Arc Raiders to Test PvE Mode in Upcoming Trial

Embark Studios has revealed plans to test a PvE mode for Arc Raiders next month. From October 13 to October 20, players will have the option to toggle PvE, allowing them to switch between lobbies where they can engage in PvP combat and those where they are safe from player damage. This test aims to offer players more choice and evaluate the feasibility of completely opting out of PvP. Consequently, loot in PvE will be less valuable due to the lower stakes. Additionally, ARCs will target downed players to maintain some tension, but if players remain still, they will be ignored by AI enemies.

During this period, Embark will keep a close eye on the player economy and matchmaking times. The team has acknowledged that "it's possible that this will not work," indicating that PvE might not become a permanent feature. This trial is meant to assess how well such a mode would function, not as a stress test.

"It’s important to mention that this is not a risk-free test," the studio stated. "The first, unlaunched iteration of ARC Raiders was conceived as a PvE game, and we have been hesitant to return to that concept. There is a risk that introducing a PvE matchmaking toggle could reduce some of the tension that the game was built around. At the same time, we have to respect that some players want to enjoy the game in their own way, and we can’t ignore what the data is telling us.

As creators, we design a game with an intention for how we think it should be played; but after launch, it becomes the players’ game. This is one of the unique and wonderful things about making games; we build something with a specific vision, and then we get to see players finding their own ways to enjoy it."

The impetus for this test comes from Embark Studios' data showing that a significant number of players avoided or tried to steer clear of combat with other players. They showed more interest in a cooperative, social experience rather than one that involved fighting real humans. You can see some of the data directly from Embark below.

It will be intriguing to see the outcomes of this test, and it's refreshing to witness a studio experimenting so openly, even if it doesn't lead to permanent changes. Ultimately, the community will need to demonstrate whether it wants PvE in Arc Raiders and provide constructive feedback to make it viable.