Embark Studios has started the most requested test in ARC Raiders history: a PvE matchmaking toggle, live Oct 13 at 11:00 CEST to Oct 20 at 11:00 CEST as part of Update 2.1.0.
It is not a promise of a permanent PvE mode. Embark says your feedback plus in-game data will decide if the toggle stays. A survey goes out after the test.
If you have been avoiding Topside because of third-parties, this is your week. Here is exactly what changes.
Quick answer: how does PvE mode work?
You toggle between standard PvPvE and new PvE servers. In PvE servers:
- Zero player-to-player damage. You cannot kill or be killed by Raiders.
- Stun and fire throwables do not work on other players. Barricades, ziplines and other physical utility are unaffected.
- Overall loot value is lowered. Same loot tables, worse payouts. Embark has not published the exact multiplier.
- Squad size separation is not prioritized. Solos, duos and trios meet more often.
- ARC can re-acquire you after being downed. You get an 8-second grace period where ARC ignores you. Move after that and they re-engage.
- Queue times may be longer in low-pop regions and quiet hours.
- Standard PvPvE still uses aggression matchmaking so Embark can measure how the toggle affects PvPvE lobbies. See ARC Raiders Matchmaking Explained.
What is excluded from PvE?
PvE is not available for these major conditions:
- Night Raid
- Locked Gate
- Hidden Bunker
- Frigate
- Redirection
That matters for farming: Frigate cargo runs, the highest risk / highest reward loop from Frozen Trail, are PvPvE-only. If you want max credits per hour, stay in PvPvE.
Is PvE loot still worth it?
Yes, if your goal is quests, unlocks and learning — no, if your goal is pure credits.
Lower loot value means your Stash Value Calculator runs will look worse on paper. But your survival rate should be near 100% vs ARC only, so:
- Do PvE for: 22 new Frozen Trail quests, Picking Up the Pieces loot-icon areas in Pendola Pass, Outpost Research Bench unlocks, Skill Tree 2.0 testing, learning Bully / Skulker / Hydra patterns.
- Do PvPvE for: Frigate cargo, Night Raid, high-value trinkets like Familiar Duck to sell, Amplified Weapon crafts that need top-end materials.
Pro tip: run PvE to stockpile quest-gated unlocks, then run 2-3 focused PvPvE Frigate / Pendola Pass runs to cash in. Check each item before you sell — use the Item Database to compare sell vs recycle value, because PvE volume farming favors stackable sell items.
Why Embark is testing this now
Context from September: Embark said 37% of players are friendly co-op, 34% pure PvP, 27% mixed, and 51% surveyed want a dedicated PvE option.
Frozen Trail brought back 185,443 concurrent Steam players Oct 11, the highest since March, up from ~30k averages. New Steam reviews are only ~63% positive, mostly PvP complaints during the Oct 8-12 free trial. This beta is Embark testing if PvE retention offsets any PvPvE drain.
For the bigger picture read Can Frozen Trail Save ARC Raiders?.
What to do before Oct 20
- Try at least 3 PvE runs and 3 PvPvE runs — Embark explicitly wants both perspectives.
- Test Skill Tree 2.0 stamina skills (Fight or Flight, Stubborn Mule) without PvP pressure.
- Finish Pendola Pass loot-icon quests — 2.1.0 fixed them not counting.
- Leave feedback in-game and do the post-test survey. No feedback = no permanent mode.
Bottom line: PvE is best for progression, not profit. Use it to unlock, then extract for real in PvPvE.