ARC Raiders Coins

ARC Raiders' ABMM matchmaking system is no longer much of a secret. If you actively attack other players, you will be placed into PvP-oriented matches. If you consistently remain friendly, you will be matched with players who behave in a similar way.

This system appears to naturally separate the two types of players, but once everyone understands how ABMM matchmaking works, some players with bad intentions can exploit it, even in supposedly friendly matches.

ABMM Matchmaking Optimization

As the player population has declined, the official team has been continuously adjusting the matchmaking system. Update 1.38.0 was automatically applied as a hotfix. Although it appeared to be a regular shop update, it actually included an important test.

The update mainly targeted matchmaking optimization during low player count periods, in specific regions, and under certain map conditions. The goal was to achieve more accurate matchmaking based on squad size and play style.

This could slightly increase Q times. The official team explained that the algorithm may take a little longer to find more suitable matches. This was only a test and not a permanent change.

More Advanced Tracking System

The key focus of this test was player playstyle rather than simply rank or squad size. The studio used a behavior spectrum system instead of dividing players into a simple "friendly" and "aggressive" binary. The system analyzes repeated behavior across multiple raids rather than making judgments based on only one or two matches.

The system distinguishes between players who actively initiate fights and those who only fight back in self-defense. Therefore, a single elimination will not immediately change your matchmaking profile.

Interactions with other players that occur rarely throughout an entire raid have very little impact on the overall profile evaluation. The system separately tracks behavior depending on whether you play solo, duo, or trio modes. This means you can enter more aggressive matches with friends while still being matched into friendlier environments when playing alone.

It should be clarified that expensive high-tier equipment does not automatically place you against stronger opponents. There is also no exclusive matchmaking system that completely removes PvP. The system only increases the possibility of players with similar styles encountering each other, but it is not absolute.

Live Update 1.39.0

Although Update 1.38.0 appeared to be a positive change, Live Update 1.39.0 released on July 28 caused some players to exploit the matchmaking system.

Defensive PvP adjustment changed how defensive actions were evaluated. Previously, players who fought back against attackers would still affect their PvP tendency score. The new test removed defensive actions from affecting matchmaking style and only counted behavior where players actively initiated combat.

However, players quickly discovered that this system contained an exploitable loophole. The method was that, in PvE-focused matches, some players with malicious intentions would deliberately jump in front of teammates or other players who were attacking large targets such as Queen, intentionally forcing themselves to be hit.

Once these players were shot, the system would determine that they had suffered an unfair attack. They could then legally retaliate without receiving penalties for "aggressive behavior." As a result, these fake PvP players could remain in low-aggression "peaceful" matches while continuing to take other players' loot. This type of intentional provocation has caused widespread reports and complaints within the community.

What Problems Does This Create?

When ARC Raiders first launched in October and November 2025, matchmaking was completely random. Players never knew whether they would encounter friendly players or intense PvP battles in the next match. This uncertainty was one of the game's core appeals.

However, the introduction of ABMM artificially divided matches into two categories: PvP-oriented and PvE-oriented. For players who only want PvE matches, being forced into PvP encounters is undoubtedly frustrating.

How Can It Be Solved?

Separate PvE

Based on the current situation, many players in the community believe the ideal solution would be to return to the early fully random matchmaking system. A separate pure PvE mode could satisfy players who have no interest in PvP.

Meanwhile, in the main PvPvE mode, ABMM system should be completely removed. In addition, adding pure team deathmatch or PvP competitive modes similar to Stella Montis could help separate different player preferences. This would allow different groups to enjoy the experience they want and potentially bring back players who left because they disliked PvP.

Security Protocol

Security Protocol system in China server is also considered a strong alternative solution. During an interview, ARC Raiders development team in China revealed that the official team is open to sharing ideas and data, meaning some systems from China server could influence the global version in the future.

During testing, Security Protocol mode became increasingly popular, with around 60% of players choosing to activate it during peak hours.

Security Protocol requires players to actively enable a red antenna marker to show hostile intent. Otherwise, they are treated as PvE players by others. This gives all players a warning instead of allowing one-sided betrayal. The design does not eliminate PvP, but instead makes hostile actions more transparent.

Exploits and matchmaking design issues are gradually damaging ARC Raiders' fairness and replayability. At the same time, widespread cheating is striking directly at the game's foundation. To restore player trust, the development team needs to make more careful adjustments to the matchmaking system or provide an entirely different game mode.

Being betrayed in a peaceful match is far more hateful than being killed by other players in a PvP game. If you are unfortunately killed by these despicable rats, you can buy ARC Raiders items from IGGM, then forget about ABMM matchmaking system and get your revenge on them.

While there is still some time to go before the next major ARC Raiders patch arrives, the team remains dedicated to refining core mechanics and foundational systems through regular weekly updates, ensuring a more stable experience with the existing content.

To that end, ARC Raiders rolled out Update 1.39.0 this Tuesday, July 28th. Like all weekly updates, this one brings bug fixes and new outfits, but it also introduces further optimizations to the matchmaking system.

In fact, Updates 1.36 and 1.38, released over the past month, already included adjustments to matchmaking. So, what changes does this update bring? And are the new outfits worth getting? Let's take a look.

Matchmaking adjustments based on defensive PvP behavior

Previous adjustments in Update 1.36.0 focused on precise matchmaking based on your playstyle (whether playing solo or in squads of various sizes), while Update 1.38.0 further refined those changes.

Update 1.39.0 shifts the focus to self-defense during PvP encounters. ARC Raiders does not strictly separate PvE and PvP modes; this means that even if your goal is simply to take down ARCs, you might still attract attacks from players who prefer PvP.

In such situations, your instinct might be to evade the threat, but if the other player relentlessly pursues you, you will have to draw your weapon and defend yourself.

As you know, ARC Raiders matches you with teammates and opponents based on whether your combat style is aggressive or friendly. However, it would be unfair if frequently defending yourself resulted in being matched into a chaotic, high-intensity PvP environment.

With this in mind, Update 1.39.0 removes the influence of self-defense actions on the matchmaking system; only initiating PvP combat will now affect your playstyle assessment and subsequent matchmaking.

Please note that this change is currently in the testing phase. It may undergo further adjustments, be fully implemented, or be scrapped entirely if the results aren't satisfactory.

If you encounter any bugs or have unique suggestions during the testing period, please provide feedback via the in-game questionnaire. Your input helps make ARC Raiders a better game for everyone!

What counts as self-defense?

Based on these changes, ARC Raiders has established more detailed criteria for defining self-defense. When playing in a squad, if another team initiates any form of attack against yours, your squad is considered being in a state of self-defense.

Your squad's future matchmaking will remain unaffected by this specific skirmish; however, the initiating team will face progressively greater consequences depending on the intensity and duration of the combat.

Furthermore, if a third party intervenes, whether to break up the fight or to instigate a more chaotic brawl, they will also be classified as an aggressor, and their future matchmaking will be impacted accordingly.

While this might seem unfair to players who genuinely want to play peacemaker, hardly anyone is altruistic enough to try breaking up fights in a shooter game, right? Ultimately, this rule is designed to prevent disruptive players from interfering with the action.

Finally, all these changes are compatible with the updates introduced in version 1.36.0, demonstrating the development team's commitment to further integrating PvP and PvE elements within ARC Raiders.

Although this makes the release of a dedicated PvP or PvE mode seem more distant, the specific format matters less as long as the combat experience remains thrilling!

The brand new Dweller Outfit Set

Update 1.39.0 introduces the new Dweller outfit set, featuring components such as a backpack and gloves. When fully equipped, the set clearly emphasizes a heavily armored, fully covered look, complete with protective eyewear and a mask that completely conceals your face.

The torso gear is also incredibly bulky, reminiscent of Cold Snap update released last winter.

Unlocking the set individually needs 1,300 Raider Tokens, but if you unlock a specific bundle that includes the set, you can unlock it for an additional 1,000 tokens.

Keep in mind that outfit sets are primarily for cosmetic customization; if you want to boost your combat effectiveness, the key lies in acquiring rarer gear and upgrading it regularly.

Trinkets can now be stacked

ARC Raiders previously launched Forgotten Relics Event in Update 1.33.0, allowing players to earn Merits and redeem them for various rewards, including a range of trinkets. The game now allows you to stack these trinkets.

More bug fixes

In addition to the new changes mentioned above, ARC Raiders brings a series of general bug fixes. Of particular note is a fix addressing inconsistent damage output from Seeker and Wolfpack.

Once thrown, ARC Raiders Seeker Grenade locks onto the nearest ARC enemy and detonates upon impact. Wolfpack can launch up to 12 missiles, locking onto all ARC targets within its radius.

This means both pieces of gear are highly useful, whether you are tackling standard Trials or special raids, so ensuring they function correctly is crucial.

Speaking of the trials, Season 5 Week 4 trials have arrived alongside Update 1.39.0, featuring five specific missions.

To complete all missions with a three-star rating before the event ends, you will need the right strategies and powerful gear. Don't delay, get started now! Plus, you can also test the new matchmaking system firsthand!