Arc Raiders duo queue now permanently supported

Arc Raiders players can finally queue up as duos, and here’s the twist: you could have done it days ago, quietly. Embark Studios just lifted the lid on their stealth duo matchmaking experiment, confirming not only that the option is here to stay, but that it’s now an official part of the game.

This move comes with another community-driven shift; lower cosmetic prices, plus refunds for anyone who paid more before the update. Embark is also going on record: there’s no pay-to-win edge coming to Arc Raiders, even with premium raider decks hitting the game soon.

Stealth Duo Queue, Now Official

Without warning, Embark Studios slipped duo queue matchmaking into Arc Raiders last week, quietly monitoring behind the scenes. Today, they announced what eagle-eyed players may already have noticed: duo queue is now not just allowed, but officially supported. Got a buddy? Jump in, no more relying on random luck or crowd-sourced hacks just to squad up as two.

Here’s how duo matchmaking works, according to the team: solo players and full squads will always be prioritized to be matched with their own kind. After those are sorted, duos get paired with other duos, and trios find each other too. Embark clarifies one key point; the system isn’t foolproof. Sometimes, you might get thrown into an odd-numbered squad or find yourself with unfamiliar party sizes. This openness about the matchmaking logic is refreshing, even if it means the occasional wonky matchup.

Cosmetic Prices Drop, Refunds On The Way

It wasn’t just gameplay getting tweaks. Responding to player pain points, Embark Studios is cutting in-game cosmetic prices effective November 13. If you purchased cosmetics before the change, you’re not left out in the cold; you’ll get the difference refunded direct to your account. No complicated claims process. No hidden hoops to jump through. The studio says it’s all about listening to feedback and making things right for early spenders.

This price drop covers all existing cosmetic items in the shop. If you’ve been eyeing a particular outfit or accessory, November 13 is your moment; the new, cheaper prices kick in then. Players who paid the old rate won’t see their money disappear; instead, they’ll get refunded automatically, showing that Embark is serious about keeping its community on side.

No Pay-to-Win: What Premium Raider Decks Actually Offer

The Arc Raiders team took special care to squash one of the biggest worries: that paid progression would start to creep into pay-to-win territory. Raider decks are basically Arc Raiders’ in-game battle passes, progress paths where you unlock stuff as you play. For now, there’s only a free version, but premium decks will be joining the shop soon. That raised some eyebrows among longtime players, who don’t want the balance thrown off.

Embark’s answer? Only the free Raider Deck ever includes gameplay items. The studio shares, “To help you along the way as a new Raider, we have included some Gameplay Items in the free Raider Deck, which can be unlocked via progression. There are no Pay to Win items in the premium Raider Decks. The focus for premium Decks are based on cosmetics and convenience.”

So what gets left out of the premium decks? Any item that could change the way you play. All gameplay-affecting rewards stay unlockable only through regular play, not your wallet. Premium decks are strictly about looking cooler, or maybe a little extra convenience, but not power.

If you want to dive deeper, Embark Studios is sharing ongoing updates and clarifications on their official website. Players who want the full hands-on experience, or to see how these changes really feel day-to-day—can jump into a match now, with duo queue running and new cosmetic prices about to take effect.