Arc Raiders PvE Test
"To make a long story short, we’re going to be running a test with a PvE matchmaking toggle. This is how it will work:
- The test will run from October 13-20, 2026.
- During the test, you will be able to toggle between the classic Arc Raiders PvPvE experience and the PvE experience.
- In the PvE experience there will be zero player-to-player damage, and the session is purely focused on the ARC threat and co-op social dynamics.
- PvE sessions will include Solos, Duos and Trios in the same session.
- We’re designing the system for seamless switching, play PvE for a relaxed solo session then switch back to PvPvE for a high tension match.
- Some major conditions, Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate will be excluded from the PvE matchmaking test. These are designed with higher tension in mind and rely on the uncertainty of encountering a variety of players.
- Your PvPvE matchmaking rating will not be affected while playing in PvE sessions.
- It’s important to remember that this is, at least initially, a limited test. When the test ends, the toggle will be removed and matchmaking will return to normal. Your feedback and data will help to shape the future of this system."
(Via Arc Raiders blog)
Despite hesitation, Embark is finally giving a purely PvE version of Arc Raiders a try. It's interesting how they're approaching it as a toggle: Essentially all else about the match will be the same, except that players can't damage each other. Loot will be slightly less valuable than PvPvE sessions to account for the lower risk taken.
Embark has been open about its belief that Arc Raiders' PvP is integral to the experience, but this PvE test exists to "respect that our players have different needs than what we first envisioned." There is no guarantee that anything permanent will come of the test, or that future PvE modes will resemble this toggle.
"We have to respect that some players want to enjoy the game in their own way, and we can’t ignore what the data is telling us," the blog says.
The data Embark is referring to is pretty fascinating if you've followed Arc Raiders' unique community split between friendly and hostile players.
The Arc Raiders population split, according to Embark:
- 37% Friendly co-op players (this player group has grown consistently since launch).
- 27% Mixed players.
- 34% Pure PvP players (this player group has remained stable since launch).
- Over 70% of Friendly players and even 40% of PvP players express a desire for fewer hostile encounters and 51% of the surveyed playerbase has expressed an interest in a dedicated PvE option.
- There are clear friction points, with friendly players often attempting to avoid PvP entirely, and we hear frustration from certain groups of players around ratting and camping.
