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Does ARC Raiders Have a PvE-Only Mode? October 2026 Test Dates and Details

ARC Raiders does not yet have a permanent PvE-only mode. Embark’s limited matchmaking test is scheduled for October 13–20, 2026, with no player damage, reduced loot value, and mixed squad sizes.
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Not yet. As of October 7, 2026, ARC Raiders’ standard matchmaking remains PvPvE. Embark has announced a limited PvE matchmaking test for October 13–20, 2026, but has not confirmed a permanent PvE-only mode.

When can players try PvE matchmaking?

Embark’s official announcement schedules the test for October 13–20, 2026. That means the PvE queue is not available on October 7. The announcement describes the option as a limited test, while PvPvE remains the standard experience.

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What will the PvE test be like?

During the test, players will not be able to damage one another. The focus is on fighting ARC enemies and cooperating with other players. The queue will mix solo, duo, and trio players, so a solo player may share a session with larger squads.

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Embark says overall loot value will be lower in PvE than in PvPvE. Playing the test will not affect a player’s PvPvE matchmaking rating.

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Activities excluded from the test

Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate will remain PvPvE-only during the test, according to Embark.

PvE versus the standard PvPvE queue

Feature PvE test Standard PvPvE
Threats ARC enemies; no player-to-player damage ARC enemies and hostile player encounters
Loot Lower overall loot value, according to Embark Higher baseline loot value than PvE, according to Embark
Squad matching Solos, duos, and trios share sessions Not stated in the announcement
Availability Limited test, October 13–20, 2026 Standard experience described by Embark
Excluded activities Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate Not stated in the announcement
Matchmaking rating Does not affect PvPvE rating Not stated in the announcement

Is the PvE mode permanent?

No permanent mode has been confirmed. Embark says the PvE toggle will be removed when the test ends, after which matchmaking returns to normal. The studio plans to assess player feedback and data before deciding what comes next; any permanent option or future rules remain undecided.

Executive Producer Aleks put the status plainly: “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.”

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Why is Embark testing a PvE option?

In a September 24, 2026 announcement, Embark reported that 51% of its surveyed playerbase expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option. It also reported that over 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players wanted fewer hostile encounters. Embark’s announcement did not state the survey’s sample size or methodology, so these figures should be read as the studio’s reported findings, not as an independently verified survey.

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