Arc Raiders Tests PvE-Only Mode: What You Need to Know

Ever wished you could explore Arc Raiders without constantly watching your back for other players? Well, Embark is finally giving that a shot. The studio has announced a limited PvE matchmaking toggle test, and it's happening soon.

From October 13-20, 2026, you'll be able to switch between the classic PvPvE experience and a purely PvE mode. In PvE, there's zero player-to-player damage, and the focus shifts entirely to the ARC threat and co-op social dynamics. Solos, Duos, and Trios will all share the same PvE sessions, so you can team up or go it alone without worrying about hostile players.

The best part? You can switch seamlessly. Play a relaxed PvE session, then flip back to PvPvE for a high-tension match. However, some major conditions—Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate—are excluded from the PvE test. According to Embark, these are designed with higher tension in mind and rely on the uncertainty of encountering a variety of players.

Don't worry about your PvPvE matchmaking rating: it won't be affected while you're in PvE sessions. But remember, this is just a test. When it ends, the toggle will be removed and matchmaking will return to normal. Your feedback and data will help shape the future of this system.

Embark has been open about its belief that PvP is integral to Arc Raiders, but they're also listening to the community. "We have to respect that some players want to enjoy the game in their own way, and we can’t ignore what the data is telling us," the blog says. That data is pretty revealing: 37% of players are friendly co-op types (a group that's grown since launch), 27% are mixed, and 34% are pure PvP players (stable since launch). Over 70% of friendly players and even 40% of PvP players want fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of the surveyed playerbase is interested in a dedicated PvE option.

There are clear friction points, with friendly players often trying to avoid PvP entirely, and frustration from some groups around ratting and camping. This test is Embark's way of addressing those concerns without committing to a permanent change. Loot in PvE sessions will be slightly less valuable than in PvPvE to account for the lower risk.

So, will you be toggling into PvE when the test goes live? Or do you thrive on the unpredictable chaos of PvPvE? Let us know in the comments!