Arc Raiders Is Testing a PvE Mode Very Soon

Embark Studios is set to test a PvE mode for their game, Arc Raiders, in the upcoming month. From October 13 to October 20, players will be able to toggle between PvP and PvE lobbies, giving them more control over their gameplay experience. The purpose of this test is to provide players with the option to completely disengage from PvP gameplay and explore a co-op, social experience.

During the test, loot will be lower-valued due to the reduced stakes, and ARCs will target downed players while ignoring stationary foes. Embark Studios will monitor the player economy and matchmaking times throughout the period. It's possible that the PvE mode may not make it to the game permanently, as the test is focused on evaluating its functionality rather than stress-testing the system.

Embark Studios acknowledges the risk of introducing such a test, as the first iteration of Arc Raiders was initially meant to be a PvE game. However, they recognize the demand for a more cooperative and social experience within the game. According to their data, 37% of players prefer friendly co-op play, 27% are mixed, and 34% favor pure PvP gameplay. Over 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players want fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of the surveyed community expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option.

While the test may not lead to permanent changes to the game, Embark Studios is proud to experiment with this feature publicly, allowing the community to provide valuable feedback on whether they want Arc Raiders to incorporate PvE gameplay.