Arc Raiders Adds Duo-Queue Matchmaking

GAMING NEWS

Embark Studios quietly tests then deploys two-player queue while slashing cosmetic prices and refunding early purchasers following player feedback.

The extraction shooter's matchmaking system prioritizes grouping solo players separately from squads while attempting to pair duos together.

Embark Studios implemented duo matchmaking for Arc Raiders less than two weeks after the extraction shooter's official launch, quietly testing the feature before announcing its full deployment on the game's website. The system attempts to segregate solo players from squads while pairing two-player teams with other duos and three-player groups with fellow trios, though the developer cautioned that "you may at times run into differing constellations of players other than your own."

The matchmaking update accompanied store pricing adjustments launching November 13 that reduce costs on select cosmetic items following community feedback. Players who purchased affected items at original prices will automatically receive refunds for the difference, a move that addresses early adopter concerns about premium shop economics in the free-to-play title.

Embark reiterated that premium Raider Decks contain exclusively "cosmetics and convenience" items rather than pay-to-win advantages, emphasizing the free-to-play model won't compromise competitive balance. One complimentary Raider Deck currently remains available to all players, with the studio promising additional free and premium options in future updates.

"Solo players and squads are prioritized to play separately, and duos are ideally paired up with other duos, while trios get to play bands of trios." — Embark Studios

The swift feature additions follow a tumultuous launch period marked by server instability that prompted in-game compensation for affected players and controversy surrounding the game's AI-generated voice acting. Nexon CEO Junghun Lee defended the AI voices in a recent statement, claiming "every game company is now using AI"—an assertion that drew skepticism from voice acting professionals and players concerned about industry labor practices.

Despite early technical issues and the AI debate, Arc Raiders achieved notable commercial success with over 264,000 concurrent players on Steam ahead of its first major content drop. The North Line update went live this week, expanding the extraction shooter's playable area and introducing new mechanics to the sci-fi survival experience developed by the team behind The Finals.

The rapid iteration cycle demonstrates Embark's commitment to live-service responsiveness, implementing community-requested features within days of launch rather than months-long development roadmaps. The matchmaking refinements and pricing adjustments suggest the studio is prioritizing player retention during the critical post-launch window when extraction shooters typically face steep competition for sustained engagement.

By Blair Marnell

2 min read · Nov 16, 2025