Embark Studios pushed an update for ARC Raiders today that activates duo-prioritized matchmaking, a change aimed at matching two-player squads with other duos instead of full trios. Duo-prioritized matchmaking is live today and should cut down on the lopsided matches where a pair faces a full three-player squad. In the developer update on the ARC Raiders website, the matchmaking logic is described plainly. “First, we prioritize Solos and Squads to play separately. After that, we prioritize Duos to play with other Duos, and for Trios to play with Trios“.
Embark notes the system is not a perfect guarantee. Duos can still end up against trios in some queues, but the change should make two-player groups run into each other more often and reduce unfair matchups.
The update also covers the in-game store. Cosmetic prices will be adjusted and those changes will go live on Thursday, November 13 at 10:30 CET. Players who bought cosmetics at the older prices will receive refunds for the difference and should see deposits in their accounts in the coming week.
Embark teased future Raider Decks. Expect both free and premium decks. The team said premium decks will focus on cosmetics and convenience and will not include pay-to-win items. Gameplay items will appear only in free Raider Decks to help new Raiders, and those items must be unlocked through progression.
- No pay-to-win in premium Raider Decks, only cosmetics and convenience items.
- Gameplay items for new players will be in free Raider Decks and require progression to unlock.
These changes touch matchmaking, progression, and the store all at once. Duos should feel the matchmaking shift immediately while the store pricing and refunds follow on November 13. For context on how the game plays and why matchmaking matters, see the Arc Raiders play test coverage.
Questions and reactions are welcome in the comments, and readers can follow us on X, Bluesky, and YouTube.
