Key information
Embark Studios is currently evaluating the possibility of separating ARC Raiders into distinct PvE and PvP modes. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal confirmed that the development team is seriously considering this shift to address ongoing feedback from the game's community.
To gauge interest, a PvE testing period is scheduled from October 13 to October 20. During this trial, players will engage in matchmaking where Raiders cannot inflict damage upon one another. While solo, duo, and trio sessions are supported, high-level activities such as Night Raids and the Frigate are excluded from this specific test.
Internal data indicates a split in player preferences, with 51% of the community expressing a desire for a dedicated PvE option. Furthermore, 40% of players primarily interested in PvP reported wanting fewer hostile encounters. These findings contrast with the game's current PvPvE structure, which evolved from an original vision seven years ago that focused on cooperative resource gathering.
The studio emphasizes that this upcoming test is intended for data collection rather than serving as a definitive promise for a permanent PvE mode. The game is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, with recent updates like Frozen Trail contributing to increased player engagement.
