Embark Studios Announces Limited PvE Server Test for Arc Raiders

Embark Studios has announced a limited, one-week testing phase for player-versus-environment (PvE) servers in its extraction shooter Arc Raiders. The test, scheduled to run from October 13 to October 20, 2026, will introduce a matchmaking toggle allowing players to choose between the standard player-versus-player-versus-environment (PvPvE) experience and a new PvE-only mode. In the PvE mode, player-to-player damage is disabled, focusing sessions entirely on the game's ARC threat and cooperative social dynamics.

The game's progression systems also feature a free Legacy Pass that consolidates existing Raider Decks without losing progress. Additionally, an upgraded Research Workstation allows access to a fifth quality level for 15 weapons.

The decision to implement this test follows internal data indicating a significant portion of the player base prefers cooperative gameplay. According to Embark, 37% of players identify as cooperative-only raiders, while 51% of the total surveyed player base expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option. Furthermore, the studio noted that 70% of cooperative-focused players and 40% of PvP-oriented players have expressed a desire for fewer hostile encounters. Embark has emphasized that this test is not a guarantee of a permanent PvE mode, noting that the final implementation, if it proceeds, could differ significantly from the current beta version.

During the test, solo, duo, and trio players will share the same PvE lobbies. However, the studio is excluding several high-tension map conditions from the PvE toggle, including Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate. These specific conditions are designed to rely on the uncertainty of player encounters and will remain exclusive to standard PvPvE matchmaking. Embark has stated that a player's PvPvE matchmaking rating will remain unaffected by their participation in the PvE test sessions.

The introduction of PvE servers comes amid a period of declining player numbers, partially attributed to a content drought following the studio's shift to bi-yearly updates. While the upcoming Frozen Trail update on October 8 is expected to introduce new quests and weapon customization, the PvE test represents a significant shift in how Embark approaches the game's social dynamics. The studio has previously utilized aggression-based matchmaking, which historically grouped players based on their tendency toward violence or diplomacy. The upcoming test aims to address friction points regarding camping and player aggression while evaluating whether a formal PvE mode can help stabilize the game's population.