating matchmaking.

Final Thought

ARC Raiders’ approach isn’t about control it’s about compatibility. By quietly aligning players with similar behavior, Embark is betting on smoother matches and a healthier community.

Whether it works long-term will depend on how fair and consistent the system feels over time but for now, it’s a clear step toward smarter matchmaking.