Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Saros review
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • Delta Force giveaway
Don't miss these
Multi-colored digital man stares at the camera
FPS Games Marathon boss says extraction shooters are like The Lord of the Rings and that's why they need PvP
Arc Raiders soldier holding assault rifle
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders guns will finally repair when upgraded, but Embark counters by making them break faster
Arc Raiders screenshot of a helmet lying in sand
Third Person Shooters Tarkov chief is right: Arc Raiders is an extraction shooter for casual people, that's why I like it
Arc Raiders player holding a gun in red light
Third Person Shooters Marathon, Arc Raiders, and Last Flag devs discuss the ongoing evolution of multiplayer shooters
Escape from Tarkov Steam screenshots
FPS Games Escape from Tarkov boss says Arc Raiders is "an extraction shooter for casual people"
Arc Raiders Riven Tides cosmetics
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders gets biggest update in months with Riven Tides: Embark reveals beach map and Arc Turbine
Arc Raiders player holding a gun in red light
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders studio contacted by crime scientist "intrigued by how players are interacting"
Arc Raiders raider swinging a hammer at an Arc
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders players complain Riven Tides update took a hammer to weapon durability
Arc Raiders Bastion chasing a player
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders makes huge Expedition changes, bonus skill points now free but earned by dealing damage
Arc Raiders chicken Scrappy in machine helmet
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders players all sigh with relief as Embark extends new Expedition challenge window
Arc Raiders Wasp Hunter armor set with yellow leather
Third Person Shooters "Players shouldn't feel fully safe" in Arc Raiders even in friendly lobbies, lead dev says
Marathon
FPS Games Marathon isn't taking Arc Raiders' approach to aggression-based matchmaking, but the FPS will still accommodate PvE runs
Arc Raiders automaton in a headset
Third Person Shooters Embark tells Arc Raiders fans expect "significant changes" to skill tree, admits many skills suck
Arc Raiders characters drinking at a bar
Third Person Shooters As Arc Raiders gets stale for some, dev says players "reaching the end of our content" are a focus
Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky update
Third Person Shooters Embark nerfs Arc Raiders' Venator once more, and the Kettle and Stitcher are also getting reined in
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Third Person Shooters
  3. Arc Raiders

Arc Raiders players plead with Embark Studios to "make a duos mode," but not all fans of the new shooter are convinced: "This game isn't meant to be a balanced team death match"

News
By Anna Koselke published 10 November 2025

"Stop trying to make the game what you want"

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Arc Raiders
(Image credit: Embark)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
3
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Arc Raiders is finally here, following multiple delays, much to players' delight – but not all are pleased with the competitive third-person shooter's lack of duo queues.

Although you can queue with just one of your pals in Arc Raiders, you aren't actually joining a "duo" queue. You might be pitted against a trio of players instead of just two, making the experience much more difficult as you grapple to overcome the shooter's PvP with fewer teammates on your side. These missing duos have been a point of contention over the past couple of days, with online discussions highlighting as much.

Embark we are in desparate need of DUOS mode 🥲 from r/ArcRaiders

As one Reddit thread reads, "Embark [Studios], we are in desperate need of a duos mode." The poster then explains their position: "EMBARK, please make a duos mode, that's in my opinion the only thing this game is currently missing. I am really tired of playing against trios while I want to play with my friend." Comments see fellow fans agree, with one reading, "I'll even take duo-prioritization over a true duos mode."

Article continues below
You may like
  • The Last of Us 2 Arc Raiders lead was surprised The Last of Us players liked the game, just not "PvP all the time"
  • Arc Raiders cold snap As Arc Raiders enters a peaceful era of jolly cooperation, I'm begging Embark Studios to make the robots terrifying again
  • Arc Raiders Arc Raiders testers told Embark "they didn't like the PvP" after the game pivoted, and looting wasn't any better

They continue: "If the queue time is too long, sure, throw us into threes, but at least try to fill the whole lobby with other duos for a minute." Elsewhere, a separate post exclaims, "Please matchmake duos against duos…" Not everyone feels the same, however. As another thread reads, "Stop asking for duos only. This game was made PvPvE. It's meant to be stressful and outnumbered if you don't go in a group of three."

The frustrated fan goes on: "You don't see the solos asking for solos-only lobbies. Stop trying to make the game what you want and play it the way it's meant to be. Y'all are going to get your wish and duos added, then you're going to stop playing and have the player base split."

Surprisingly, they're not alone in this opinion. Another thread proves so, with its poster stating, "I'm a duo and I don't want duos."

arcraiders from r/ArcRaiders/comments/1olgdyr/im_a_duo_and_i_dont_want_duos

Why, though? "Adding a duo-only mode will lengthen the queue times and take away from the main game," they detail. "This game isn't meant to be a balanced team death match, and honestly, it's what makes this game so brilliant."

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

It seems the Arc Raiders community is split on this debacle – but it doesn't look to be negatively impacting the game's reception. Just check its very successful launch day and subsequent "Very Positive" review on Steam.

Our own Arc Raiders review describes the new Embark Studios shooter as boasting "the most memorable multiplayer experiences" of the year, so it's safe to say it's a banger. Here's hoping that, regardless, the duos issue is ironed out somehow in the future.

After backing Arc Raiders over Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for GOTY, FPS legend Shroud says there should be different categories for multiplayer and single-player

CATEGORIES
PC Gaming PS5 Xbox Series X Platforms PlayStation Xbox
Anna Koselke
Anna Koselke
Social Links Navigation
Staff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
The Last of Us 2
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders lead was surprised The Last of Us players liked the game, just not "PvP all the time"
 
 
Arc Raiders cold snap
Third Person Shooters As Arc Raiders enters a peaceful era of jolly cooperation, I'm begging Embark Studios to make the robots terrifying again
 
 
Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders testers told Embark "they didn't like the PvP" after the game pivoted, and looting wasn't any better
 
 
Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders "needs that element of tension and risk" from PvP, but Embark knows people are loving its "safer lobbies"
 
 
Arc Raiders character in witch huntress skin holding a shotgun in the dark
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders Steam reviews wobble as it's called "very frustrating" and labelled "stale"
 
 
An Arc Raiders taking cover behind a ruined car as a giant spider-like robot towers over the road
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders players are killing bigger enemies too fast, devs admit, because they're "not intended" to be dogpiled
 
 
Latest in Third Person Shooters
Pragmata Diana hacking in the Shelter with her arm outstretched
Third Person Shooters Capcom teases that Pragmata might have a future as a franchise
 
 
Arjun holds up his hands in a Saros cinematic
Third Person Shooters "We live on the fringe": In Saros, Housemarque's greatest influence is itself
 
 
Helldivers 2
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 boss says updates are "not an exact science" because the "community changes" constantly
 
 
Arc Raiders raider swinging a hammer at an Arc
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders players complain Riven Tides update took a hammer to weapon durability
 
 
Ship Models in Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters How to find all Ship Models in Arc Raiders
 
 
The Powered Descender in Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters Powered Descender Blueprint location in Arc Raiders
 
 
Latest in News
Pragmata Diana hacking in the Shelter with her arm outstretched
Third Person Shooters Capcom teases that Pragmata might have a future as a franchise
 
 
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 peasants drinking at a table
RPGs Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 studio insists AI used in "early stages of production" only
 
 
Elder Scrolls Online
MMO Games ESO vet hates when people think the MMO is a "WoW clone" since "you're not going to have fun at all"
 
 
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced reveal showcase screenshot shows Edward Kenway at the wheel of a ship.
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced grants my wish and cuts PS3-era online nonsense
 
 
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 soldier squatting down
RPGs Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 devs won't confirm Lord of the Rings game, but do affirm a new RPG
 
 
Andy Serkis as Snoke in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars Movies Andy Serkis says playing Snoke in The Force Awakens was "a massive challenge" because he was constantly "evolving"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Pragmata Diana hacking in the Shelter with her arm outstretched
    1
    Capcom teases that Pragmata might have a future as a franchise, after at least 6 years in development hell pays off with 1 million sales in 2 days
  2. 2
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 studio insists AI used in "early stages of production" only, dodges questions about translator allegedly replaced by AI but says "we do not see AI as a substitute for human work"
  3. 3
    Elder Scrolls Online vet hates when people call the MMO a "WoW clone" since "you're not going to have fun at all" if you play it like Blizzard's game
  4. 4
    Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced grants my wish and cuts PS3-era online nonsense, but now it's been replaced with the modern online nonsense of Shadows
  5. 5
    Andy Serkis says playing Snoke in Star Wars: The Force Awakens was "a massive challenge" because the humanoid was "evolving as we were going along"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...