ARC Raiders Confirms Live Update 1.39.0 Only Counts PvP Fights Players Choose to Start for Matchmaking

Embark Studios has rolled out Live Update 1.39.0 for ARC Raiders, introducing another major change to the game’s matchmaking system that further separates aggressive players from those who prefer a more defensive playstyle. Following positive community feedback to earlier adjustments, the developer is now testing a system where only PvP encounters initiated by players will influence their aggression rating, while self-defense will have no impact.

The update builds on matchmaking improvements introduced in previous patches, reflecting Embark‘s ongoing effort to create fairer matches based on player behavior rather than simply tracking every combat encounter. Alongside the matchmaking trial, Live Update 1.39.0 also includes gameplay fixes, UI improvements, cosmetic additions, and balance changes across the game.

Only player-initiated PvP will affect matchmaking

According to the official ARC Raiders Live Update 1.39.0 patch notes, Embark is responding directly to one of the community’s most requested features.

The developer explained,

“The most common follow-up request we’ve seen is to remove the impact of Defensive PvP entirely – going from reduced weight to none at all. Starting now, we’re testing exactly that. “

During the trial period, only fights that players choose to initiate will contribute to their playstyle estimate, which is used by the matchmaking system to group players with similar behavior.

Embark clarified that if another squad attacks first by damaging, downing, or knocking out any member of a team, the defending squad will not receive any aggression penalty—even if they eliminate the attackers. However, entering an existing battle as a third party will still count as initiating combat.

The studio also noted that the severity of each engagement continues to matter. Extended firefights involving multiple eliminations carry greater matchmaking weight than brief encounters or accidental shots.

Live Update 1.39.0 delivers bug fixes and gameplay improvements

Beyond matchmaking, Live Update 1.39.0 resolves numerous gameplay issues across ARC Raiders. Grenades used by the Seeker and Wolfpack enemies now deal consistent damage, while trinkets introduced in Update 1.33.0 can finally stack correctly.

The patch also improves footstep audio in water, updates multiple cosmetics, fixes clipping and collision issues on Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City, and introduces a new Dweller Outfit in the in-game store.

Several interface improvements have also been implemented, including better Project navigation, clearer localization, standardized timers, and more detailed progression screens. Embark confirmed that the previously introduced matchmaking systems for Solo, Duo, and Trio queues, along with team-size optimization, remain active while the studio continues collecting player feedback through an official matchmaking survey.

Meanwhile, the ongoing ARC Raiders x THE FINALS crossover event remains available until July 30, allowing players to unlock exclusive cosmetic rewards before the event concludes.