Developer Q&A: November 2026
With our next major update right around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to answer some of your frequently asked questions on topics including loot and Shelter mechanics, squad auto-fill improvements, new monster encounters, and more.
Squad & Matchmaking
Will Isolated Raids receive matchmaking or auto-fill options so solo players can group up with random operatives, or so duos can queue with a third teammate? Are there any other improvements planned for the auto-fill squad system?
Will Isolated Raids receive matchmaking or auto-fill options so solo players can group up with random operatives, or so duos can queue with a third teammate? Are there any other improvements planned for the auto-fill squad system?
We are actively working on expanding our squad functionality and matchmaking capabilities. Our goal is to let operatives search for teammates across various squad and queue combinations seamlessly, while also implementing safeguards to ensure random squadmates won't intentionally ruin your raid.
Are there any plans to expand squad sizes to support 4-player squads or larger?
Are there any plans to expand squad sizes to support 4-player squads or larger?
For now, larger squad sizes will be reserved for select special events and unique raid modes.
Waiting up to two hours for a specific map in the raid rotation feels too long, and overlapping rotations often force players to choose between locations like Dam and Dogorsk. Are there plans to rework the raid rotation system?
Waiting up to two hours for a specific map in the raid rotation feels too long, and overlapping rotations often force players to choose between locations like Dam and Dogorsk. Are there plans to rework the raid rotation system?
We are constantly monitoring live matchmaking statistics and player traffic data to fine-tune rotation timings and make map availability feel much more natural and accessible.
What is the official stance and policy on teamkilling? Is deliberate teamkilling a bannable offense?
What is the official stance and policy on teamkilling? Is deliberate teamkilling a bannable offense?
We take an uncompromising stance against any behavior solely intended to ruin another operative's experience. While accidental friendly fire is a realistic mechanic that can happen in the heat of combat, we are committed to expanding our anti-griefing tools so players can avoid toxic behavior and protect themselves against those who abuse their squad’s trust.
Shelter Customization
Will players eventually be able to customize or move fixed default items in the Shelter, like the couch? Some players aren't fans of the cluttered look.
Will players eventually be able to customize or move fixed default items in the Shelter, like the couch? Some players aren't fans of the cluttered look.
Yes, we plan to give you control over those default items.
Are you considering adding interactive features to the Shelter, such as sitting on chairs or sleeping on sofas? Will we eventually be able to visit other players' Shelters—like hanging out at the squad leader’s base before a raid?
Are you considering adding interactive features to the Shelter, such as sitting on chairs or sleeping on sofas? Will we eventually be able to visit other players' Shelters—like hanging out at the squad leader’s base before a raid?
The Agency expects its operatives in the field: there’s no time to sit or sleep when the entire Multiverse is on the line! Jokes aside, visiting other players' Shelters is in our plans, but still at the prototype stage. It could add more purpose and pride to all the time and creativity you put into decorating your base.
Combat, Monsters & Loot
How is the new mob-summoning mechanic planned to evolve? In the future, will players be able to spend high amounts of AM to summon larger squads, select their spawn locations, or customize enemy compositions (e.g., spending 100 AM to spawn an Alpha Flowerman)? Also, are potential exploits with this system being looked at?
How is the new mob-summoning mechanic planned to evolve? In the future, will players be able to spend high amounts of AM to summon larger squads, select their spawn locations, or customize enemy compositions (e.g., spending 100 AM to spawn an Alpha Flowerman)? Also, are potential exploits with this system being looked at?
We're actively gathering feedback following the initial rollout of this mechanic. This is only the first step — we plan to continually iterate on these “nests” and how they function to unlock more dynamic tactical possibilities.
Are there plans to allow players to use medical items directly on wounded teammates? If implemented, how would that function, and whose healing modifiers would apply?
Are there plans to allow players to use medical items directly on wounded teammates? If implemented, how would that function, and whose healing modifiers would apply?
Yes! We want players to be able to actively treat one another and step into a dedicated "combat medic" role for their squad, complete with dedicated healing bonuses and support mechanics.
Do you plan to add tougher monsters or unique match modifiers specifically tailored for Isolated Raids?
Do you plan to add tougher monsters or unique match modifiers specifically tailored for Isolated Raids?
Brand-new monsters — including much deadlier, high-tier threats — are already in development. We don't draw a hard dividing line between Open and Isolated Raids, so every operative will be able to cross paths with these new horrors.
That said, for Isolated Raids specifically, we have something exciting in the pipeline for players craving a far more intense challenge. We can't spill all the details quite yet — stay tuned for upcoming updates!
What plans are in place to boost overall loot value and bring back the excitement of finding high-tier gear during raids?
What plans are in place to boost overall loot value and bring back the excitement of finding high-tier gear during raids?
This is one of our top priorities right now. We want to introduce items of exceptional value, where discovering them delivers a genuine rush of adrenaline — whether you extract with them to use, refine or keep them as prized trophies in your Shelter. At the same time, we will be making these valuable drops "predictable enough" across hotspots so operatives are actively motivated to contest and battle for them.
World Lore & Audio
When can players expect the Active Matter soundtrack to drop on major streaming platforms?
When can players expect the Active Matter soundtrack to drop on major streaming platforms?
The soundtrack is currently available across most streaming services, and we are in the middle of transitioning our music catalog to a new digital distributor to restore it on Spotify and YouTube Music. Rest assured, the tracks will remain fully accessible across all current platforms and return once the migration wraps up!
What new music tracks are planned for the game, and will we be hearing more compositions from Akira Yamaoka?
What new music tracks are planned for the game, and will we be hearing more compositions from Akira Yamaoka?
Absolutely — Akira Yamaoka is actively composing more music for the game! On top of his incredible contributions, we have roughly 80 brand-new atmospheric tracks slated to roll out across various raid locations by the end of this year.
Do you plan to expand the storylines for various locations in future updates? The current narrative feels a bit sparse for immersive exploration on certain maps.
Do you plan to expand the storylines for various locations in future updates? The current narrative feels a bit sparse for immersive exploration on certain maps.
As you know, the game spans three distinct regions. Dalniy Island is currently our most fleshed-out territory, both in its available raids and the depth of its lore. We want to bring America (Saltriver City) and Africa (Anguka Anga) up to that same standard, so we are actively developing both regions further.
Even on Dalniy, though, our work is far from finished. The island’s currently inaccessible zones contain immense dangers, top-tier loot, and chilling revelations regarding the catastrophe that took place there.
Development & Community
Why isn't Steam profile customization available for Active Matter yet? Other games in the genre offer it, and we would love to show off cool gear on our profiles!
Why isn't Steam profile customization available for Active Matter yet? Other games in the genre offer it, and we would love to show off cool gear on our profiles!
Right now, all hands are on deck focusing on core gameplay improvements and polishing the overall experience. We plan to circle back to Steam community features a bit later down the road.
Can you give us a teaser on when the next major content update is dropping and what features we can expect to see in it?
Can you give us a teaser on when the next major content update is dropping and what features we can expect to see in it?
Further intel on our next major update is arriving very soon! We don't want to spoil the surprises just yet, so keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming announcements!
