Arc Raiders may eventually offer distinct PvE and PvP experiences, according to executive producer Aleksander Grøndal. In an interview with GamesRadar+, Grøndal stated that a separation is "possible" and that the development team is "quite possibly" heading in that direction.
Grøndal acknowledged that the player base is already divided in their preferences. "I think it's important to respect how the players want to enjoy the game," he said, even if it deviates from the studio's initial vision. He also noted that such a split presents challenges for the developers in defining what each mode would truly entail.
Ahead of a limited PvE test running from October 13th to 20th, Grøndal explained that this test will help Embark understand how best to implement a PvE option. Players participating in the test can opt into PvE matchmaking where friendly fire is disabled. Solos, duos, and trios will be placed in the same sessions, though certain content like Night Raids and the Frigate are excluded for now. Embark cautioned that the test is "somewhat limited" and "not a promise" of a future PvE mode, but it indicates serious consideration.
Embark's own data reveals a significant split in player behavior: 37 percent prefer cooperative play, 34 percent focus on PvP, and 27 percent engage with both. Furthermore, over 70 percent of PvE players and 40 percent of PvP players have indicated a desire for fewer hostile encounters, with 51 percent of the surveyed player base expressing interest in a dedicated PvE mode.
The original concept for Arc Raiders, conceived seven years ago, was a raid-based PvE co-op game with looting mechanics. However, the studio encountered significant challenges, leading to a reset and the development of the current PvPvE extraction adventure. This exploration into a potential PvE mode comes as film and TV adaptations of Arc Raiders and The Finals are also reportedly in development, with developer Embark Studios collaborating with Chernin Entertainment.