Embark Studios has yet to decide the future of a dedicated Player versus Environment (PvE) mode for its extraction shooter, Arc Raiders. The developer recently concluded its first-ever test for such a mode, which followed months of player requests. While initial feedback has been positive, Embark is still assessing the data and considering several factors before committing to a permanent PvE offering.
Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal stated in an interview with MP1st that the team is conducting a thorough analysis of the test results. He acknowledged initial skepticism regarding a PvE mode, citing the game's developmental history. Arc Raiders originally began as a PvE co-op shooter before shifting to its current PvPvE extraction format. This pivot has led to a division in the player base, with some preferring the high-stakes PvP elements and others seeking a PvE experience without the pressure of player encounters.
"I think the game has an appeal in its nature and that a certain player type wants to play the game without the stress, you know? Perhaps this is more a signal that the game could support more player types, and we need to figure out how to support that," Grøndal explained. The core challenge, according to Grøndal, lies in developing a PvE experience that caters to these different player preferences without compromising the game's fundamental premise.
Grøndal emphasized the need to understand the specific player desires for PvE content. Questions remain about whether the mode should serve as a relaxed alternative between PvPvE sessions, a challenging mode focused on AI encounters, or a fully realized standalone PvE experience. Grøndal previously indicated that offering distinct modes for different player audiences is a viable future for Arc Raiders, suggesting that all these possibilities are under consideration. The implications of each approach on future game updates are significant.
This decision-making process comes as Arc Raiders recently saw a surge in player numbers following its largest update, Frozen Trail. The update brought the extraction shooter to a six-month high in player engagement.