ARC Raiders Update 1.36.0 Adds Long-Requested Solo, Duo, and Trio Matchmaking System

Embark Studios has released ARC Raiders Update 1.36.0, delivering one of the community’s most requested features since launch: separate matchmaking for Solo, Duo, and Trio play. The change addresses a long-standing complaint about the game’s aggression-based matchmaking system, which previously used a single hidden playstyle rating regardless of squad size.

According to the official ARC Raiders Live Update 1.36.0 notes, players who enjoy peaceful solo scavenging but aggressive squad-based PvP will now be matched independently in each playlist. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements, increased loot rewards, anti-cheat progress, and a crossover event with THE FINALS.

Separate matchmaking ratings arrive after player feedback

One of ARC Raiders’ defining features is its aggression-based matchmaking, which groups players based on how often they engage in PvP. While the system encouraged different playstyles, many players pointed out that switching between solo exploration and team-focused combat often resulted in inconsistent matchmaking.

Responding to feedback collected through a matchmaking survey in May, Embark Studios confirmed it has now separated matchmaking ratings for each squad size.

The developer explained:

“We now track your playstyle separately for Solo, Duo, and Trio rounds, and match you accordingly.”

The studio added that players can now move from

“friendly questing and plant-picking in Solo rounds to adrenaline-fueled PvP Trio games”

without one playstyle affecting the other. The same independent tracking also applies to Duo matches.

More loot, anti-cheat improvements, and THE FINALS crossover

Beyond matchmaking, Update 1.36.0 significantly increases the loot dropped by ARC Turbines, with Embark acknowledging that the rewards previously didn’t match the challenge required to defeat them.

The update also introduces new Expedition and Trials rewards, a redesigned in-game store, and a crossover with THE FINALS. From July 9 to July 30 (CEST), players can complete Contracts in THE FINALS to unlock the Azimuth Outfit and Archeologist Backpack Bundle in ARC Raiders. The promotion will later reverse, allowing players to earn the same rewards in THE FINALS by playing ARC Raiders.

Embark also confirmed that the rollout of Denuvo Anti-Cheat is now complete for all players. According to the studio, improvements to its anti-cheat systems—including hardware detection and machine learning-driven input analysis—have already produced promising results. The team also said it has fixed several item duplication exploits and plans to expand its experimental “No Free Loadouts” system to additional map conditions in the future.

While the update resolves numerous gameplay, UI, quest, and map issues, Embark acknowledged that it is still investigating lower-than-expected FPS on PC and crash reports affecting some Xbox Series S players.