Embark Studios pushed an update to Arc Raiders within days of launch that adjusts how two-player squads are matched and cuts prices across the cosmetic store. Players who already bought items at the higher prices are getting automatic refunds of the difference in premium currency.
The new “duo priority” system aims to match two-player squads against other duos instead of three-player teams. It’s not a hard lock—the matchmaking prioritizes duos but won’t guarantee exclusive duo lobbies if it means longer queue times. The same soft approach already applies to solo matchmaking.
Players reported experiencing duo-favorable matches in the days before the official announcement, suggesting Embark quietly tested the system first.
In extraction shooters like Arc Raiders, a two-vs.-three disadvantage hits harder than in traditional modes. Teams face both AI enemies and other players, meaning a smaller squad burns through resources faster and has fewer bodies to cover revives or split attention during third-party fights. Evening out squad sizes reduces the friction when multiple teams collide mid-raid.
Cosmetic store prices dropped shortly after launch. Embark is crediting players who bought at the original prices with the difference automatically, an uncommon move for live-service launches that typically leave early adopters out in the cold.
The developer also clarified that upcoming premium “Raider Decks” will stick to cosmetics and convenience items—no pay-to-win gear. That distinction matters for a paid extraction shooter where loadout advantages can wreck competitive balance.
Embark chose to prioritize queue health over fully separate playlists. Splitting the player base into dedicated duo-only or solo-only queues can fragment matchmaking, especially across multiple regions and off-peak hours. The soft priority approach keeps pools broad while nudging toward fairer fights.
Fast moves from Embark
The studio has a track record of rapid adjustments. Its previous title, The Finals, saw frequent pricing tweaks and content updates based on early player feedback. That responsiveness appears to carry over to Arc Raiders, with these changes landing before most live-service games would finalize their first post-launch review.
Arc Raiders launched as a paid title around $40 with optional cosmetics and a seasonal battle pass. The game drops players into raids where they fight AI ARC machines, loot gear, and extract while competing against other squads—a format that demands tight matchmaking to keep encounters from feeling lopsided.
