Embark Studios will test an optional player-versus-environment matchmaking toggle in Arc Raiders from October 13 through October 20, 2026. The limited test will let players switch between the existing PvPvE format and a separate queue built around fighting ARC enemies and cooperating with other Raiders.
The studio’s announcement makes clear that this is an experiment, not a permanent mode launch. When the test ends, Embark plans to remove the toggle and return matchmaking to its current setup while it reviews player feedback and usage data.
How the PvE queue will work
Player-to-player damage will be disabled in PvE sessions. Solos, duos and trios will share the same matchmaking pool, and participants can scavenge, complete quests and explore without hostile players. Progress in that queue will not affect a player’s PvPvE matchmaking rating.
Several higher-tension conditions will remain outside the test: Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate. Embark also plans to lower overall loot value in PvE sessions to account for safer extraction. By contrast, PvPvE sessions will receive slightly higher baseline loot values during the test.
ARC enemies will still provide a threat. The official explanation says they may reacquire a downed player who keeps crawling, but should ignore that player if they remain still. Embark describes this behavior as one way to preserve some tension without an opposing player squad.
Why Embark is trying the option
Embark says its player data divides the audience into 37% friendly co-op players, 27% mixed players and 34% pure PvP players. Its survey also found that 51% of respondents were interested in a dedicated PvE option. Those figures come from the studio’s own analysis and have not been presented as an independent population study.
The test has practical risks. Splitting players between queues may increase matchmaking times in lower-population regions or during quieter hours, and the studio intends to watch both queue health and the in-game economy. Embark has also warned that a PvE option could weaken the uncertainty at the center of the extraction format.
The result will therefore depend on more than raw participation. Embark will assess feedback, economic effects and matchmaking quality before deciding whether to develop the feature further. Players should expect the normal PvPvE structure to return after October 20 unless the studio announces a later test or permanent plan.
Sources
- Reporting source: IGN
- Primary source: Embark Studios — official PvE toggle beta test announcement
