Arc Raiders Tests Pure PvE Mode, Prompting Many Former Players to Return

Players who abandoned Arc Raiders due to the constant threat of other players should take note: Embark Studios is testing a matchmaking option for the first time that completely removes PvP. The extraction shooter, which until now has intentionally featured the threat of other Raiders, will thus receive a pure PvE variant for a limited period.

The test runs from October 13 to 20, 2026, and will be accessible via a toggle in the matchmaking menu. Players can then choose whether to engage in the usual PvPvE mode or play a round without human opponents, where only the ARC machines will pose a threat.

When can I test the PvE mode in Arc Raiders?

The test period is limited to one week: October 13 to October 20, 2026. During this time, the PvE mode will be available as an additional option alongside regular PvPvE matchmaking, meaning it will not replace it. No registration or access code is required to participate – the toggle should appear directly in the game client once the test begins. Important for those who wish to continue playing in the classic mode: your PvPvE matchmaking rating will remain unaffected by the PvE rounds, and switching between both variants should be possible at any time.

Will the PvE mode be a permanent addition to the game?

That remains to be seen. Embark Studios explicitly states that this is purely a test and there is no commitment to a permanent implementation. The studio intends to evaluate the collected data and community feedback before making any decisions about the mode's future. So, anyone already expecting a permanent PvE mode might be disappointed – the door is open, but nothing more is guaranteed for now.

The community's reaction to the announcement is particularly interesting. On Reddit, a top comment on the subject has now garnered over 1,200 upvotes. In it, numerous former players describe abandoning Arc Raiders precisely due to PvP frustration – constantly being ambushed by other Raiders just before reaching the extraction zone with their hard-earned loot was a primary reason for many to quit. With a pure PvE mode, these same players are now signaling a strong willingness to return and give the game a second chance.

Practically speaking, this means anyone who put Arc Raiders aside due to PvP frustrations can jump back in risk-free starting October 13, without fearing being robbed by a human opponent just before extraction. Whether this evolves into a permanent feature largely depends on how many players actually utilize the test period and the feedback received by Embark. If you wish to try the game yourself, you can find it on the Arc Raiders Steam store page.

Source: GameStar

Would you return to Arc Raiders because of a permanent PvE mode, or is the fear of other players an inseparable part of the extraction shooter experience for you? Discuss with us in the comments!