Arc Raiders Is Finally Testing A PvE Mode

Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has officially announced that fans of the popular extraction shooter will soon have a more cooperative-focused way to enjoy exploring topside, as a long-awaited PvE mode will be available to test from October 13-20.

The announcement comes three months after news that Embark was testing a unique PvE map condition on Chinese beta servers. This time around, though, players won’t be forced to seek a specific map condition to get their PvE fix. Instead, a new toggle will be available during the week-long test, allowing the choice between standard matchmaking and the PvE mode.

Solos, duos, and trios will all share the same lobbies in PvE mode, as they no longer pose any threat to each other. However, Embark has stated that some major map conditions, such as Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate, will remain only available in standard matchmaking.

In a press release, Embark has clarified that there is no guarantee a permanent PvE mode will come to Arc Raiders.

“It’s possible that this will not work,” the release says. “This test is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future, but take this as an indication that we are seriously considering it. We don’t yet know how the potential future version of this setting might look. It’s plausible that any future version could look very different from what you experience in the beta test.”

However, I’d be quite shocked if the new mode doesn’t land well, given that a substantial portion of the player base has expressed interest in a strictly PvE option. In the press release, Embark states that 37% of players are cooperative-only raiders, meaning they actively avoid PvP encounters whenever possible. And of those players, 70% have expressed a desire for fewer hostile encounters with other raiders. Even more shockingly, 40% of PvP players say the same.

All of this comes as player numbers have steadily dwindled in recent months, at least partially due to Embark’s decision to turn to bi-yearly updates for Arc Raiders. The resulting content drought has been concerning over the past six months, but the addition of a PvE mode a handful of days after the game’s upcoming Frozen Trail update could be the kick in the pants it needs to recapture those lovely early days.

Ailing extraction shooter Marathon added PvE modes to its lineup back in July, which briefly boosted player counts. However, it has since continued struggling to maintain a significant player base in the time since. Arc Raiders’ overall mainstream appeal may yet help to keep it from the same fate, but there’s no doubt that a lot is riding on these upcoming changes.

The Arc Raiders PvE test will run from October 13-20. Until then, you can dive into the Frozen Trail update on October 8, which will contain a smorgasbord of new quests, a fresh map to explore, extra weapon customization options, and a wide variety of quality-of-life changes. So, keep an eye on our comprehensive Arc Raiders guides hub for all of your needs when the update lands.