Arc Raiders Brings Long-Awaited PvE Mode to Beta Test Amid Player Count Concerns

Embark Studios has officially confirmed that Arc Raiders, the popular extraction shooter, will offer a dedicated PvE mode for players to test from October 13-20. The week-long trial introduces a new in-game toggle that lets players choose between standard matchmaking and a cooperative-focused experience, marking a significant step toward addressing a growing segment of the community that prefers to avoid player-versus-player combat. The move arrives just days after the game’s upcoming Frozen Trail update lands on October 8, and comes as the title grapples with steadily declining player numbers.

While the announcement follows earlier reports that Embark had experimented with a unique PvE map condition on Chinese beta servers, this iteration removes the artificial constraint. Players will no longer need to hunt for a specific condition to access PvE content. Instead, a straightforward toggle during the test week will let them opt into the cooperative experience at will. Solos, duos, and trios will all share the same lobbies, since other raiders no longer pose a threat in PvE matches. However, Embark has noted that certain high-stakes map conditions—Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate—will remain exclusive to standard matchmaking throughout the trial.

A Cautionary Word From the Developer

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the test, Embark has been careful to temper expectations. In a press release, the studio made clear that the beta is not a guarantee of a permanent PvE mode in the game’s future. “It’s possible that this will not work,” the release states. “This test is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future, but take this as an indication that we are seriously considering it. We don’t yet know how the potential future version of this setting might look. It’s plausible that any future version could look very different from what you experience in the beta test.” The developer’s measured language reflects the uncertainty inherent in testing a feature that could reshape the game’s core identity.

Yet the data behind the decision is compelling. Embark reports that 37% of the player base are cooperative-only raiders who actively avoid PvP encounters whenever possible. Of those players, 70% have expressed a desire for fewer hostile interactions with other raiders—and remarkably, 40% of PvP players say the same. This widespread appetite for a gentler, more cooperative experience suggests the studio is responding to genuine community demand rather than speculative interest.

Player Numbers and the Road Ahead

The timing of the PvE test is especially significant given the game’s recent struggles. Arc Raiders has seen player counts dwindle over the past several months, at least partially due to Embark’s decision to shift toward bi-yearly updates. The resulting content drought has left the community concerned, though the addition of a PvE mode a handful of days after the Frozen Trail update could serve as a much-needed catalyst to recapture the game’s early momentum.

The Frozen Trail update itself promises a substantial amount of new content, including a fresh map to explore, a smorgasbord of new quests, expanded weapon customization options, and a variety of quality-of-life improvements. Meanwhile, the broader industry context is telling: Marathon, another extraction shooter, added PvE modes to its lineup back in July, which briefly boosted its player counts before those gains faded. Arc Raiders’ larger mainstream appeal may help it avoid a similar fate, but a great deal is riding on these upcoming changes to stabilize the community.

For now, the focus remains on the October 13-20 test window. Until then, players can dive into the Frozen Trail update on October 8, which brings a wealth of new content to the table. Keep an eye on Gamer24h’s comprehensive Arc Raiders guides hub for all of your needs when the update lands, and stay tuned for our coverage of the PvE beta as it unfolds.

Looking Ahead

Whether this test ultimately translates into a permanent PvE mode remains to be seen, but Embark’s willingness to seriously consider the feature signals a promising direction for the game. With the Frozen Trail update already in the pipeline and a dedicated beta window set for mid-October, the community has reason to be optimistic. The coming weeks will reveal whether a cooperative-focused experience can help Arc Raiders reinvigorate its player base and carve out a sustainable future in an increasingly crowded extraction shooter market.

“It’s possible that this will not work.” This test is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future, but take this as an indication that we are seriously considering it. We don’t yet know how the potential future version of this setting might look. It’s plausible that any future version could look very different from what you experience in the beta test.”

Embark Studios

For more on the game’s latest developments, explore the Arc Raiders coverage, including the Embark was testing a unique PvE map condition on Chinese beta servers report and the Embark’s decision to turn to bi-yearly updates for Arc Raiders analysis. You can also compare the competitive landscape by reading about how Marathon added PvE modes to its lineup, and consult the Arc Raiders guides hub for everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Written by Billy Givens, a freelancer from Atlanta, GA. His work has appeared at GameSpot, IGN, Game Informer, The Guardian, Tom’s Guide, ScreenRant, Digital Trends, and beyond. Follow him on Bluesky at @billygivens.bsky.social.