Matchmaking

Matchmaking is the process by which players are selected to play together. It applies to solo and duo rounds as well as to squads.

There are no aggressive or friendly "lobbies". In matching players a number of factors are taken into account, the most important being players' behavior in earlier rounds. Some raiders are almost always cooperative, while others are heavily engaged in PvP. Play styles are ranked in a continuous scale and the system places each individual with others nearby on that scale.

Similarity is more likely, not guaranteed. There is a higher chance of Raiders whose past play style is similar being matched - and a lower chance that they will be matched with Raiders whose style is very different. But there is no hard guarantee.

Behavior shapes matchmaking gradually. If players change how they play, the kind of Raiders they meet will gradually shift over time. Behavior influences what is most likely - but never locks anyone into a single experience.

In a squad the play style of each member affects matchmaking equally.

Factors which do not affect matchmaking

• One shot or kill does not immediately put you in “PvP-focused” lobbies. Matchmaking is not based on single moments - it looks at patterns over time, and changes tend to be gradual rather than instant.
• Loadout does not affect matchmaking. Matchmaking is not driven by your kit. Lobby difficulty is not based on how much your loadout costs.
• Looting knocked-out players does not affect matchmaking. Matchmaking looks at how players engage with other Raiders, not at what they do with their gear afterwards.
• Defending yourself is not treated the same as starting a fight. Notice, however, that Embark do not say that shooting back has no effect at all on matchmaking.