ARC Raiders PvE Toggle Test Runs Through October 20

ARC Raiders PvE test runs from October 13 to October 20

Embark Studios has opened a one-week PvE toggle test in ARC Raiders, running from October 13 through October 20, 2026. The test began at 2:00 AM PT, or 5:00 AM ET, and is available during the regular game period rather than through a separate beta launch. Embark announced the test in its official post.

Players can enter PvE without a code or extra download

Anyone can try the test without signing up, requesting an access code, or receiving special permission. Players also do not need a separate beta client. After launching ARC Raiders, open the matchmaking options and select the new PvE toggle instead of the standard PvPvE option, then queue normally.

PvE removes enemy Raiders but keeps ARC machines

The test removes enemy player Raiders from matches, shifting the activity toward exploring the Rust Belt, collecting resources, completing quests, and fighting ARC machines. The regular PvPvE matchmaking option remains available, so players can switch between the two formats through the matchmaking toggle.

Fandomwire reports that player damage is disabled in the PvE queue. Raiders cannot shoot, down, or otherwise damage one another, and stun or fire-based throwables do not affect other players. Physical objects such as barricades and ziplines still function, while ARC machines remain a threat throughout each session.

Embark does not promise a permanent PvE mode

Beebom reports that Embark has described this as a limited matchmaking test rather than a commitment to keep PvE in the game. The studio will use the test period to assess the mode, and a future version would not necessarily match this temporary format. The PvE option is scheduled to disappear when the test ends on October 20, 2026.

Embark first built ARC Raiders as a PvE game

This experiment revisits an idea that dates back roughly seven years. According to ComicBook.com, Embark originally designed ARC Raiders as a PvE co-op looting project, then abandoned that direction after internal testing found it boring to play. The studio rebuilt the game as a PvPvE extraction shooter, making this test a return to the earlier structure rather than a first attempt at PvE design.

PvE gives tonight's players a different risk profile

For players who want ARC Raiders' exploration, quests, and machine fights without enemy gunfire, the toggle offers a direct alternative through October 20. It also removes the player conflict that defined Embark's revised version, so choosing PvE means trading extraction tension between Raiders for a more focused fight against the ARC machines.