ARC Raiders Is Testing a PvE Matchmaking Toggle in October 2026

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Embark Studios will test a PvE matchmaking toggle in ARC Raiders from October 13 to 20, 2026. During that window, players will be able to choose between the current PvPvE extraction experience and a PvE option built around co-op play against ARC enemies, with no player-to-player damage.

The studio says this is a limited test, not confirmation that a permanent PvE mode is coming. Once the test ends, the toggle will be removed and matchmaking will go back to normal while Embark reviews player feedback and data.

Embark says the test is partly a response to how people are actually playing ARC Raiders. According to the studio, 37% of players fall into a “friendly co-op” group, 27% are mixed players, and 34% are pure PvP players. It also says 51% of surveyed players have shown interest in a dedicated PvE option.

  • The PvE test will support solos, duos, and trios in the same sessions.
  • Player-to-player damage will be disabled in PvE matchmaking.
  • Players can scavenge, complete quests, and explore with less risk from other Raiders.
  • Overall loot value will be lower in PvE to account for the safer environment.
  • Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate will be excluded from the PvE test.
  • PvPvE matchmaking rating won’t be affected by time spent in PvE sessions.

Embark is also making a small enemy behavior change for the test. If a player is downed by ARC enemies, those enemies may target them again if they crawl around, but will ignore them if they stay still. The idea is to keep some pressure in PvE without adding hostile players.

The studio says it will watch the in-game economy and matchmaking times closely, especially in lower-population regions or off-hours. PvPvE sessions will get slightly higher baseline loot values during the test to help offset the higher extraction rates expected in PvE.

For now, this is an experiment. Embark says any future version of PvE could look different, or may not happen at all.

Further reading: Official ARC Raiders PvE toggle news