Embark Studios has announced that Arc Raiders will undergo a week-long test of a player-voted PvE (Player versus Environment) mode, scheduled from October 13 to October 20.
During this testing period, players will have the option to switch to lobbies where AI enemies are the primary threat, with player-versus-player combat disabled. This initiative stems from data indicating a significant portion of the player base prefers cooperative experiences and actively avoids PvP encounters. According to Embark's findings, over 70% of friendly co-op players and even 40% of PvP players expressed a desire for fewer hostile encounters, with 51% of the surveyed player base showing interest in a dedicated PvE option. Notably, the studio is approaching this test with caution, acknowledging the risk that a PvE toggle could diminish the game's core tension.
To maintain some level of challenge in PvE, AI foes known as ARCs will target downed players, though they will ignore stationary players. Loot value in PvE lobbies is expected to be lower due to the reduced stakes compared to PvP. Embark Studios will closely monitor player economy and matchmaking times throughout the test to assess the viability of a permanent PvE implementation.
"It’s important to mention that this is not a risk-free test," the studio stated. "The first, unlaunched iteration of Arc Raiders was conceived as a PvE game, and we have been hesitant to return to that concept." Embark emphasized that while creators design games with specific intentions, the player base ultimately shapes how a game is enjoyed post-launch.
The studio noted that 37% of players identify as friendly co-op, a group that has grown consistently since launch, while 27% are mixed players and 34% are pure PvP players, a segment that has remained stable. This data, combined with player feedback, has prompted the experimental PvE toggle. Embark views this test as an opportunity to observe how well PvE mechanics can operate within the existing framework, rather than a stress test. The outcome of this experiment will depend on community feedback and its feasibility for permanent integration.