Embark's new PvE mode for Arc Raiders is already attracting disruptive players, who are using the mode's mechanics to hinder and loot-hunt other players. Despite the PvE environment offering a relative safety where friendly fire is not a concern, players have found ways to cause chaos.
Reports detail players using abilities like the Bull Rush to knock others into danger during extraction attempts, leading to the loss of their hard-earned loot. This behavior mirrors the "rat" tactics seen in other competitive games. Furthermore, players are observed camping locked loot rooms, waiting for someone to use a key and then attempting to claim the rewards, a stark contrast to the direct PvP confrontations that would typically occur in such situations.
Another tactic involves using lure grenades to pull powerful enemies, such as Shredders, directly into extraction zones, effectively sabotaging other players' attempts to leave. Unlike in PvP, there is no direct penalty for these actions within the current PvE framework.
"Legit first game on and people were being just like this, vultures, and taking all loot from Arc before you could even get anything from it," stated one user on X. "Top that off they were throwing lure grenades at me and my wife the whole time while trying to fight Arc. She went down due to it, I go for the rez then get body blocked and pushed around like I’m in grade school again."
This influx of griefing may stem from players aiming to maximize their own gains at the expense of others, or potentially from PvP enthusiasts who wish to see the experimental PvE mode discontinued. The mode's loot has reportedly been nerfed, yet players are still acquiring unusually powerful gear.
This isn't the first instance of disruptive behavior in Arc Raiders. Last December, a player gained notoriety for relentlessly targeting newcomers and low-loot players, sparking a debate about acceptable PvP conduct.
The introduction of the PvE mode follows Arc Raiders' most significant update, which included grappling hooks and a new map, leading to a substantial increase in player numbers not seen since March. The developers at Embark are exploring PvE elements, a strategy also being pursued by Bungie for its upcoming game Marathon, as extraction shooters are recognized as a niche genre. Games like Hunt: Showdown have maintained their identity by focusing on core PvP without alienating their player base.