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ARC Raiders PvE mode: the PvE toggle test ends Oct. 20 at 5 a.m. ET, and it isn't permanent yet
The ARC Raiders PvE mode is a limited test of a PvE matchmaking toggle that runs from Oct. 13 to Oct. 20, 2026, according to Embark Studios. It started and ends at 11:00 CEST, which is 5 a.m. ET, so the last chance to play PvE is the early morning of Tuesday, Oct. 20. During the test, players can switch between the standard PvPvE game and new PvE servers with zero player-to-player damage, lower overall loot value and mixed squad sizes. Five major map conditions, including Night Raid and Frigate, stay PvPvE only. The mode isn't permanent yet: Embark says the toggle is removed when the test ends and matchmaking returns to normal, and a player survey follows that will help decide what comes next.
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ARC Raiders is testing a mode without player fights. Here’s when the PvE test ends, how the PvE servers work and whether the mode comes back.
When does the ARC Raiders PvE mode end?
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at 11:00 CEST, according to Embark Studios. That’s 5 a.m. ET, 2 a.m. PT and 10 a.m. in the UK. The test opened at the same time on Tuesday, Oct. 13, so it runs for exactly one week.
Embark first announced the test on Sept. 24 and posted the final details on Oct. 12. It runs alongside the Frozen Trail update, which went live on Oct. 8.
How the PvE toggle works
The test adds a PvE matchmaking toggle. Before a raid, players choose between the standard PvPvE experience, where other Raiders can attack you, and new PvE servers, where the only threat is the ARC. Embark designed it for quick switching, so a player can take a relaxed solo run in PvE and then go back to PvPvE for a tense match.
Your PvPvE matchmaking rating isn’t affected by PvE sessions, and standard matchmaking still applies in PvPvE, which Embark says helps it measure how the toggle affects the regular game. Matchmaking may take longer in low-population regions and during quiet hours.
What’s different on PvE servers
There’s zero player-to-player damage. Throwables, including stun and fire items, don’t work on other players, while barricades, ziplines and other physical items work as usual. Embark has lowered overall loot value on PvE servers, and squad separation isn’t prioritized, so Solos, Duos and Trios share the same sessions and run into each other more often.
Five major map conditions stay PvPvE only: Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate and Redirection. Embark says they’re built around the uncertainty of meeting other players. The ARC is still dangerous, too: after you’re downed, there’s an eight-second grace period, and after that the ARC may attack if it catches you moving.
Is the ARC Raiders PvE mode permanent?
Not yet. Embark calls it a limited test, at least initially. When the test ends on Oct. 20, the toggle is removed and matchmaking returns to normal. Embark will send players a survey about the test, and it says that feedback and the test data will shape the future of the system.
Embark also says the test isn’t about making PvE harder or trying new PvE progression. It’s an alternative to PvP encounters, where players can scavenge, finish quests and explore in relative safety.
Why Embark is testing PvE
ARC Raiders was first conceived as a raid-based PvE co-op game, and Embark later rebuilt it as a PvPvE extraction shooter. After launch, the studio found a big audience that mostly avoids fights. By Embark’s numbers, 37% of players are friendly co-op players, a group that has grown since launch, 27% are mixed and 34% are pure PvP players.
More than 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players say they want fewer hostile encounters, and 51% of surveyed players are interested in a dedicated PvE option. For another shooter with a free trial running until Oct. 19, see our Battlefield 6 Season 5 page.
This page is updated as soon as Embark shares the survey results or announces the future of the PvE toggle.
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FAQ
When does the ARC Raiders PvE mode end?
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at 11:00 CEST, which is 5 a.m. ET, 2 a.m. PT and 10 a.m. in the UK, according to Embark Studios.
When did the ARC Raiders PvE test start?
On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at 11:00 CEST, or 5 a.m. ET. Embark first announced the test on Sept. 24 and posted the final details on Oct. 12.
Is the ARC Raiders PvE mode permanent?
Not yet. Embark calls it a limited test, at least initially, and says the toggle is removed when the test ends and matchmaking returns to normal. A survey after the test will help shape where the PvE option goes next.
How does PvE mode work in ARC Raiders?
A matchmaking toggle lets you switch between the standard PvPvE experience and PvE servers. On PvE servers, players can’t damage each other, and stun and fire throwables don’t work on other players, while barricades and ziplines work as usual.
Is loot worse in ARC Raiders PvE mode?
Yes. Embark says overall loot value is lower on PvE servers than in the standard PvPvE game.
Which map conditions aren't in ARC Raiders PvE mode?
Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate and Redirection. Embark says these are built for higher tension and rely on the chance of meeting other players.
Does PvE mode affect my matchmaking rating?
No. Embark says your PvPvE matchmaking rating isn’t affected by PvE sessions, and standard matchmaking still applies in PvPvE.
Can ARC enemies attack downed players in PvE mode?
Yes. After a player is downed, there’s an eight-second grace period in which ARC won’t target them, but ARC may attack if it catches the player moving after that.
Why is Embark testing a PvE mode?
Embark says 37% of players are friendly co-op players, a group that keeps growing, 27% are mixed and 34% are pure PvP players, and 51% of surveyed players want a dedicated PvE option.
Pop quiz
1 questions from this story.
When does the ARC Raiders PvE toggle test end?
The test runs from Oct. 13 to Oct. 20 at 11:00 CEST, which is 5 a.m. ET, and the toggle is removed afterward.
Your call
Should ARC Raiders keep a PvE mode?
