Arc Raiders' new matchmaking option is a big letdown that almost nobody will use: "Solos vs Squads" lets you sign up to lose 1v3 fights in exchange for bonus XP

1. Games
2. Third Person Shooters
3. Arc Raiders

Arc Raiders' new matchmaking option is a big letdown that almost nobody will use: "Solos vs Squads" lets you sign up to lose 1v3 fights in exchange for bonus XP News By Austin Wood published 26 January 2026

Thanks, I guess?

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Embark Studios) Share Share by:

• Copy link
• Facebook
• X
• Whatsapp
• Pinterest
• Flipboard
• Email

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google

Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has revealed the big Headwinds update coming to the game on Tuesday, January 27, and the leading act is a new matchmaking option exclusive to level 40+ players called "Solos vs Squads." It's exactly what it sounds like: high-level solo raiders can choose to jump into lobbies full of three-player teams if they are simply that desperate to die.

The point of this new mode is to add "higher-stakes encounters" to Arc Raiders, Embark says in a press release. "Experienced solo players" can opt into the squad queue for a little spice, and in return they'll get "bonus XP at the end of each run, regardless of outcome."

That last stipulation, "regardless of outcome," feels pretty telling. It may as well read: when you inevitably die because you have one gun, they have three, and last I checked three was more than one. Make no mistake, solo players are, by design, fated to lose in this mode. The odds are massively, demonstrably stacked against you, and I'm personally struggling to see the payoff.

You may like

• Arc Raiders' Headwinds update lands tomorrow, and theories we're getting 4-player squads aren't going well with everyone
• Arc Raiders' next big update is out tomorrow, and we were all wrong about the new map condition
• Arc Raiders players make a plea to Embark: don't let PvP in trios poison your solo "aggression-based" matchmaking

Three-player lobbies are already more PvP-heavy compared to solo lobbies, and their loot is more contested. As a solo player going into the squad queue, you really are asking to get gunned down. If anything, many teams will likely be more willing to shoot on sight just on the off chance they've found a lone wolf. People already get frustrated when a trio happens to slip into a duo-focused lobby through matchmaking variance; signing up for an even greater disadvantage doesn't sound appealing.

Unless that bonus XP is absolutely massive, I would not expect most people to play this mode, if they touch it at all. Even then, loot is the focus with Arc Raiders, not XP, and this mode makes it significantly less likely you will successfully extract with loot as a solo player. You might feel differently if you're a stealth enthusiast who likes the thrill of evading everyone, a Twitch streamer who shoots everyone, or a PvP demon who thinks they can reliably beat three people.

There is some novelty to this mode, and it could make for interesting social interactions. Maybe that's enough. And in a way, it is nice to see that Embark is willing to try features that relatively few people will probably use. But I'm struck by a sense that Arc Raiders' first new matchmaking option won't move the needle – really, won't even register – for the vast majority of players. Since the Headwinds announcement, I've seen a lot of people excitedly discussing potential new modes that were all... not this. To some extent, it can't help but feel disappointing.

I'm more excited by the rest of the update, I'll tell you that. There's a "Bird City" minor map condition that covers Buried City in flocks of birds carrying shiny treasures, and a new project that lets you hand in Arc parts for bonus rewards including cosmetics and blueprints. There's also unquestionably good news for matchmaking: squad invite settings will allow your friends, not just the team leader, to invite people to lobbies, and open party settings will let people join directly.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Everything in the Arc Raiders Escalation roadmap.

CATEGORIES PS5 Xbox Series X PC Gaming Platforms PlayStation Xbox Austin WoodSocial Links NavigationSenior writer

Austin has been a game journalist for 12 years, having freelanced for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, IGN, Sports Illustrated, and more while finishing his journalism degree. He's been with GamesRadar+ since 2019. They've yet to realize his position is a cover for his career-spanning Destiny column, and he's kept the ruse going with a lot of news and the occasional feature, all while playing as many roguelikes as possible.

Show More Comments

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more Arc Raiders' Headwinds update lands tomorrow, and theories we're getting 4-player squads aren't going well with everyone    Arc Raiders' next big update is out tomorrow, and we were all wrong about the new map condition    Arc Raiders players make a plea to Embark: don't let PvP in trios poison your solo "aggression-based" matchmaking    Arc Raiders players plead with Embark Studios to "make a duos mode," but not all fans of the new shooter are convinced: "This game isn't meant to be a balanced team death match"    While playing Arc Raiders, Embark leads clarify they only added true "aggression-based" matchmaking fairly recently    Arc Raiders devs have discussed special raids like high-value rounds where you have to bring in good gear, but "don't want to segment the player base too much"    Latest in Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders' Bird City map modifier explained    Arc Raiders' next big update is out tomorrow, and we were all wrong about the new map condition    Arc Raiders' Headwinds update lands tomorrow, and theories we're getting 4-player squads aren't going well with everyone    How to resupply yourself and your teammates with the Supply Pack in Helldivers 2    Tips for beating the new Helldivers 2 Commando Missions and the best gear    Arc Raiders 2026 roadmap revealed: exclusive matchmaking for lvl 40+ players, "new large Arc," beach map teased    Latest in News The Penguin breakout star Cristina Milioti says Sofia Falcone is "definitively not" in The Batman 2    Hours after launch, Highguard has "Mostly Negative" reviews and a peak of 97,000 players on Steam    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 uses Unreal Engine 4 because "we're already familiar" with it, director explains    As GTA 6 looms near Fable's fall release date, Xbox Game Studios head isn't super worried about Rockstar    "I wish Highguard had been received better," CEO admits, after cancelling a planned Apex Legends-style shadow drop    Prince of Persia remake cancellation is "the most devastating moment" of voice actor's career after 3 years of work    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Code Vein 2 review: "This vampire take on Elden Ring almost works, but the dungeons themselves lack bite"
2. 2Looking for a good 2-player board game? This superhero adventure is worth suiting up for
3. 3Trails Beyond the Horizon review: "This JRPG's thrilling real-time and turn-based hybrid combat is finely balanced"
4. 4Scythe review: "This alt-history board game is still a gold standard for modern strategy"
5. 5Skate Story review: "A beautiful and unique skateboarding game with great, stylized visuals set in a grungy underworld"

1. 1Return to Silent Hill review: "Neither an impressive adaptation nor coherent enough to act as a standalone film"
2. 228 Years Later: The Bone Temple review: "The wildest and weirdest entry into the franchise yet"
3. 3Avatar: Fire and Ash review: "Still a technical marvel, with some of the year's best action filmmaking"
4. 4Five Nights at Freddy's 2 review: "We have waited two years for a Five Nights at Freddy's 1.5"
5. 5Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"

1. 1Wonder Man review: "A low-key gem that's up there with the MCU's best"
2. 2Starfleet Academy review: "It may feel a little different to what we're used to, but this is Star Trek through and through"
3. 3A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review: "This Game of Thrones spin-off is a surprisingly heartfelt and fun return to Westeros"
4. 4Stranger Things season 5 finale review: “Shows off both the best and the worst of Hawkins”
5. 5Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2 review: “All set up for a finale that has so much to deliver”