A temporary PvE matchmaking option is coming to ARC Raiders for a seven-day testing period beginning October 13, 2026. Embark Studios plans to remove player-versus-player combat during the experiment, creating dedicated sessions where solos, duos, and trios can work together against AI-controlled ARC enemies. Friendly fire will also be disabled, giving cooperative groups a more controlled environment for exploration and scavenging. The change is particularly notable because ARC Raiders Coins and other progression-related resources are normally connected to an extraction experience where players must consider both AI threats and human opponents. The new test separates those two sources of danger for a short period, potentially giving Embark a clearer picture of how many players want a purely cooperative alternative.
From PvPvE Back Toward Cooperation
ARC Raiders has not always been envisioned as a PvPvE extraction shooter. During its earlier development, the project was conceived as a primarily cooperative raid game. Its later shift toward PvPvE introduced a stronger competitive element, making encounters between raiders part of the game's identity. The October experiment provides a temporary opportunity to revisit some of those cooperative foundations. Instead of worrying about another squad stealing resources or attacking during an extraction, players can concentrate on movement, combat against ARC machines, and gathering useful materials. This does not mean the game is permanently returning to its original concept. Rather, the test gives the studio a controlled opportunity to evaluate whether a dedicated cooperative queue has a sustainable place within the broader game.
Community Numbers Provide Context
Embark's decision is supported by player research cited in the announcement. The data indicates that 37% of the community describes itself as friendly co-op players, while 51% of surveyed players said they were interested in a PvE option. These numbers help explain why a limited test is being considered. A survey can identify interest, but a live matchmaking experiment provides a different kind of evidence. Participation rates can show whether players who say they want PvE actually use it regularly when the option becomes available. The studio can also observe how different group sizes interact with the mode. Solo players may approach the environment differently from duos or trios, and those differences could help inform future decisions about cooperative matchmaking.
PvE Comes With Meaningful Tradeoffs
The temporary mode will have several restrictions that distinguish it from normal PvPvE sessions. Most notably, loot value will be reduced in PvE matchmaking. Players therefore cannot expect the cooperative mode to provide the same rewards as higher-risk competitive sessions. Several challenging activities will also remain exclusive to PvPvE, including Night Raids, Hidden Bunkers, and Locked Gates. These limitations maintain an incentive for players to participate in the standard experience. PvE also does not remove the game's mechanical dangers. ARC enemies can still attack downed players who attempt to crawl away, so teams must continue paying attention after an encounter goes badly. Removing hostile raiders changes the threat profile, but it does not turn the environment into a risk-free playground.
The Test May Inform Future Development
The October 13–20 window is deliberately short, emphasizing that the PvE toggle is an experiment rather than a confirmed permanent feature. Embark can use the period to compare participation and player behavior with the standard matchmaking environment. For players interested in buy ARC Raiders Loot, the reduced-value rule is particularly relevant because the PvE mode prioritizes cooperative gameplay over maximum extraction rewards. Players who want to experience the maps with friends can use the test to focus on teamwork and ARC combat, while those who enjoy the uncertainty of player encounters can continue using PvPvE matchmaking. The experiment ultimately gives both the studio and community more information about how a cooperative-only option might fit into the game's long-term structure.
