Arc Raiders Duos Priority Matchmaking & Cosmetic Prices
Arc Raiders is an upcoming free-to-play extraction shooter, and players are asking whether it will include a duos mode with priority matchmaking and whether cosmetic prices will be trimmed. Based on the official information available as of now, the game will feature a duos mode, and matchmaking will prioritize filling squads with duos when possible, but there is no official confirmation of a separate “priority queue” for duos. Regarding cosmetics, the developers have stated that all cosmetic items will be earnable through gameplay, and while there will be a premium store, they have not announced any specific price trims.
Background: What Is Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is a cooperative third-person shooter developed by Embark Studios, a studio founded by former DICE employees. The game was originally announced as a player-versus-environment (PvE) title, but in 2023 the developers revealed a significant shift: the game is now an extraction shooter with player-versus-player-versus-environment (PvPvE) elements. In this mode, squads of three players drop into a map, fight AI-controlled enemies and other player squads, and try to extract with valuable loot. The game is set in a sci-fi world where humanity is under threat from robotic invaders called ARC. The game is planned for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and it will be free-to-play.
Duos Mode and Priority Matchmaking
Arc Raiders will include a duos mode, allowing players to team up with one other player. The matchmaking system will try to fill a squad with a duo and a solo player if a full trio is not available, but there is no separate “priority” queue that gives duos faster matchmaking. The developers have not announced any system that would prioritize duos over trios or solos. In practice, this means that if you queue as a duo, the game will attempt to find a third player to fill your squad, but you may sometimes be placed in a match with only two players if the matchmaking pool is small. This is similar to how other extraction shooters handle duos, such as Escape from Tarkov’s “duo” queue, which also does not guarantee a full squad.
How Matchmaking Works in Extraction Shooters
In extraction shooters, matchmaking is typically based on a combination of factors, including party size, skill level, and server region. The game tries to create balanced matches by grouping players of similar skill, but it also needs to fill lobbies quickly. For duos, the matchmaker will often pair two duos together to form a squad of four, or it will add a solo player to a duo to make a trio. In Arc Raiders, the squad size is three, so a duo will be matched with a solo player. The system does not use a separate “priority” flag for duos; instead, it uses a standard matchmaking algorithm that balances party size and skill. If you are in a duo and the matchmaker cannot find a solo player quickly, it may put you in a match with only two players, but this is not a deliberate “priority” system.
Cosmetic Prices and Monetization
Arc Raiders will be free-to-play, and the developers have stated that all gameplay-affecting items will be earnable through play. Cosmetics, such as weapon skins, character outfits, and vehicle skins, will be available for purchase with real money, but the prices have not been officially announced. The developers have said they want to keep the game fair and not “pay-to-win,” so cosmetics will not affect gameplay. There is no information about “trimming” cosmetic prices, as the game has not launched yet, and no price list has been published. Typically, free-to-play games price cosmetics between $5 and $20 for individual items, with bundles and battle passes offering more value. It is likely that Arc Raiders will follow a similar model, but nothing is confirmed.
How to Choose: Duos vs. Trios
When playing Arc Raiders, you can choose to queue as a solo, duo, or trio. If you play with a friend, duos is a good option because you can coordinate without needing a third player. However, duos can be at a disadvantage against trios, as you will have fewer players to cover angles and carry loot. If you are new to the game, playing with a full trio may be easier, as you have more support. If you prefer a more challenging experience, duos can be rewarding, but you need to be more careful. The matchmaking system will not give you a separate “priority” for duos, so you will wait the same amount of time as trios, but the game will try to fill your squad with a solo player.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that duos will have a separate matchmaking pool, which would lead to longer queue times. In Arc Raiders, the matchmaker uses a single pool for all party sizes, so duos will be matched with solos and trios. Another issue is that some players expect to be able to choose exactly who they are matched with, but the game does not offer a “preferred teammate” option. If you are in a duo and the game cannot find a solo player, you may be placed in a match with only two players, which can be frustrating. The developers have not announced a fix for this, but it is a common issue in extraction shooters. Another misconception is that cosmetic prices will be “trimmed” for the launch, but there is no evidence to support this. Prices will be set by the developers based on market research and the game’s economy.
Comparisons to Other Extraction Shooters
Arc Raiders is often compared to other extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown, and the upcoming Marathon. In Escape from Tarkov, duos are not officially supported; you can queue with a friend, but the game will not fill your squad with a solo player. Hunt: Showdown allows duos and trios, and it has a separate matchmaking pool for duos, which can lead to longer queue times. Arc Raiders seems to be taking a middle approach, allowing duos but not giving them a separate pool. This means duos will have shorter queue times, but they may face trios. In terms of cosmetics, Escape from Tarkov has a limited number of purchasable cosmetics, while Hunt: Showdown has a store with items priced between $2 and $10. Arc Raiders is expected to have a more extensive cosmetic store, but prices are unknown.
Safety and Fair Play
When it comes to cosmetics, it is important to remember that they are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay. This means that you are not at a disadvantage if you do not spend money. The developers have stated that they will not sell items that give a competitive advantage, such as weapons or armor. This is a good sign for fair play. However, it is always a good idea to be cautious when spending money in free-to-play games. Set a budget and stick to it, and remember that cosmetics are optional. If you are concerned about the game’s monetization, you can wait for the launch to see the actual prices and decide if they are reasonable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Arc Raiders have a duos mode?
Yes, Arc Raiders will feature a duos mode, allowing you to play with one other player. The game will try to fill your squad with a solo player, but if none is available, you may enter a match with only two players.
Is there a priority matchmaking for duos?
No, there is no separate priority queue for duos. The matchmaking system treats all party sizes equally, and duos will be matched with solos and trios in the same pool.
Will cosmetic prices be lower at launch?
There is no official information about cosmetic prices, so it is unknown if they will be “trimmed” or discounted at launch. The developers have not announced any pricing details.
Can I earn cosmetics without paying?
Yes, the developers have stated that all cosmetics can be earned through gameplay. You will be able to unlock items by playing, though some items may only be available for purchase.
Is Arc Raiders pay-to-win?
No, the developers have said that all gameplay-affecting items will be earnable through play, and cosmetics will not affect gameplay. The game is designed to be fair, with no pay-to-win elements.
What is the squad size in Arc Raiders?
The standard squad size is three players. You can queue as a solo, duo, or trio, but the game will always try to fill your squad to three players when possible.
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