Arc Raiders studio Embark weighs future of PvE mode after test

Embark Studios is analyzing data from a recent Arc Raiders PvE matchmaking test to decide if the mode will return. The test, which concluded in late October, saw more than 30 million PvE rounds played, according to Embark.

ARC Raiders · official art via IGDB

The test allowed players to use a toggle to switch from the standard PvPvE mode to a mode where players could not damage one another and instead worked together to fight Arc enemies. Players reported that the mode currently lacks a significant risk-based hook to justify it alongside the core game, with some noting it felt like a version of the game with simplified items and disabled friendly fire.

Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal explained that the studio was originally skeptical about a PvE mode because Arc Raiders was initially developed as a PvE co-op looter before pivoting to the current PvPvE extraction shooter gameplay. Grøndal said the studio is now investigating whether the mode should serve as a chill side mode between intense rounds, a challenge mode for testing skills against AI, or a full PvE-only experience.

Embark is currently considering how to support different player types without compromising the core vision of the title or complicating the live service content pipeline. The studio plans to make a decision in November regarding how it will implement PvE in Arc Raiders, if at all.