Arc Raiders Could Eventually Split Into Dedicated PvE and PvP Modes, Says Executive Producer

Embark Studios is preparing to run a limited player-vs-environment matchmaking test for Arc Raiders next week, a move that executive producer Aleksander Grøndal says could ultimately lead to the extraction shooter being permanently split into separate PvE and PvP modes. The upcoming test, scheduled to run from October 13 through October 20, 2026, introduces an opt-in toggle where friendly Raiders cannot damage one another during sessions combining solo, duo, and trios matchmaking pools.

While the studio emphasizes that the trial is not an official guarantee of a permanent PvE mode, internal player data indicates strong community demand for cooperative play. According to developer surveys, 37 percent of players prefer friendly co-op, 34 percent favor pure PvP, and 27 percent alternate between both styles. Furthermore, over 70 percent of co-op participants and 40 percent of dedicated PvP players have reported a desire for fewer hostile encounters, with 51 percent supporting a dedicated cooperative option.

Navigating Development Risks and Player Sentiment

Returning to a purely cooperative framework represents a significant philosophical shift for Embark Studios. When the title was first conceptualized seven years ago, it began as a raid-based cooperative PvE project centered on looting mechanics before encountering design hurdles that prompted a late-stage pivot into a high-tension PvPvE extraction adventure. Grøndal acknowledged that the decision to explore a split sparked internal debate at the studio, noting that team members voiced valid concerns regarding how removing player conflict might alter game tension, alter the economy, and fracture the active community.

To mitigate these risks, the upcoming matchmaking evaluation will intentionally restrict certain high-end activities. Night Raids and the newly deployed Frigate activity will be excluded from the test sessions, and loot values will be adjusted downward compared to standard PvPvE matches to reflect the reduced risk profile. Grøndal noted that respecting how players wish to enjoy the experience outweighs strict adherence to initial design blueprints, even if accommodating both styles creates complex structural challenges for the development team.

The timing of the matchmaking test coincides with the deployment of the Frozen Trail content update, which introduces the snowy Pendola Pass map, new ARC enemy variants, expanded weapon crafting progression, and a redesigned Reward Pass system replacing previous Raider Decks. Embark maintains that player telemetry and community feedback gathered during the October trial will dictate whether a permanent bifurcated structure becomes a viable path forward for the title.

The design trade-off behind separate modes

Arc Raiders' blend of player competition and environmental danger is part of its risk-reward structure. A dedicated PvE mode could make exploration more approachable, while a PvP-focused mode could change matchmaking, equipment balance and the value of loot. These are design implications, not features the developer has promised to ship. An executive discussing a possibility is different from a dated roadmap commitment. Players should look for a published development plan explaining progression, shared inventories and anti-cheat rules before assuming either split mode is imminent.