ARC Raiders PvE Test Explores New Way to Play

ARC Raiders will test a PvE matchmaking toggle from Oct 13 to Oct 20, 2026. The feature will allow players to switch between its standard PvPvE format and a co-op experience focused on the ARC threat.

Embark Studios announced the test on Sep 24, describing it as a limited experiment shaped by player feedback and gameplay data. The studio further explained that the test will help determine whether a PvE option can fit alongside the high-tension extraction experience.

ARC Raiders PvE Test Responds to Player Demand

Embark’s player data shows 37% of players prefer friendly co-op, 27% are mixed players, and 34% primarily prefer PvP. The friendly group has grown since launch, while the PvP group has remained stable. More than 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players want fewer hostile encounters.

Separately, 51% of surveyed players expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option.

The test will include solos, duos, and trios, with no player-to-player damage. Players can complete quests, scavenge, and explore with reduced exposure to hostile Raiders.

• Night raids, hidden bunkers, locked gates, and frigates will be excluded.
• ARC enemies can reacquire moving players after they are downed.
• PvPvE sessions will receive slightly higher baseline loot to balance the economy.
• PvE loot values will be lower because of the reduced risk.
• Queue times and PvPvE matchmaking quality will be monitored, particularly during off-hours and in low-population regions.
• PvPvE matchmaking ratings will remain unaffected.

The test also revisits the game's development history. Embark had originally envisioned ARC Raiders as a raid-based PvE co-op game with looting before resetting the project around its current PvPvE extraction format.