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ARC Raiders’ PvE option is a limited matchmaking test, not a confirmed permanent mode. It runs from October 13, 2026, at 11:00 CEST (09:00 UTC) through October 20 at 11:00 CEST (09:00 UTC). During the test, players can choose PvE matchmaking instead of the usual PvPvE experience; player-to-player damage is disabled in PvE sessions, but ARC enemies remain dangerous.
How to play the ARC Raiders PvE test
The test adds a matchmaking toggle between the standard PvPvE experience and PvE sessions. Embark says players can switch between the experiences during the test, and that playing PvE does not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating.
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Embark’s official announcements do not identify the exact menu or button path for the toggle, so a specific set of in-game navigation steps cannot be confirmed. Look for the PvE matchmaking option in the game during the test rather than relying on an unverified menu guide.
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- ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
- Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.
Start and end times
Embark’s October 12 reminder gives the test window in Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
| Event | CEST | UTC |
|---|---|---|
| Test begins | October 13, 2026, at 11:00 | October 13, 2026, at 09:00 |
| Test ends | October 20, 2026, at 11:00 | October 20, 2026, at 09:00 |
These are the announced test times, not a promise that PvE matchmaking will remain available after October 20.
What changes in PvE matchmaking
PvE removes direct combat between players, but it does not make a raid risk-free. Embark’s October reminder describes the operational rules below; the standard PvPvE experience remains the alternative matchmaking pool.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Feature | PvE test | Standard PvPvE |
|---|---|---|
| Player-to-player damage | Disabled in PvE servers. | Player combat remains part of the PvPvE experience. |
| Stun and fire throwables | Do not affect other players. Other physical interaction items, including barricades and ziplines, are unaffected. | No corresponding change is announced for PvPvE. |
| Loot value | Overall loot value is lower to account for the relative safety of PvE sessions. | Embark says PvPvE sessions will have slightly higher baseline loot values during the test while it monitors the economy. |
| Squad-size matchmaking | Squad separation is not prioritized. Solos, Duos, and Trios share PvE sessions, so groups of different sizes may meet. | The test announcement does not specify a comparable squad-size change for PvPvE. |
| Available map conditions | Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate, and Redirection do not offer PvE matchmaking. | These conditions are excluded from PvE matchmaking; the reminder does not state that they are removed from PvPvE. |
| Downed players and ARC enemies | ARC enemies may reacquire a downed player if they move after an eight-second grace period. Staying still is not a guarantee of safety if movement is detected later. | The PvE downed-player rule does not describe a change to PvPvE. |
| Queue times | Could be affected in low-population regions or during quiet hours; Embark has not quantified the effect or named affected regions. | Embark says it will monitor PvPvE session quality as well. |
Why Embark is testing a PvE option
Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal says ARC Raiders was originally envisioned as a raid-based PvE co-op game centered on looting before development shifted toward the PvPvE extraction game. Embark says it wants to accommodate different playstyles and use player feedback and test data to decide what to do next.
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- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
In its September 24 announcement, Embark reported that 37% of its players were friendly co-op players, 27% mixed players, and 34% pure PvP players. It also said 51% of the surveyed player base expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option, while over 70% of Friendly players and 40% of PvP players wanted fewer hostile encounters. The announcement does not provide the survey sample size or field dates, so these should be read as figures reported by Embark, not independently verified population estimates. Read Embark’s September 24 announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the PvE mode permanent?
No permanent mode has been announced. Grøndal wrote, “This test is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future, but take this as an indication that we are seriously considering it.” After the test, Embark plans to review feedback and data and send a survey. It says a future version, if any, could look different; it has not given a date for sharing findings or future plans. See the October 12 test reminder for the announced window and current rules.
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- Use cunning strategy and tactics to tame, train, ride and breed the 100+ dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming the dynamic, persistent ecosystems across land, sea, air, and even underground Build your character's strengths and gain items, skills, and pet creatures using in-depth role-playing systems
- Start a tribe with hundreds of other players to survive and dominate competing tribes...and ultimately discover ARK's true purpose
- Build a fire or shelter, then craft customizable clothing & armors to help protect against damage and extreme temperatures on your way to unlocking advanced technologies and equipment
- Chop down trees and mine metal and other precious resources to build massive multi-leveled structures composed of complex snap-linked parts
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