ARC Raiders is testing PvE-only matches. Half its players asked for it

What does ARC Raiders look like without other players shooting you in the back? Embark Studios is about to find out.

From October 13 to 20, the extraction shooter will test a PvE matchmaking toggle. Players can choose sessions with zero player-to-player damage and focus entirely on fighting ARC.

Why now

The numbers made the case.

In a blog post, Embark said 51% of surveyed players want a dedicated PvE option. Its own player data also shows a growing share of the community already plays cooperatively and avoids hostile encounters when possible.

How the test works

During the test week, players can switch between normal PvPvE matchmaking and the new PvE option.

In PvE sessions, Raiders can’t damage each other. Solos, duos and trios still share the same sessions, but everyone is on the same side against ARC.

The aim is to let players scavenge, finish quests and explore with less pressure, while ARC stays as dangerous as ever.

The trade-offs

PvE comes with some limits:

• Overall loot value is lower
• Downed players still need to watch out, since ARC can re-target a Raider who keeps crawling
• Staying still should make ARC lose interest
• PvE sessions don’t affect your PvPvE matchmaking rating

Some conditions are left out entirely because they rely on the uncertainty of meeting other players. Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate won’t be available in PvE.

The bigger question

The test is temporary, but it could answer something important: how much of ARC Raiders’ player base actually wants the PvP part of its formula?

It’s also part of a wider trend. The same week, Bungie admitted Marathon was too niche and promised a permanent PvE mode. Extraction shooters are learning that not every player wants to fight other players.

The results from October’s test week could shape ARC Raiders for a long time.