Does ARC Raiders have a PvE mode?
Not as a permanent mode. Embark ran a limited PvE matchmaking toggle test from October 13 to October 20, 2026. The toggle has been removed, and Embark has said it has not decided whether PvE matchmaking will return.
Updated October 26, 2026 · Unofficial fan guide
ARC Raiders PvE Mode
The PvE matchmaking test is over. Here is what Embark ran, what it said afterwards, and what is still unconfirmed.
Short answer
There is no permanent PvE mode in ARC Raiders right now. Embark tested a PvE-only matchmaking toggle from October 13 to October 20, 2026, removed it when the test ended, and has not said whether it will return.
Embark said it expects to share more information in November. This page will be updated when it does.
How the PvE toggle test worked
- A matchmaking option let players choose between standard PvPvE and PvE, with no player-versus-player damage.
- Players could switch between standard PvPvE and the PvE option.
- Progress in PvE sessions did not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating.
- Some conditions were excluded: reports list Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate.
- Loot value was lowered compared with PvPvE sessions.
- Embark described it as a test, not a promise of a permanent mode, and the final version, if any, may differ.
Timeline
| Date (2026) | What happened |
|---|---|
| Sep 24 | Embark announced the limited PvE matchmaking toggle test. |
| Oct 13 | The PvE toggle test went live. |
| Oct 20 | The test ended and the toggle was removed; Embark reported more than 30 million PvE rounds. Update 2.2 shipped the same day. |
| From Oct 22 | Embark began surveying a sample of players about the test. |
| November | Embark expects to share more information. No decision has been announced. |
What Embark said afterwards
After the test, Embark called the response polarizing and said its decision on what comes next has not been made. It said it will prioritize the overall health of the game, and that more details are expected in November. Nobody outside Embark knows yet whether PvE matchmaking will return, in what form, or when.
Before the test, Embark pointed to player data showing a large share of friendly co-op players and strong interest in a dedicated PvE option. Treat anything beyond what Embark has stated as speculation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ARC Raiders PvE mode coming back?
Unknown. Embark called the test polarizing, said it will put the overall health of the game first, and said it expects to share more information in November 2026. No return has been announced.
How did the PvE toggle work?
Players could switch between standard PvPvE and a PvE option with no player-versus-player damage. Progress in PvE sessions did not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating.
Which events were not available in PvE?
Reports of the announcement list Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate as excluded, and loot value was lowered compared with PvPvE.
How many PvE rounds were played?
Embark reported more than 30 million rounds of PvE played during the test.
Is Shared Watch the same as a PvE mode?
No. Shared Watch is a separate system; see our Shared Watch explainer.
Related on ArcStatus
Sources
Embark's own announcements, plus independent reports (checked October 26, 2026). Details can change; check Embark's official channels for the latest.
- Embark: PvE Toggle Beta Test, October 13-20 (official)
- Embark: PvE Matchmaking Toggle Test, thanks for taking part (official)
- GodisaGeek: ARC Raiders will test a PvE-only toggle for one week in October
- Inven Global: ARC Raiders PvE test logs more than 30 million rounds
- MassivelyOP: ARC Raiders thanks fans for playing over 30 million rounds
- Insider Gaming: ARC Raiders PvE future to be revealed in November
ArcStatus is an unofficial fan tracker and is not affiliated with Embark Studios or Nexon.