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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →ARC Raiders is an online multiplayer PvPvE extraction game. You can queue alone, but that puts you into a multiplayer raid by yourself—not an offline single-player campaign or a protected solo mode. Standard raids pit players against ARC machines and may also bring them into contact with other Raiders.
What “solo” means in ARC Raiders
Solo refers to how you enter a raid: you go in without a squad. It does not mean you play offline or that other players cannot attack you. The official ARC Raiders site describes the game as a multiplayer extraction adventure, and PlayStation lists online play as required on its ARC Raiders PS5 page.
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In a standard raid, you scavenge and explore while facing mechanized ARC enemies. Other Raiders may cooperate, compete for resources, or attack. That possibility of player-versus-player encounters alongside the machine threat is what makes the standard experience PvPvE.
Does solo matchmaking make raids safe?
No. Embark says its matchmaking tries to place players with similar playstyles and equal squad sizes where possible, but neither outcome is guaranteed. The developer has stated that standard matchmaking does not include PvE-only lobbies. A solo player can still encounter hostile Raiders.
#1 Best Overall
![ARC Raiders Deluxe - PC Steam [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I3Aj2PM0L._SL160_.jpg)
- 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.
Playstyle matchmaking is a continuous process, not a strict split between friendly and aggressive players. Past behavior can influence which players are more likely to be matched together, but similarity is not assured, and behavior shifts affect future matchmaking gradually. A single encounter or kill does not instantly determine a player’s next lobby. Embark explains these limits in its matchmaking notes.
Standard raids and the announced PvE test
On September 24, 2026, Embark announced a limited PvE matchmaking toggle test scheduled for October 13–20, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, the test has not started. It is not a permanent mode announcement: Embark said matchmaking would return to normal afterward, with feedback and data informing future decisions. The distinctions below describe the standard experience and the announced test, not a permanent set of options.
| Feature | Standard PvPvE raid | Announced PvE test (October 13–20, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Can Raiders damage one another? | Yes; PvP risk is part of the experience. | No; player-to-player damage is disabled. |
| Squad sizes | Matchmaking tries to account for equal squad sizes, but does not guarantee a match. | Solos, duos, and trios share sessions. |
| Raid conditions | Standard conditions apply. | Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate are excluded. |
| Loot value | Standard values apply. | Lower than in the PvPvE experience, according to Embark. |
| Availability | The standard multiplayer experience. | Limited test only; Embark said matchmaking would return to normal after the test. |
These test details come from Embark’s September 24 announcement. The dates and rules are specific to that announced test and may not describe later updates.
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In the same September 2026 announcement, Embark reported that 37% of players were friendly co-op players, 27% mixed players, and 34% pure PvP players. It also said more than 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players wanted fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of surveyed players were interested in a dedicated PvE option.
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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
These are figures reported by Embark, not independently verified estimates of the entire player base. The announcement does not state the survey’s sample size or methodology. The figures help explain why the studio tested a PvE option, but they do not change what solo queue means in standard raids.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the game is PvPvE rather than PvE-only
Embark’s executive producer Aleks said, “We originally envisioned a raid-based PvE Co-op game with looting mechanics.” The studio’s announcement says that concept was reset into the PvPvE extraction adventure available today. For players, that history helps explain the mix of cooperative and competitive possibilities, but the standard raid remains a multiplayer experience where other Raiders may pose a threat.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ARC Raiders–Inspired Design: Bold, high-quality graphics with vibrant colors that capture the iconic ARC Raiders aesthetic.
- Durable Premium Vinyl: Made from thick, high-grade vinyl for long-lasting use on cars, laptops, skateboards, walls, and flasks.
- UV & Weather Resistant: Fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant—perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.
- Easy Application & Removal: Applies smoothly without bubbles and removes cleanly with no sticky residue left behind.
- Versatile Décor & Gift Idea: Ideal for personalizing gear, accessories, and spaces, and a great gift for ARC Raiders fans.
Rank #4
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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