Embark Studios Tests PvE Toggle in Arc Raiders to Support Cooperative Play

Key points

• Embark Studios announced a one-week PvE matchmaking test for Arc Raiders, running from October 13 to 20, 2026.
• The test allows players to toggle between standard PvPvE and a PvE mode with zero player-to-player damage, supporting solo, duo, and trio co-op.
• PvE sessions will exclude high-tension conditions like Night Raids and Hidden Bunkers, and feature lower loot values to compensate for reduced risk.
• Embark cites data showing 37% of players are friendly co-op participants, a group that has grown since launch, while 34% are PvP-focused and 27% are mixed.
• The studio will monitor player economy and matchmaking times, noting that the test is not a promise of a permanent PvE mode but an indication of serious consideration.

Background

Arc Raiders, an extraction shooter by Embark Studios, launched with a strong playerbase but gained notoriety for its unusually friendly community, diverging from typical PvP-heavy extraction games. The game’s origins as a PvE co-op shooter were reset to focus on PvPvE, but many players adopted a cooperative mindset. This test follows a period of declining player numbers and content droughts, with Embark emphasizing the experimental nature of the mode. The move coincides with similar PvE additions in other extraction shooters, such as Marathon, but Embark frames it as a reactive accommodation to its community rather than a necessary push to win back lost players.

How outlets are covering it

Eurogamer highlights the test as a response to a growing friendly playerbase, noting that 37% of players are co-op-focused, a figure that has grown since launch. The outlet questions how a permanent PvE mode might impact future updates and matchmaking. TechPowerUp emphasizes the test’s mechanics, including reduced loot values and adjusted NPC AI to maintain tension, while noting that the test is not a promise of a permanent mode. GameSpot offers a critical perspective, arguing that PvE servers ignore one of the game’s best traits: the reward of cooperative play in the face of potential PvP threats. The outlet suggests that removing the possibility of player violence could diminish the game’s appeal for players who value emergent cooperation. Embark Studios, through its blog post, frames the test as a balance between player choice and the game’s core design, acknowledging risks to tension and economy while emphasizing the importance of supporting diverse playstyles.

Why it matters

The PvE test in Arc Raiders reflects a broader trend in extraction shooters to accommodate diverse player preferences, moving beyond hardcore PvP models. For Embark Studios, the test is a strategic move to retain a growing segment of cooperative players while managing risks to the game’s economy and tension. The outcome could influence future updates and the studio’s approach to live-service design, potentially setting a precedent for other games in the genre. Additionally, the test highlights the tension between player choice and core game design, with implications for how studios balance community feedback with their original visions.

What to watch

Embark Studios will evaluate feedback and data from the PvE test to determine whether a permanent mode is feasible. The studio has stated that the test is not a promise of a permanent mode but an indication of serious consideration. Future updates may include adjustments to matchmaking, loot values, and map conditions based on the test’s outcomes. Embark also plans to share findings and future plans after the test, with the possibility of evolving the PvE mode over time in collaboration with players. The studio will continue to monitor player economy and matchmaking times to ensure the test does not negatively impact the game’s core experience.