Arc Raiders: Aggression-Based Matchmaking Confirmed! (ABMM Explained) (2026)

Feeling like you're suddenly facing a tougher crowd in Arc Raiders? You're not alone! It turns out the game has quietly implemented a system that matches you with players based on your in-game aggression. But here's where it gets interesting...

For the past week or so, players who dive headfirst into PvP (player versus player) combat, engaging in shoot-on-sight tactics, have noticed a significant increase in the intensity of their matches. This has sparked heated discussions among the Arc Raiders community, with many speculating whether Embark Studios had secretly introduced 'aggression-based matchmaking' (ABMM).

In a recent interview, Patrick Söderlund from Embark Studios confirmed the rumors, stating, "That's exactly what it is." He explained that the matchmaking system considers skill level and team composition (solos, duos, trios) as well as a player's inclination towards PvP or PvE (player versus environment) content.

"If your preference is to do PvE, and you have less conflict with players, you'll get more matched up. Obviously it's not a full science," Söderlund clarified. The goal? To create more balanced and engaging matches.

And this is the part most people miss... The exact criteria for determining 'aggression' or 'PvP/PvE preference' remain intentionally vague. This is likely to prevent players from exploiting the system to gain an unfair advantage. However, the confirmation from Embark Studios validates the observations of many players who felt a shift in the matchmaking dynamics.

This revelation aligns with previous statements from Arc Raiders art director Robert Sammelin, who mentioned that player behavior is indeed a factor in the "complex" matchmaking process. Remember, Arc Raiders was the best-selling game on Steam during the holiday period!

So, what do you think? Is aggression-based matchmaking a good idea? Does it enhance the player experience, or does it create new challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's get a discussion going!