Is Shared Watch a PvE mode in ARC Raiders?

No. Shared Watch is a live event that rewards cooperation against ARC machines, but PvP is still enabled. The key change is that PvP encounters do not award Merits for event progression.

Do you get Merits for killing other players during Shared Watch?

No. Merits are earned from damaging, destroying, and assisting against ARC enemies. PvP can still happen, but it will not generate Merits.

What is the fastest way to farm Merits?

Focus on higher-value ARC targets and consistent ARC damage/assists. Teaming up increases assists and safer ARC fights. Tougher enemies generally produce more XP (and therefore more Merits).

ARC Raiders Shared Watch Isn't PvE — Here's What It Actually Is (And How Merits Work)

Q: How long does Shared Watch last?

Shared Watch runs from February 10 to February 24, 2026.

Is Shared Watch PvE in ARC Raiders?

No — and that's the source of today's confusion. Shared Watch is a live event that nudges the community toward cooperation by changing what gets rewarded. During the event window (Feb 10–24, 2026), you can still run into PvP, but PvP is a dead end for progression because it generates zero Merits.

✅ What Shared Watch actually is

PvPvE still exists — players can still fight you.
Merits only come from ARC combat: damaging, destroying, and assists vs machines.
The event rewards behavior: team up, ping threats, help strangers, farm ARC.

❌ What Shared Watch is NOT

Not a "PvE-only playlist."
Not a permanent "ARC Raiders PvE mode."
Not a patch that disables player damage.

How Shared Watch Works (Merits Explained)

The event track is built around Merits. You earn Merits by engaging ARC enemies — not by fighting other Raiders. No Merits are earned from PvP encounters; Merits come from destroying, assisting, and damaging ARC.

Merit sources (what counts)

Damaging ARC — any meaningful damage helps progress
Destroying ARC — kills count
Assists — helping others finish ARC targets counts
PvP encounters: no Merits for event progress

Why People Thought This Was "PvE Mode" (And How Headlines Caused It)

Many players searched "arc raiders pve", "arc raiders pve mode", and "pve mode arc raiders" because several news posts used "PvE mode" shorthand. The problem: readers interpret "PvE mode" as PvP disabled. Shared Watch doesn't do that — it only makes PvP unrewarded.

Some coverage used language like "goes full PvE" or "first dedicated PvE mode," which reads like PvP is off. In the fine print, even those articles often acknowledge PvP can still happen — it's just not helping you progress. ArcStatus take: call it what it is — a co-op incentivized PvPvE event. That's accurate and matches what players experience in-match.

Fastest Way to Farm Merits (And Why Teaming Up Is Optimal)

If you're trying to finish the event quickly: prioritize ARC fights, avoid ego PvP, and stack assists. Shared Watch is designed so that teaming up (even with strangers) is the highest-value path.

Pick fights that create sustained ARC damage — not quick duels with Raiders.
Farm assists: tag targets, help finish, rotate with other groups.
Target tougher ARC when safe — higher XP tends to mean faster progress.
Don't chase PvP unless you must: it risks your run and gives zero Merits.

Shared Watch Rewards (What You Get for Merits)

The Shared Watch track unlocks rewards as your Merit total climbs. Merits are earned through ARC combat contributions (damage/kill/assist), not PvP. Rewards unlock at set thresholds throughout the event window.

Shared Watch event guide (ArcStatus) · Patch notes 1.15.0 (Feb 10)

Cold Snap Is Back (Why "Arc Raiders Cold Snap" Is Exploding)

The February update brings Cold Snap back into outdoor map condition rotation. It adds risk (frostbite pressure) but increases loot incentives for players who manage shelter and timing. Cold Snap returns as a rotating condition; expect frostbite pressure topside unless you plan shelter routes. Loot incentives increase — which changes the "best route" meta fast.

High-intent follow-ups that match what people are searching for:

Embark Shrouded Sky Interview — matchmaking myths, expedition rework, giant Arc
ARC Raiders Blueprints — checklist and locations
Dupe glitch: what we know — dev response and fix status
Weapon tier list & meta — builds and wipe guide
Locked Gate event guide
Expedition 2 requirements (3M stash)

FAQ

Is Shared Watch PvE-only? No. PvP can still occur. The event simply makes PvP irrelevant for progression by awarding no Merits from PvP.

Why are people saying "ARC Raiders finally has PvE"? Because some headlines used "PvE mode" shorthand. Shared Watch is PvE-focused in rewards, but it's not a true PvE-only playlist. That wording mismatch is why "arc raiders pve mode" spiked.

How do I get Merits fast? Farm ARC damage and assists. Teaming up increases your opportunities for assists and safer ARC fights. Avoid PvP unless you must — it doesn't progress the event.

How long does Shared Watch last? From February 10 through February 24, 2026.