Your Arc Raiders squad size should always impact how you play – here’s why

I know that ‘squad’ technically is several people. Still, here we’re going to look at your Arc Raiders’ squad size and show why the number of allies you have on Topside should impact the way you play. This has implications for your survivability, where you’ll find fun, and for questing. So essentially, everything you do.

If you’re thinking “there are only three queue options”, you’re right. But Arc Raiders is a game about possibilities and flexibility. This means you need to adapt to whatever is thrown at you. And if that’s a lobby full of “hey, don’t shoot”, you can respond however you see fit. Just know that if you’re staunchly solo, getting a friend along can change things rapidly. 

The first thing to understand about your Arc Raiders squad is actually the lobby size. Lobbies are believed to be around 21 players, anecdotally reported, since there’s no official word from Embark. This means there are up to 20 other players around, even if it doesn’t seem like it. Fine if all is quiet, but flying shots can set off a chain reaction. 

Now that you know the lobby size, you’ll know that if you’re not seeing players across the map, they’re potentially condensed into looting spots. How you approach those areas should then be impacted by whether you’re a solo, in a duo, or in a trio. This logic can help you stay on your toes and is an extra Arc Raiders survival tip. 

The rogue or nomad’s best friend, solo queues are undoubtedly more friendly than any other options. If we take the scenario above, where you’re hearing no shots and can’t see any aggroed Arc, you may be in with a lobby of ‘don’t shoot’. This is a better time to complete quests that are at the edges of the map and stock up on essentials before an easy extract. 

However, if you hear shots early on, even in the distance, immediately be on your toes. You’re potentially in with more action-ready players. Players who may be stocking up on Arc parts, but any shots could put you at risk, too. It makes sense to scout areas from a distance and check your surroundings carefully while keeping an eye out for Raiders.

Some people will disagree with the following, but Arc Raiders is PvEvP, so I’m saying it: sometimes it’s better to shoot first if you think you have the advantage. Solo queues are certainly more friendly, but taking out another Raider for their loot is legitimate, especially if you‘re hearing lots of shots. Heavy gunfire is the signal that it’s all Raiders for themselves.

Not the unbalanced affair it was at launch, since Embark announced they “silently tested and enabled Duo prioritized matchmaking”. This means that now, first, solos and squads should be kept separate wherever possible, and after they “prioritize Duos to play with other Duos, and for Trios to play with Trios”. So in theory, duos should now ideally face duos. It was properly added in an update on November 12, 2025. 

Embark has noted that matching squad sizes isn’t 100% guaranteed, because obviously, getting players into games is the priority. Yet as a duo, you’re ultimately the most flexible squad. You can quest together and have each other’s backs, or you can pick up or persuade a random solo to join you in-game…just in case you run into a trio. 

And you’re clearly still at a disadvantage against trios. Being on your guard, you’ll likely want to move more quietly and swiftly, unless you’re fully confident in your PVP. Sweeping through higher value spots, or hunting Arc, makes sense. Well-equipped duos are ideal for taking down Leapers, Bastions, and Bombardiers. Perhaps not Queens, without in-map allies.

Trios is the largest Arc Raiders squad size, at least for planned teams. And not only can you achieve more ‘high-value’ goals here, you’re also a bigger target, literally. Trio heavy lobbies are more PVP-focused because one, who needs more friends? And two, trio vs trio firefights are fun, and potentially lucrative. But do remember the lobby size we mentioned earlier. 

If you’re playing as a trio, there are 18 other players in-game with you. That could be six teams of three. So if you see a ‘lone’ player, they may not actually be solo, and you should be prepared in case backup arrives. Trio life is harder too: even solo or duo players can get in the way enough to mess up a run at a Harvester (no spoilers here).

Furthermore, as you move around the map, a trio is far likely to be tagged by Arc unless your routes are tight and you move smartly. It’s a bit like driving a tank or attack helicopter in Battlefield 6. You have firepower, but everyone wants to take you out and bathe in the glory of your downfall. Ultimately, though, a planned Trio is huge fun and absolutely recommended.

So there you are, some hugely important, or at least useful information about Arc Raiders’ squad sizes. Ultimately, you can play however you want, of course. But like any multiplayer game with persistent human elements, the social experiment will deliver noticeable ‘rules’ and trends. Or perhaps I’m thinking too deeply about it. 

Nonetheless, Arc Raiders remains a fantastic title for solo or multiplayer teamups, planned or otherwise. And it’s great to see Embark tweaking the matchmaking to (hopefully) the benefit of the citizens of the Rust Belt. Don’t forget there’s more content coming in the 2025 roadmap, too. What a time to be a Raider!