- Primary Subject: ARC Raiders Matchmaking System
- Key Update: ARC Raiders has successfully implemented an "aggression-based matchmaking" (ABMM) system that clusters "shoot-on-sight" players together while allowing cooperative players to enjoy calmer, PvE-focused lobbies.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: January 30, 2026
- Quick Answer: ARC Raiders uses aggression-based matchmaking to track player behavior, funneling aggressive "player killers" into high-conflict lobbies while protecting cooperative players who prefer looting and teamwork.
Multiplayer shooters have provided some of the most action-packed and exhilarating gameplay experiences among any other genre, which is why so many are drawn to them. Names like Helldivers 2, Overwatch 2, and Counter-Strike 2 are a few prime examples of how it earned its popularity, but there are many more out there that do the job as well.
Great as the genre may be, it still has its issues, specifically in the matchmaking multiplayer aspect. While there are people who adhere to fostering a friendly environment within a team, there are also just as many who would rather disrupt it with negative behavior like abusive language, throwing, killing allies, etc.
Such a problem can sour the multiplayer shooter experience immensely, which is why many games have tried to resolve it by providing players the ability to mute, block, and even avoid anyone of their choosing. While these features are appreciated, they're only band-aid solutions, a temporary fix that won't exactly have good long-term effects.
One game, however, seems to have found a way to deal with players who delight in inconveniencing others, resulting in a multiplayer shooter that's fun for everyone. It's a relatively popular title called ARC Raiders, and if you're wondering what it does, it implements an aggression-based matchmaking system.
The game centers around fulfilling tasks as a group, and while you can work together as a team, there's always the option to eliminate anyone to steal valuable items or equipment you want. Many have taken it upon themselves to enjoy the act of player killing, queueing up repeatedly after every match to do it again to the random people they'll be paired with.
This is where ARC Raiders' aggression-based matchmaking system kicks in. What it does is it takes note of players who often engage in killing others, eventually only matching them up with those who play similarly. I believe this is a very effective way of dealing with the issue and that more multiplayer shooters should implement a similar system.
While the biggest benefit of promoting a friendly environment is clear, it also has other positives for both the game and the players. One is that it helps those who enjoy being nuisances reflect on their actions.
Such people are likely used to not being punished for their behavior, as other games usually let them get away with it so long as they don't go too far, like cheating or using abusive speech. But with an aggression-based matchmaking system, it will teach a thorough lesson that will help them become better players for everyone.
Since these types will be placed with others just like them, they will be able to get a taste of the actions they have brought upon innocent players. After experiencing it enough times, it will hopefully sink in to them that what they subjected their victims to was not, in fact, an enjoyable experience, giving them a chance to mend their ways.
You can think of it as putting them in a reformatory-type environment, a place that allows them to change, and if their in-game behavior improves, they'll be allowed to return and play with everyone again. Nobody wants to be continuously placed in lobbies full of players with negative mindsets and behaviors, so it can be an effective method more often than not.
Another benefit of multiplayer shooters implementing an aggression-based matchmaking system is that it still allows everyone to enjoy the game. Let's face it, there will be those who, even if they've effectively been put in timeout for their actions, will not change their playstyle and continue to be a nuisance to others.
Instead of getting rid of them altogether and preventing them from enjoying the top-quality gameplay the developers worked hard on, they're at least still allowed to stay, albeit in an environment that's not exactly preferable. This ensures that all player types are still allowed to have fun and shows that there are various ways toxicity can be dealt with.
While such a system isn't perfect, given that it can still be abused somehow with enough craftiness, it at least provides a certain sense of security and a way of maintaining top-quality matchmaking. Good-natured players can find comfort knowing they're unlikely to be paired with those who thrive in chaos and negativity, and people who don't care about the consequences of their actions can still enjoy the game they chose to put time in, which is a win for everyone.
Hopefully, more game developers will follow ARC Raiders' lead by implementing a matchmaking system similar to this one, as it seems to be the best way towards guaranteeing an amazing multiplayer shooter experience.
For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming features and opinions.