Summary:
ARC Raiders is officially testing a global PVE matchmaking toggle from October 13 to October 20, 2026. The one-week global test will let players choose between the classic PVPVE extraction experience and a PVE option focused on ARC enemies, exploration, quests, and cooperative gameplay. The test follows the Frozen Trail update on October 8 and does not guarantee a permanent PVE mode. Embark will use player feedback, matchmaking data, economy results, and session quality to decide the future of ARC Raiders Items the feature.
1. ARC Raiders PVE Test Dates
The PVE beta begins five days after Frozen Trail launches on October 8. From October 13 to October 20, players can select PVE or normal PVPVE matchmaking before entering a session.
This is a live experiment rather than a permanent mode. When the test ends, the toggle will be removed and matchmaking will return to its normal system.
2. How the PVE Mode Works
PVE sessions feature zero player-to-player damage. Players can explore, scavenge, complete quests, fight ARC enemies, and interact with other Raiders without hostile Raider combat.
Solo, duo, and trio players will share the same PVE matchmaking pool. This approach avoids splitting the player base into separate queues for every squad size. Players can also switch between PVE and PVPVE from the main menu.
Your PVPVE matchmaking rating will not be affected while playing PVE, so using the test mode will not change your aggression-based matchmaking when you return to normal sessions.
3. PVE Loot and ARC Threats
PVE will have lower overall loot value because players face less danger from other Raiders. During the test, normal PVPVE sessions will receive slightly higher baseline loot to help balance the economy.
PVE is also not completely risk-free. If an ARC downs you, crawling can cause it to reacquire you as a target and potentially finish you. Staying still can cause the ARC to ignore you, adding another layer of tension.
4. Activities Excluded From PVE
Several high-tension activities will not be available through PVE matchmaking. These include Night Raid, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigot.
Embark says these activities rely heavily on uncertainty and encounters with other players, so they remain part of the traditional PVPVE experience.
5. Why Embark Is Testing PVE
Embark's current player data shows 37% friendly co-op players, 27% mixed players, and 34% pure PVP players. The friendly group has continued growing since launch.
More than 70% of buy ARC Raiders BluePrints friendly players want fewer hostile encounters, while around 40% of PVP players also expressed interest in fewer hostile encounters. Furthermore, 51% of surveyed players showed interest in a dedicated PVE option.
6. Economy, Queues and Future Plans
Embark will monitor extraction rates, value entering the economy, matchmaking times, and the quality of PVPVE sessions. Splitting players between two matchmaking options could create longer queues, especially in low-population regions or during off-peak hours.
The global test is also different from China's previously discussed Security Protocol experiment. The global version uses separate PVE and PVPVE matchmaking, and players cannot enable PVP after entering a PVE session.
Most importantly, PVE is not permanently confirmed. Embark says the test could fail and that any future version may look different. Player feedback and collected data will determine whether PVE becomes a permanent part of ARC Raiders.
