If you’re getting ready to jump into ARC Raiders, one thing you may wonder about is matchmaking. Maybe you queued for a raid and waited a bit. Or maybe you joined a squad and the game quickly placed you into a match. Either way, understanding how the system works helps you know what’s happening behind the scenes.
ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, is a multiplayer PvPvE extraction shooter where players called Raiders enter large maps, collect loot, fight enemies called ARC machines, and try to extract safely. Because players enter the same raid session together, the game uses a matchmaking system to group players and connect them to the right servers.
This guide explains how the ARC Raiders matchmaking system works, how players enter matches, what factors affect matchmaking, and what happens before a raid begins.
What Is Matchmaking in ARC Raiders?
Matchmaking in ARC Raiders is the system that connects players together and places them into the same raid session. Instead of joining a traditional lobby where everyone waits together, the game uses a matchmaking queue to group players and send them to a server hosting the raid.
When you start matchmaking, the game communicates with ARC Raiders servers managed by Embark Studios. These servers search for other players who are also waiting for a match. Once enough players are available, the system forms squads and creates a raid session.
The matchmaking system handles several tasks at once:
- placing solo players or squads into the matchmaking queue
- finding players with compatible server regions
- assigning a game server with stable connection quality
- forming a raid lobby before deployment
Once the system completes these steps, the game moves all players into the raid map.
How Players Enter Matchmaking
Players can enter matchmaking in a few different ways depending on how they want to play the game.
Solo Matchmaking
Many players join raids alone. When a solo Raider starts matchmaking, the system places that player in the queue and begins searching for other players entering the same type of raid.
The server then groups multiple solo players into the same raid session. They may encounter each other as allies, rivals, or neutral players depending on gameplay choices.
Solo matchmaking is common for players who want to explore maps or complete missions independently.
Squad Matchmaking
ARC Raiders also allows players to enter raids with friends. In this case, players form a squad before entering matchmaking.
The squad leader starts matchmaking, and the system keeps the entire group together. The matchmaking server then places that squad into a raid session with other squads or solo players.
This method often reduces waiting time because squads are already formed before the raid begins.
Party System
The party system allows players to invite friends through their platform account. Depending on the platform, this may connect through Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox services.
Once players join the party, the host can start matchmaking for the entire group. The party then enters the matchmaking queue together.
How ARC Raiders Matchmaking Forms a Match
After players join the matchmaking queue, the system begins searching for compatible players and servers.
First, the matchmaking system checks server regions. It tries to connect players to servers closest to their location to maintain stable ping and latency.
Next, the system fills the raid session with players. Because ARC Raiders uses PvPvE gameplay, multiple squads and solo players may enter the same map.
The matchmaking process usually involves three steps:
- searching for available players in the matchmaking queue
- selecting a server with good connection quality
- assigning players and squads to the raid session
Once the required number of players joins the session, the raid prepares to start.
Factors That Affect ARC Raiders Matchmaking
Several technical and gameplay factors can affect how quickly matchmaking works.
Some of the most common factors include:
- Server region – players are matched with nearby servers for better connection quality
- Ping and latency – high latency can affect server selection
- Squad size – larger squads require more open space in the raid session
- Player population – fewer players online may increase queue time
- Network stability – unstable connections may delay matchmaking
Because of these factors, matchmaking time may change depending on the time of day or the number of active players.
What Happens After Matchmaking Finds Players
Once the matchmaking system finds enough players, the game creates a raid lobby.
During this stage, players load into the server and prepare for the mission. The game synchronizes player data, equipment loadouts, and character information.
After the loading phase finishes, the raid begins. Players deploy into the game map where they can explore the environment, fight ARC machines, collect loot, and attempt to extract safely.
From this point forward, the raid session becomes active and gameplay begins.
Does ARC Raiders Use Skill-Based Matchmaking?
Embark Studios has not clearly confirmed whether ARC Raiders uses strict skill-based matchmaking.
However, many PvPvE extraction games focus more on raid population and server availability rather than strict skill balancing.
This means players of different experience levels may enter the same raid. Some players may be new Raiders, while others may have higher progression levels or better equipment.
Because of this design, each raid can feel unpredictable and dynamic.
Why ARC Raiders Matchmaking Can Take Time
Sometimes matchmaking may take longer than expected. This usually happens because the system is waiting for enough players to fill the raid session.
A few situations can increase queue time:
- low player population in a region
- off-peak gaming hours
- larger squads entering matchmaking
- server maintenance or network delays
In most cases, queue time improves when more players are online.
Tips to Improve ARC Raiders Matchmaking Speed
Players can sometimes reduce matchmaking delays by adjusting how they enter the queue.
A few helpful tips include:
- join matchmaking during peak player hours
- play with a stable internet connection
- avoid high latency network connections
- form a squad before entering matchmaking
- keep the game updated to the latest version
These small adjustments can help the matchmaking system find sessions faster.
Conclusion
In short, the ARC Raiders matchmaking system connects players through online servers and places them into raid sessions where multiple squads compete and survive.
The system groups players through a matchmaking queue, selects an appropriate server region, and then creates a raid session before deployment. Factors such as player population, network latency, and squad size can affect how quickly matchmaking completes.
Understanding how this system works helps players know what happens behind the scenes before a raid begins.
If you’ve played ARC Raiders and noticed something interesting about the matchmaking system, share your experience in the comments. Your observations may help other Raiders understand how the system works and improve their matchmaking experience.