Arc Raiders is testing a PvE mode because "a large and growing group" refuse to hunt each other

Embark Studios, the developer behind Arc Raiders, has announced a limited-time trial of a PvE mode in response to player feedback. From October 13th to 20th, players can toggle between the standard extraction shooter experience and a modified version where human players cannot harm each other. The studio noted that a growing segment of the community prioritizes cooperative play over competitive combat, prompting the change. Embark emphasized the importance of supporting this player base rather than forcing them to adapt to the game’s core mechanics.

The PvE mode retains the core structure of Arc Raiders but removes player-to-player damage entirely. Loot values are reduced to reflect the lower risk, and certain events designed around unpredictable encounters will not appear in PvE matches. Embark clarified that the trial is not intended to make PvE more challenging to compensate for the absence of PvP threats. Instead, the studio adjusted enemy behavior slightly to maintain tension, such as allowing ARC units to reacquire downed players if they move.

Data shared by Embark indicates that the number of players who exclusively engage in cooperative play has surpassed those who focus solely on PvP. Since launch, the percentage of players who prioritize PvP has remained stable at 34%, while the number of mixed players—those who occasionally engage in PvP—has declined. Most players now prefer full-time cooperative play, leading Embark to explore ways to better support this shift in player behavior.

The move reflects a broader trend in the extraction shooter genre, where some players seek cooperative experiences over competitive combat. Embark is not alone in this effort; Bungie is also developing a PvE mode for Marathon to cater to similar preferences. The success of these trials may influence how future extraction shooters balance PvP and PvE elements, potentially reshaping the genre’s core appeal.