Embark Studios is pushing forward with ARC Raiders as they deploy Live Update 1.36, a patch aimed squarely at addressing how players are grouped together in the game's volatile world. The update introduces a significant change to the title's aggression-based matchmaking system, effectively decoupling the behavioral tracking for solo, duo, and trio queues.
Refining the Aggression-Based Matchmaking System
For players caught in the ongoing struggle between friendly, resource-gathering raiders and those seeking pure PVP combat, the previous matchmaking setup often felt restrictive. Because the game tracked player behavior across all modes, a player looking for high-octane trio battles would often find their solo, peaceful runs tainted by a similar high-aggression matchmaking pool. Update 1.36 resolves this by tracking your actions topside independently for each mode.
This change allows for more flexibility: if you and your friends want to engage in fully-geared PVP mayhem in Stella Montis, you can do so without carrying that aggression rating over into your solo sessions. By placing players with similar behavior in the same lobbies, Embark is continuing its effort to allow the community to shape their own experience, rather than forcing a singular, game-wide PVP or PVE-only mode.
Expanding 'No Free Loadout' Restrictions
Beyond matchmaking tweaks, Embark is tightening the rules of engagement for specific map conditions. The developer has officially implemented a "No Free Loadout" requirement for Close Scrutiny and Night Raid conditions. This change forces every raider in those sessions to enter with a kitted loadout, raising the stakes and ensuring that every encounter involves players who have invested in their gear.
The studio confirmed it is currently investigating the possibility of expanding this "No Free Loadout" requirement to additional map conditions, signaling a push toward higher risk-and-reward gameplay loops. This move follows a period where the developer has had to combat issues with item duplicators and third-party software, maintaining the integrity of the game's economy and competitive balance through continued use of the Denuvo anti-cheat system.
New Content in the Fourth Expedition
Update 1.36 also marks the arrival of fresh content to keep the progression loop feeling substantial. The highlights include:
- The Fourth Expedition
- Trials Season 5
- ARC Raiders & THE FINALS Crossover
- Store Update and Redesign
The Fourth Expedition in particular offers a shift in rewards, focusing on blueprints and raider tokens rather than the standard skill point progression found in previous cycles. As Embark continues to iterate on ARC Raiders throughout 2026, these changes reflect a concerted effort to balance the friction between different playstyles while providing clear, rewarding objectives for those venturing topside.