Trending
In the initial days of development, ARC Raiders was meant to be a PvE game that was loosely based on the gameplay of Monster Hunter titles, where players band up with other players or their friends to take down AI-controlled enemies known as ARCs.
However, during the game's development, Embark diverted to a PvPvE route to keep players engaged and to add a further degree of suspense. The whole formula was extremely effective till players started ratting on other players, cheaters running rampant, and PvP becoming a sweatfest.
Alongside these issues, players started dipping out from the game due to lack of content. As Embark prepares for their biggest update in October, they also announced a beta testing for a PvE-only matchmaking toggle in ARC Raiders. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming feature.
When Does the ARC Raiders PvE Toggle Test Start?
Embark Studios will be testing a PvE matchmaking toggle in ARC Raiders, and it’s coming soon. The test will run from October 13-20, 2026, giving players the option to choose between the classic ARC Raiders PvPvE experience or a PvE experience focused on co-op gameplay with other Raiders versus the ARC threat.
How the PvE Matchmaking Toggle Works
During the test, players 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. Embark is designing the system for seamless switching, playing PvE for a relaxed solo session, and then switching back to PvPvE for a high-tension match. Player PvPvE matchmaking rating will not be affected while playing in PvE sessions.
What's Excluded From the PvE Test:
Some major conditions, Night Raids, Hidden Bunkers, Locked Gate, and Frigates, 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.
Loot, Economy, and Balance Changes During the Test
The overall loot value is lowered to compensate for the relative safety of PvE. If you are downed by ARC’s, be a bit careful when crawling; they might re-acquire you as a target even when you are moving when downed. They will ignore you if you stay still. Embark is trying this to maintain some tension to compensate for the lack of a PvP threat.
Friendly players, and by extension the PvE sessions, will see higher rates of extraction and more value earned. To account for this during the test, PvPvE sessions will have slightly higher baseline loot values.
Is the PvE Toggle Becoming Permanent?
Embark states in their announcement post that "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 they inform players to take this as an indication that they are seriously considering it.
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. Player feedback and data will help Embark Studios to shape the future of this system.
DON'T MISS:
