ARC Raiders 1.39.0 Introduces New Matchmaking Test and Major Fixes

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Embark Studios has rolled out ARC Raiders Live Update 1.39.0, bringing a fresh round of gameplay improvements, matchmaking adjustments, bug fixes, and quality-of-life updates. Although this isn’t a major content update, it makes several important changes based on player feedback, particularly to the matchmaking system.

One of the highlights is the addition of the Dweller Outfit to the in-game store, alongside numerous gameplay improvements and technical fixes.

Matchmaking gets another major update

Embark is continuing to refine ARC Raiders’ matchmaking system, with the biggest experiment in Update 1.39.0 focusing on defensive PvP.

Previously, defending yourself against another squad still had a small impact on your playstyle estimate. During this latest test, self-defense no longer counts at all. Only players or squads that initiate combat will have their playstyle rating affected.

Here’s how the new system works:

• If another squad damages, downs, or knocks out one of your teammates first, your entire squad is considered to be defending.
• Longer and more intense firefights carry greater weight than accidental shots or brief encounters.
• Joining an ongoing fight between other squads is still treated as starting combat.

Embark says it will closely monitor player feedback and matchmaking data over the coming weeks before deciding whether to make the change permanent.

The update also keeps two previous matchmaking improvements active, including separate matchmaking tracking for Solo, Duo, and Trio playlists introduced in Update 1.36.0, along with the optimization changes released in Update 1.38.0.

Gameplay changes

Version 1.39.0 addresses one of the more noticeable gameplay issues by fixing inconsistent damage dealt by:

• Seeker Grenades
• Wolfpack Grenades

Trinkets introduced with the Converging Paths project have also been updated. They now stack like other trinkets, while their drop rates have been adjusted to provide more consistent loot across different maps.

Audio improvements

Players should notice several audio enhancements, including:

• Improved footstep sounds while moving through water.
• More distinct sound effects for Dodge Rolls.
• Better ambient audio during selected cinematics.

Cosmetic updates

Several cosmetic customization issues have been resolved.

The Blindspot Set now correctly labels its headset toggle, while the Triumph and Scorta outfit customization options have been updated for greater consistency. The Scorta outfit also receives more accurate color names in the UI, and a missing backpack cosmetic description has been restored.

Map fixes

Update 1.39.0 includes a significant number of environment fixes.

Dam Battlegrounds received multiple collision, clipping, floating object, and terrain fixes, along with improvements to locations where players could become stuck.

Buried City has also been cleaned up with collision fixes, corrected materials, removal of invisible obstacles, and the closure of an out-of-bounds exploit involving the Snap Hook. Another issue trapping downed players near an overpass has also been fixed.

Reminder: ARC Raiders x THE FINALS crossover

The crossover event with THE FINALS remains active until July 30 at 3 PM CEST.

Players can still complete Contracts in THE FINALS to unlock the Azimuth Outfit and Archaeologist Backpack for ARC Raiders. Once the event switches over, players will instead be able to earn the Azimuth bundle for THE FINALS by playing ARC Raiders.

ARC Raiders 1.39.0 Patch Notes

Greetings Raiders!

Live Update 1.39.0 is going out right now, bringing various game fixes, changes & additional updates to the Matchmaking System. The Seeker & Wolfpack should no longer deal inconsistent damage and trinkets previously added in 1.33.0 can now stack! Additionally, you can find the new Dweller Outfit in the store.

Matchmaking Update: Testing Defensive PvP
Over the past months, improving matchmaking has been one of our top priorities. We’ve introduced various adjustments and improvements based on your feedback & requests.

Since our Notes on The Matchmaking System, one change has stood out with the community: defending yourself is no longer treated the same as starting a fight. It meant self-defense still counted toward your playstyle estimate, but with much less weight than starting a fight. Your feedback was positive, and many of you have asked us to take it further.

The most common follow-up request we’ve seen is to remove the impact of Defensive PvP entirely – going from reduced weight to none at all. Starting now, we’re testing exactly that. During the test, only the fights you choose to start will influence your playstyle estimate, and defending yourself won’t affect it at all. This includes knocking out enemies who attacked you first.

So what counts as starting a fight, and what counts as defending yourself? Here’s how the system reads an encounter:

Who’s defending: If the other squad damages, downs, or knocks out any of your squadmates first, your whole squad counts as defending – the squad that strikes first is the one that started the fight.
How it’s weighed: The more serious the encounter, the more it counts. A drawn-out firefight – with more damage dealt and raiders downed – weighs heavily, while a stray accidental hit or a brief exchange where the other squad flees after minimal damage still counts as starting a fight but weighs far less.
Third-partying: Jumping into a fight between other squads that’s already underway counts as starting a fight, too.
Over the coming weeks we’ll monitor our matchmaking metrics, watch how PvP develops Topside, and gather your feedback.

Matchmaking Changes: Follow-up
Two earlier changes are also still live: the Solo, Duo, and Trio matchmaking tracking from 1.36.0 and the matchmaking optimization adjustments from 1.38.0. We’re keeping a close watch on how both perform, but telemetry only tells us half the story – to get the full picture, we need to hear how your matches actually feel.

The matchmaking survey covers all of this, so take a minute to fill it out – your input is the other half, and it’s what turns our data into better decisions. Thank you, Raiders!

Reminder – ARC Raiders & THE FINALS Crossover
Raiders & Contestants, don’t forget! You’ve got until July 30th at 3PM CEST to complete the required Contracts in THE FINALS and earn the Azimuth outfit & the Archaeologist Backpack bundle in ARC Raiders.

Afterwards, we’re back to the Rust Belt! You’ll be able to earn the Azimuth bundle in THE FINALS by heading Topside and playing ARC Raiders.

Bug Fixes & Content Updates
Audio
Improved footstep audio in water.
Added more distinct Dodge Roll sounds and variations.
Adjusted ambient audio for certain cinematics.
Cosmetics
Fixed mislabeled customization toggles for the Blindspot Set. “No Headset” now controls the headset on Blindspot.
Updated customization toggles: The Triumph Set now uses Helmet Only; The Scorta Set now uses Gauntlet Off.
Updated Scorta outfit color names in the UI to better match the actual skin colors.
Fixed a missing UI string for a blue backpack cosmetic.
Gameplay
Fixed inconsistent damage for Seeker Grenade and Wolfpack Grenade.
Items
Fixed an issue where the Train model could appear in two places in the Raider Den when only one was owned.
Trinkets introduced alongside the Converging Paths project now stack similarly to other trinkets, and their drops have been adjusted for more consistent looting across maps.
Map
Fixed multiple clipping issues, floating props, landscape holes, and spots where players could get stuck on Dam Battlegrounds.
Fixed multiple collision and clipping issues on Buried City (including invisible obstacles), corrected materials, and resolved a spot where downed players could get stuck near an overpass.
Closed a hole in Buried City that allowed using the Snap Hook to go out of bounds.
Stability
Fixed an issue that could cause players to get stuck in the End of Round tunnel after leaving a map.
Fixed a startup crash that could occur after the photosensitive warning screen.
UI
Polished UI text and updated localization across supported languages.
Fixed an issue where item prices over 10,000 were shown with incorrect shorthand in the Trader tab when using Japanese or Simplified Chinese.
Updated localization for Trinket names and ARC terminology across menus.
Updated the start screen with a new looping background video.
Fixed an issue where pressing L3 on gamepad wouldn’t toggle the item tooltip on Ermal’s Select Items screen, and added a background blur to improve readability.
Updated Projects list and screens to group related Projects for easier browsing.
Updated Project UI: corrected text, improved previews for multi‑phase projects, and projects now unlock after playing 5 rounds.
Fixed an issue with background visuals updating incorrectly
Fixed an issue where Projects could fail to advance to the next step after completing a goal, even after contributing the required items.
The Projects Tab has been improved with added quest & step descriptions, more consistent text and reward tiles and restored navigation so completed stages can be reviewed after finishing a project.
Fixed an issue where the Trophy Display Raider Project rewards preview showed a duplicate “Howl” Emote.
Improved Expedition and Project UI: grouped projects only appear when at least one is active, fixed top bar navigation, and corrected Expedition step display.
Standardized the timer display across Project and Expedition screens for clearer countdowns.
Known Issues
We are investigating an ongoing issue where some XBOX players (particularly on Series S) are experiencing crashes.
The Quick Wheel item selection may suddenly swap to another item on the Wheel when closing the Quick Wheel and re-opening it quickly.
The Dolabra, Hullcracker and Rascal do not deal damage to training dummies on Practice Range.
The throw animation may sometimes fail to play when attempting to detonate a Trigger ‘Nade immediately after throwing it.
Some gadgets and throwables lack a “Cancel” button when preparing to throw them.
The weapon swap animation may appear broken if weapon swapping right after vaulting.
Player animations may appear broken when interrupting a search of the Baron Husk.
Shredders float to the ceiling in some rooms of the Hidden Bunker.
Leapers can jump through the ARC Turbine.
When picking up items, the pickup sound may not be the correct one.
When bringing items that give Merits with you into a Raid, the items will wrongfully display a Merits icon.
Shots taken while riding ARC may not register correctly.
Some doors may allow player flashlights’ beams to pass through instead of blocking the emitted light.
Some hairstyles may clip through the Reaver Outfit helmet.
We are aware of some clipping issues with the Triumph and Azimuth outfits.
Old Ermal offers may appear to be available in the ‘Acquire and Craft’ menu (visual only).
See you Topside,
//Raz
and The ARC Raiders Team

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ARC Raiders Live Update 1.39.0 focuses less on adding new content and more on improving the overall experience. The defensive PvP matchmaking test is the biggest gameplay change, while dozens of fixes across gameplay, maps, UI, cosmetics, and stability should make raids feel smoother and more reliable. Players should also keep an eye on future updates as Embark evaluates community feedback on the latest matchmaking experiment.