Embark Studios confirms that it pays to be nice in ARC Raiders.

The extraction shooter has revealed that player behavior is taken into account during matchmaking. Following the tremendous success of ARC Raiders, the game has just launched the Flickering Flame event, and a blizzard has swept across the Rust Belt. However, one gameplay mechanic has been questioned since the game's launch: Does it pay to play nice with others?

This question was addressed during an interview with PC Gamer. Is player behavior analyzed for matchmaking? Art Director Robert Sammelin commented on how complex the system is, stating that the game will “analyze behavior and match accordingly.” However, Sammelin declined to provide further details about the system’s mechanics, responding with a simple “NO” and a laugh when pressed for more information.

When discussing the future of the game, Sammelin suggested that the team plans to add more ARCs in future updates, as well as “update maps over time so they don’t go stale.” By updating map conditions, the rule sets will change - from player strategies to loot economy and enemy behaviors - as players continue to explore. New maps will also support their ten-year plan to keep ARC Raiders going strong.

Let us know in our Discord if you’re playing ARC Raiders. Have you checked out the snowy Rust Belt?