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ARC Raiders’ limited PvE matchmaking test is live from October 13 through October 20, 2026. Turn on the PvE toggle to enter co-op sessions against ARC machines without player-to-player damage. The test is temporary: Embark says the toggle will be removed after October 20 and has not committed to making PvE a permanent mode.
What the ARC Raiders PvE test includes
The toggle changes ARC Raiders from its usual player-versus-player-versus-environment format into a co-op-focused session. Raiders still fight the ARC threat, gather resources and extract, but other players cannot damage them during PvE matchmaking.
- Friendly fire between Raiders: Disabled. Player-to-player damage does not occur in PvE sessions.
- Squad sizes: Solos, duos and trios enter one shared PvE matchmaking pool rather than separate pools.
- Matchmaking rating: PvE games do not change your PvPvE matchmaking rating.
- Loot: Overall PvE loot is reduced because the mode removes much of the danger created by hostile Raiders. Standard PvPvE sessions retain slightly higher baseline loot values.
The feature is an online test and requires internet access, an Embark ID and an account on the relevant third-party platform.
How PvE differs from normal PvPvE
| Feature | PvE toggle test | Normal PvPvE |
|---|---|---|
| Player damage | Raiders cannot damage one another | Hostile player encounters and player damage are part of the mode |
| Squad matchmaking | Solos, duos and trios share one pool | Uses the standard PvPvE matchmaking rules |
| Map conditions | Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate are unavailable | These conditions remain part of the normal offering when available |
| Loot value | Reduced overall value | Slightly higher baseline loot value |
| Rating impact | Does not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating | Progresses through the normal PvPvE rating system |
| Risk and tension | Focused on ARC enemies and co-operation | Combines ARC threats with uncertainty about other Raiders |
Map conditions excluded from the test
Four conditions are not available in the temporary PvE pool: Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate. Embark says these scenarios rely on greater tension and uncertainty about other players, so they are excluded while the toggle is being evaluated.
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How ARC enemies behave around downed players
The test also changes one detail of ARC combat. During PvE sessions, an ARC enemy may reacquire a downed player who crawls. If the downed player remains still, the enemy ignores them. That makes movement after being downed a meaningful choice: crawling can help reposition you, but it can also draw the machine’s attention again.
Why Embark is running the test
ARC Raiders originally began as a raid-based PvE co-op concept before development shifted toward a PvPvE extraction game. After launch, Embark observed a substantial group of players who preferred co-operation and fighting ARC enemies over fighting other Raiders.
Embark’s 2026 player split was reported as 37% friendly co-op players, 27% mixed players and 34% pure PvP players. The studio also said that more than 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players wanted fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of surveyed players expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option. These figures explain why the studio is testing a safer matchmaking path, but they do not establish that a permanent mode will follow.
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There is no confirmed permanent PvE mode. Embark has said the toggle will be removed when the October 13–20 test ends, and that the future design remains undecided. Executive producer Aleks described the experiment plainly: “It’s possible that this will not work. This test is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future, but take this as an indication that we are seriously considering it.”
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For now, players should treat PvE as a time-limited matchmaking test rather than a new standard playlist. If you want to try it, play during the announced window and switch back to PvPvE afterward if you want the higher baseline loot and access to the excluded conditions.
What to expect when choosing PvE
- Use the toggle during October 13–20, 2026; availability ends after the test window.
- Expect co-op sessions containing solo players, duos and trios together.
- Plan around lower loot value than standard PvPvE.
- Do not expect Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate or Frigate in the test pool.
- Play more cautiously when downed: crawling can cause an ARC enemy to reacquire you, while staying still makes it ignore you.
- Your PvE results will not alter your PvPvE matchmaking rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ARC Raiders PvE available right now?
Yes. The limited PvE matchmaking toggle is available during the announced October 13–20, 2026 test window.
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Can I play ARC Raiders without PvP?
During the test, yes. Player-to-player damage is disabled in PvE sessions, although ARC enemies remain active threats.
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Does the PvE test have lower loot?
Yes. Embark says overall PvE loot is reduced, while PvPvE sessions have slightly higher baseline loot values.
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Does PvE affect my PvPvE rating?
No. PvE sessions are isolated from PvPvE matchmaking rating.
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