Arc Raiders Duo Mode Introduced As Embark Studios Cuts Cosmetic Prices

Embark Studios has rolled out a significant update to Arc Raiders, introducing a dedicated duos mode while also cutting the price of in-game cosmetics. The changes arrive less than two weeks after the extraction shooter’s launch and signal a quick, confident response to player feedback. Arc Raiders Duo is designed to refine matchmaking for those who prefer tighter two-person squads, addressing one of the community’s most consistent requests since release.

Until now, matchmaking in Arc Raiders has divided the player base into solos and trios, leaving duos without a clear home. The new system prioritizes pairing duos with other duos, improving team balance and overall rhythm of play. The studio clarified that matchmaking times will remain the first priority, meaning players might still encounter mixed-size groups. Even so, the adjustment represents a tangible improvement for players who prefer two-person coordination over larger or solo engagements.

Arc Raiders new features included in the update:

• Duo matchmaking has been added to public lobbies
• Cosmetic prices lowered starting on November 13, store rotation
• Refunds for previous cosmetic buyers based on the new pricing
• Upcoming free and paid Raider Decks are detailed

Embark’s decision to reduce cosmetic prices follows mounting feedback that the store’s initial costs were too steep. Starting with the next store rotation on November 13, select items will see lowered prices, with refunds automatically distributed to those who previously paid the higher amounts. Players are advised to watch their Raider Tokens for adjustments. The change is meant to soften early criticism without disrupting the game’s steady growth.

Released on October 30, Arc Raiders has already become one of 2025’s surprise hits, outperforming expectations and surpassing the concurrent player record set earlier this year by Helldivers 2. The game’s arrival has even drawn attention away from bigger-budget competitors like Battlefield 6, underscoring how quickly Embark’s debut title has established itself within the extraction shooter landscape.

The developer’s social media post accompanying the update outlined additional plans beyond matchmaking and cosmetic revisions. Embark intends to expand Arc Raiders with a new map, additional quests, and more content in the coming months. It also clarified its approach to the game’s “Raider Decks,” the progression paths tied to unlocks and rewards. Presently, only one free Raider Deck exists. Future updates will introduce both free and paid versions, but only free decks will feature gameplay-impacting items. Paid decks will remain strictly cosmetic, a move clearly designed to avoid pay-to-win dynamics.

Community response to these announcements has been broadly positive. The addition of duos satisfies a practical demand for variety in match composition, while price adjustments demonstrate a willingness to recalibrate the in-game economy in line with player expectations. The game’s pace of updates so far—frequent, transparent, and tuned to feedback—suggests a live-service model focused on course correction rather than expansion for its own sake.

That distinction matters. With extraction shooters thriving on fairness and skill balance, monetization that preserves integrity is central to long-term trust. Embark’s early communication reflects an awareness of that balance and a desire to keep Arc Raiders grounded in cooperative play rather than commercial friction.

Read also, Arc Raiders Review: The Extraction Shooter That Finally Got It Right — Embark Studios’ long-awaited debut finds its stride with sharp gunplay, measured pacing, and a refreshingly fair progression system. The game’s use of AI voice acting has drawn debate across the industry, with Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney calling it an “opportunity” for innovation rather than a threat to performers.