Arc Raiders Testing PvE-Only Co-op Mode in October

Embark Studios has announced a limited PvE co-op test for Arc Raiders, scheduled to run from October 13 through October 20, giving players the option to skip player-versus-player encounters entirely for the first time since the game launched in its current form.

What the Test Actually Includes

During the seven-day window, players will see a toggle added to matchmaking that lets them choose between the standard PvPvE mode and a PvE-only option. As GamesRadar reports, solos, duos, and trios will all share the same PvE matchmaking pool, with zero player-to-player damage across the board. To offset the lower risk of running missions without hostile players threatening your extract, loot rewards will be slightly reduced in the PvE pool. Once October 20 arrives, the toggle disappears and matchmaking reverts to its normal state.

The Data Behind the Decision

Embark has been open about what pushed them toward this test. According to PC Gamer, the studio says 37% of its playerbase focuses on friendly co-op play, a segment that has grown steadily since launch. Pure PvP accounts for 34% of players, while 27% enjoy mixing both styles. Taken together, Embark states that just over half of all players have expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option. The studio put it plainly: “We can’t ignore what the data is telling us.”

Embark Is Not Making Promises

The studio has been careful to frame the test as exploratory rather than a commitment. As GameSpot notes, Arc Raiders was originally conceived as a PvE-only title before pivoting to the PvPvE extraction format it shipped with. Embark acknowledges that returning to PvE roots carries real risks: splitting the playerbase could stretch queue times, the reduced threat of enemy players may drain tension from the core loop, and easier extractions could disrupt the in-game economy. The studio stated directly that the test “is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future” and admitted plainly that “it’s possible that this will not work.” Player feedback and telemetry collected during the week will inform whether a permanent PvE option ever makes it into the game.

Sources: GamesRadar, PC Gamer, GameSpot