Embark Studios has implemented a significant competitive overhaul in ARC Raiders via patch 1.36.0, introducing separate leaderboards and evaluation systems for solo, duo, and trio play. This update addresses a primary community grievance by ensuring players are no longer ranked against groups with numerical advantages, effectively ending the “chaos” of mixed-team competition that existed since the game’s initial trials.
The update separates the player base into distinct categories based on squad size. According to technical notes from Softonic, patch 1.36.0 ensures that solo players, duos, and trios are now evaluated independently. This systemic shift prevents the imbalance that occurred when individual players were forced to compete for the same rankings as three-person coordinated teams.
For months, the community has called for this separation to ensure a fair playing field. Reports from PPE and GRYOnline.pl indicate that the previous unified system created an environment where solo players were at a severe disadvantage, making high-tier rankings nearly impossible to achieve without a full squad. The introduction of these segregated brackets allows for a more accurate reflection of individual skill and small-team coordination.
Patch 1.36.0 and the End of Mixed-Team Ranking
The core of the “revolution” in ARC Raiders centers on the fairness of the competitive ladder. By decoupling the rankings, Embark Studios has acknowledged that the tactical requirements and survival probabilities of a solo operative differ fundamentally from those of a trio. This change is designed to stabilize the competitive environment and reward players based on the specific constraints of their chosen playstyle.
When solo players feel the system is rigged in favor of larger groups, the incentive to engage with the extraction loop diminishes. By providing a dedicated solo leaderboard, the developers are creating a viable path for "lone wolf" players to achieve prestige and rewards without needing to find a consistent group of teammates.
Impact on ARC Raiders Trials Season 5
This ranking overhaul coincides with the rollout of Season 5 for the ARC Raiders Trials. According to EGW.News, Season 5 introduces a new set of deadlines, rewards, and specific tasks that players must complete to progress. The timing of the leaderboard split is intended to give players a fresh start under a more equitable system as they chase the new seasonal objectives.
The synergy between the new ranking system and Season 5’s reward structure means that the “grind” for high-tier loot and cosmetics is now segmented. Players can now track their progress against others who are facing the same operational limitations, which reduces the frustration associated with the previous “chaos” of the unified boards.
Strategic Shifts in Gameplay and Fairness
Beyond the leaderboards, the update reflects a broader effort by Embark Studios to refine the game’s balance. GRYOnline.pl reported that certain features were unexpectedly disabled or adjusted to ensure the developers could maintain a “fair” environment. This indicates a willingness to strip back mechanics that inadvertently favor larger groups over individuals.
The shift toward a more structured competitive environment suggests that ARC Raiders is moving away from a "survival of the fittest" approach—where the fittest was simply the largest group—toward a skill-based ecosystem.
For those looking for the most current updates on Season 5 tasks and the new ranking brackets, official patch notes are available via the Embark Studios official channels.
Share your experience with the new leaderboards in the comments below.