ARC Raiders recently received Live Update 1.39.0. While this update isn't massive in terms of content, the changes it brings, especially the adjustments to the matchmaking system, have a far more profound impact than they appear on the surface. So what exactly has changed in this update? Let's break it down one by one.

Matchmaking System: Defensive PvP No Longer Affects Matchmaking

This is the most crucial and noteworthy change in this update.

From Mitigation to Zero

Early on launch, ARC Raiders introduced a hidden matchmaking system called Aggression-Based Matchmaking (ABMM) - the system groups players based on their in-game behavior. Simply put, players who prefer aggressive PvP will be matched together, while those who prefer PvE and avoid direct combat will enter relatively peaceful matches.

In the May update, a significant change was made: defensive PvP and initiating combat were no longer treated equally. This means that while defensive counterattacks would still be recorded in your behavior profile, their weight was far lower than initiating combat.

The 1.39.0 update takes an even bigger step: the impact of defensive PvP on matchmaking will be completely eliminated, instead of being less significant. Only initiating attacks will affect your playstyle assessment; defensive counterattacks (including knocking down the enemy who attacks you first) will have absolutely no impact on matchmaking.

How is self-defense defined?

So, how does the AI ​​determine whether you are initiating an attack or acting in self-defense under threat? The official update announcement explains in detail how the system identifies the nature of an encounter:

If the enemy squad first damages, knocks down, or eliminates your teammates, then your entire squad is considered the defending side, and the squad that initiates the attack is the initiator of the fight. Furthermore, the more intense the battle (the greater the damage, the more knockdowns), the greater the impact on matchmaking.

While an accidental friendly fire incident or brief exchange of fire (with the other side quickly retreating) still counts as initiating combat, its weight will be much lower. Interestingly, third-party intervention in an ongoing battle between two sides is also considered initiating combat.

What does this change mean?

For solo players, this is undoubtedly a huge benefit. ARC Raiders' solo mode is already prone to ambushes, and previously, even self-defense could gradually push your matchmaking pool towards higher-intensity PvP. Now you can confidently retaliate without fear of punishment.

The impact is equally profound for duo and trio players. Because if even one member of a squad is attacked first, the entire squad will be considered on the defensive. This means that teams that want to explore together but don't necessarily intend to actively hunt other players will no longer be labeled as aggressive by the system for a single self-defense exchange.

It's worth noting that the previous 1.36.0 update already implemented completely independent tracking of matchmaking profiles for solo, duo, and trio modes. In other words, playing aggressively in duo or trio queue won't affect your ability to pursue a peaceful match environment in solo mode.

However, it's important to note that this is still a test. The official statement indicates they will continue to monitor matchmaking data, observe PvP trends in Topside, and collect player feedback over the next few weeks.

Potential Issues

While this adjustment resolves the issue of being penalized for forced counterattacks in ARC Raiders, it may also introduce new balance challenges. The biggest risk is that some players might try to exploit the matchmaking mechanism, disguising aggressive PvP as defensive behavior.

For example, they might lure the opponent into firing in a low-risk manner, then use a defensive counterattack as a pretext to avoid being flagged as a high-aggression player by the matchmaking system. If this behavior becomes widespread, the differentiation effect of ABMM might be weakened, allowing teams that actually prefer hunting players to enter a more peaceful matchmaking pool.

In the long term, the official team needs to continuously monitor changes in player behavior and adjust the matchmaking rules accordingly. Otherwise, the mechanism originally designed to protect peaceful players might be exploited by players more adept at manipulating the rules.

Shop Updates and Trinkets Stacking

Dweller Set

This update introduces the brand-new Dweller Set in the shop. The biggest highlight of this outfit is its highly modular customization options:

• Multiple color schemes available
• Switchable mask visual effects
• Removable sleeves, hood, and leg pouches
• Changeable gloves, goggles, gas mask, straps, and other accessories

Notably, removing the sleeves reveals details of the mechanical arm, giving the entire outfit a more wasteland scavenger feel. A new burnt scar face customization option has also been added.

QoL Improvement

In 1.39.0 update, a very useful change was made: Trinkets introduced in Converging Paths can now be stacked. For players who regularly collect various ARC Raiders items, this change finally alleviates inventory space pressure.

However, it's a bit of a shame that this change only went live after the event ended, and during the event, these tickets took up a lot of inventory space, which many players complained about.

Bug Fixes and Gameplay Optimizations

Weapon Fixes

The issue of inconsistent damage between Seeker Grenade and Wolfpack Grenade has been fixed. If you previously felt that the damage of these two grenades was inconsistent, it wasn't an illusion; it was indeed a bug.

Audio Optimizations

1. Improved footsteps in water.
2. Added clearer sound effects and variations to Dodge Roll.
3. Adjusted ambient sound effects for some cutscenes.

Map Fixes

1. Several maps have received collision and environmental improvements:
2. Dam Battlegrounds: Fixed clipping issues, removed floating items, patched terrain holes, and resolved player getting stuck positions.
3. Buried City: Fixed collision issues and invisible obstacles, corrected texture issues, removed a bug that allowed players to go out of bounds using the Snap Hook, and fixed an issue where downed players would get stuck near overpasses.

Related: ARC Raiders Update 1.39.0 ABMM Matchmaking | Defensive PvP Changes Create New Problems

Overall, while 1.39.0 isn't a massive update, its adjustments to the matchmaking system may have a long-term impact on the future PvP ecosystem of ARC Raiders. How the official team adjusts ABMM based on data feedback will determine whether this system can truly achieve a fairer gaming environment.