ARC Raiders is about to test one of the most heavily discussed changes since launch: a dedicated PvE matchmaking option. From October 13 to October 20, 2026, players will be able to switch between the traditional PvPvE experience and a limited PvE test focused entirely on fighting ARC machines and cooperating with other Raiders.
The announcement has created plenty of discussion because PvP tension has always been an important part of the extraction experience. At the same time, many players enjoy exploring, completing quests, collecting resources, and fighting ARC machines without worrying about another Raider attacking them from behind.
For players preparing their loadouts or looking to buy ARC Raiders Items, the upcoming test is worth understanding before jumping into the new matchmaking option.
What Is the ARC Raiders PvE Toggle?
The PvE Toggle is a temporary matchmaking option that removes player-to-player damage.
Instead of the usual PvPvE environment, players in the test will share sessions with other Raiders while fighting the ARC threat. The test supports Solos, Duos, and Trios, meaning different squad sizes can participate in the same PvE matchmaking environment.
The idea is not to create a completely separate game mode with new progression. Embark has described the test as a way to give players an alternative to PvP encounters while gathering data and feedback.
When Does the PvE Test Start?
The ARC Raiders PvE test runs from October 13 through October 20, 2026.
Players can switch between the regular PvPvE matchmaking and the PvE experience during the test. The PvE option is designed to be easy to access rather than permanently separating the player base.
Importantly, playing PvE will not affect your PvPvE matchmaking rating.
When the test ends, the toggle will be removed and matchmaking will return to the normal system.
What Can You Do in PvE?
The basic activities remain familiar.
Players can:
- Scavenge for resources
- Complete quests
- Explore the surface
- Fight ARC machines
- Extract with collected loot
- Cooperate with other Raiders
The biggest difference is the absence of player-to-player damage.
That changes the way you approach an extraction. Instead of constantly checking every building for another squad, you can spend more time learning routes, fighting ARC enemies, completing objectives, and experimenting with equipment.
However, PvE is not completely risk-free.
ARC machines can still down players, and Embark has specifically adjusted ARC behavior around downed players. If you are downed by an ARC and continue crawling, the machine can reacquire you as a target. Staying still can cause the ARC to ignore you.
Some Content Will Be Missing
Not every condition or activity will be available during the PvE test.
The following are excluded:
- Night Raids
- Hidden Bunker
- Locked Gate
- Frigate
These activities are designed around higher tension and the uncertainty created by other players. Removing them keeps the PvE test focused on its main purpose rather than trying to reproduce every aspect of the standard PvPvE experience.
Why Is Embark Testing PvE?
Embark says player behavior and feedback are important reasons behind the experiment.
The developer reported that 37% of players identify primarily with friendly co-op play, 27% prefer a mixed experience, and 34% primarily enjoy PvP. It also said that 51% of surveyed players expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option.
That does not mean ARC Raiders is becoming a PvE game. The current test is specifically being used to determine whether a PvE matchmaking option can work without damaging the game’s economy, matchmaking, or core tension.
How Will PvE Affect Loot?
The lower risk comes with a corresponding adjustment to rewards.
The overall loot value in PvE sessions will be reduced because players can extract without the threat of hostile Raiders. This is an important distinction for anyone planning to use PvE purely as a safer way to farm resources.
Players interested in building their stash should therefore think of PvE as an alternative playstyle rather than an automatic shortcut to unlimited wealth.
Having useful ARC Raiders coins and equipment prepared before the test can still help you experiment with different loadouts without worrying about losing every item to another player.
Is PvE Becoming Permanent?
Not yet.
Embark has clearly described this as a limited test, not a confirmed permanent mode. The PvE Toggle will disappear after October 20 unless the developer decides to continue developing the feature based on the results.
That makes the October test particularly important. Player participation, extraction rates, matchmaking data, economy changes, and community feedback will all help determine what happens next.
For now, the message is simple: ARC Raiders is not abandoning PvPvE. Instead, the developers are testing whether players can have another way to experience the world while preserving the identity of the main game.
The October 13 test should provide the clearest indication yet of how a pure ARC Raiders PvE experience could fit into the game’s future.
