Embark Studios Tests PvE Mode in Arc Raiders to Accommodate Non-Competitive Players

Key points

• A PvE matchmaking toggle will be available for one week, from October 13 to 20, 2026.
• PvE sessions eliminate player-to-player damage but reduce loot value to compensate for lower risk.
• High-tension events like Night Raids and Hidden Bunkers are excluded from PvE matchmaking.
• Embark reports that 37% of players now play exclusively in friendly co-op, up from launch, while 34% remain pure PvP players.
• The studio adjusted AI behavior to re-target downed players who move, aiming to maintain tension without PvP threats.
• Embark stresses the test is not a promise of a permanent PvE mode and may not succeed in preserving game balance.

Background

Arc Raiders launched as a high-tension extraction shooter, originally conceived as a PvE co-op game before being reimagined to include PvP elements. Since launch, the game has attracted a diverse audience, with many players opting for cooperative play despite the PvP mechanics. Embark previously introduced friendly lobbies to group non-aggressive players, but the new test represents a more formalized approach to supporting PvE preferences. The studio has noted that the game’s design relies on the uncertainty of player intentions, a core feature of extraction shooters, but acknowledges that a significant portion of the player base seeks a less hostile experience.

How outlets are covering it

Rock Paper Shotgun highlights the growing number of players who avoid PvP, noting that Embark’s data shows a shift toward cooperative play, with mixed players declining as more opt for full-time pacifism. The outlet questions whether removing PvP tension will diminish the game’s appeal, drawing parallels to Bungie’s similar efforts in Marathon. Embark Studios, in its official blog post, frames the test as a response to player feedback and data, emphasizing that 51% of surveyed players expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option. The studio acknowledges risks to the game’s tension but stresses the importance of respecting player choice. GameSpot offers a contrasting view, arguing that PvE servers may undermine the game’s best feature: the tension of potential betrayal. The outlet notes that the threat of PvP makes cooperative moments more rewarding, and that removing this dynamic could reduce the game’s appeal for players who value emergent cooperation. TechPowerUp provides a neutral summary, focusing on the mechanics of the test and the studio’s cautious approach to balancing loot and AI behavior.

Why it matters

The test reflects a broader trend in extraction shooters, where developers are grappling with the tension between competitive and cooperative gameplay. As Arc Raiders and Marathon both explore PvE options, the industry is reevaluating how to accommodate diverse player preferences without diluting core mechanics. The outcome of this test could influence future design decisions in the genre, potentially leading to more flexible matchmaking systems or dedicated modes for non-competitive players. For Embark, the test is a critical step in understanding how to support a growing segment of the player base while preserving the game’s unique identity.

What to watch

Embark will analyze feedback and data from the October 13-20 test to determine whether a permanent PvE mode is viable. The studio has not committed to a long-term implementation and warns that the test may fail to preserve the game’s tension. Players are encouraged to participate and provide feedback, which will inform future updates. Embark also plans to share findings and potential future plans after the test concludes, with the possibility that any permanent PvE mode could differ significantly from the current beta.