Everyone who is anyone in the ARC Raiders space knows about the upcoming PvE test. It’s arguably the most important thing to hit the extraction adventure platform since it launched in October 2025, and it’s set to potentially reshape the game’s fortunes, for better or for worse.
That said, when is PvE coming to ARC Raiders? When is Embark Studios going to open up access to that toggle that turns your PvPvE extraction adventure experience into a cosy, low-threat PvE environment? Let’s find out – here are the PvE test dates that ARC Raiders fans need to know about.
ARC Raiders PvE Test Schedule
Embark Studios will be adding a ‘toggle’ in ARC Raiders to enable PvE matchmaking from October 13 to 20, allowing for a limited-time PvE-focused test to take place. It’s an experimental thing that is not promised to be around forever, unless it goes down remarkably well with players worldwide.
The team has advised that it’ll be a seamless thing, and before queueing for a raid, you can flip the switch one way or another to alter the kind of game you’re joining. It’s simple – in the PvE raids, you won’t be able to harm other Raiders; that’s about it.
How Does PvE Work in ARC Raiders?
From what we know, once you’ve activated the PvE toggle and loaded into a relatively non-threatening raid in ARC Raiders, you’ll be presented with several major changes.
First, you’ll not be able to damage or be damaged by other players at all. That’s part and parcel of the PvE experience.
Second, you’ll be faced with a hampered loot pool that is reduced in value, in recognition of the lower-risk environment you’ve entered in the PvE-focused loop.
Also, you’ll see that fewer options are available to you in the PvE mode. You won’t be able to join various map conditions:
- Night Raid
- Hidden Bunker
- Locked Gate
- Frigate (coming with Frozen Trail)
Additionally, ARC will behave differently in the PvE world. When you’re downed, for whatever reason, ARC enemies will treat you very differently. Before, in the PvPvE world, you’re ignored by ARC enemies when you’re in a downed state, leaving you free to crawl away to get revived somewhere.
But in the PvE world, you’ll be attacked by ARC if you start crawling. As long as you stay still, you’ll be fine, but they’ll re-engage you if you move around, sending you back to Speranza in a matter of seconds.
Are you going to be playing ARC Raiders’ PvE mode when it launches on October 13? Let us know your thoughts about the whole situation on the Insider Gaming Discord server.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that ARC Raiders is getting a paid battle pass, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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