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ARC Raiders’ PvE mode is a one-week test that runs from October 13 to October 20, 2026. During the test you can switch between normal PvPvE and PvE sessions with no player-to-player damage. PvE loot is worth less, your PvPvE matchmaking rating is not affected, and Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate stay PvPvE only. Embark removes the toggle when the test ends.
Embark announced the test in a developer post on September 24, 2026, signed by executive producer Aleks. The rules below come from that post. The post gives dates but no start or end hour; the hour in the table comes from press coverage, so treat it as provisional until the toggle appears in game.
ARC Raiders PvE test start and end times
Embark’s post says October 13 to 20. Beebom reports a start and end time of 2:00 AM PT. Converted:
| Time zone | Reported start, Oct 13 (unconfirmed by Embark) | Reported end, Oct 20 (unconfirmed by Embark) |
|---|---|---|
| PT (Los Angeles) | 2:00 AM | 2:00 AM |
| ET (New York) | 5:00 AM | 5:00 AM |
| UTC | 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| BST (London) | 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| CEST (Berlin, Paris) | 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
| CST (Beijing) | 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| JST (Tokyo) | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Only the dates come from Embark. If the toggle is not there at 2:00 AM PT, check Embark’s social channels for the exact go-live time.
How to turn on PvE mode in ARC Raiders
Embark’s post says you can toggle between the classic PvPvE experience and the PvE experience, and that switching is designed to be seamless. It does not mention a sign-up, a code or a separate download. Beebom places the toggle under the matchmaking options; Embark’s post does not say where it sits.
PvE sessions mix solos, duos and trios in the same session. There is no player-to-player damage, so the only threat is ARC. Embark describes PvE as a way to scavenge, complete quests and explore, so it suits players working through a quest list without being hunted.
ARC Raiders Quest BoostingEmbark says PvE sessions let you scavenge, complete quests and explore without player-to-player damage.From $5.29View offerPvE mode rules: loot, MMR and downed players
- Lower loot value in PvE. Embark lowers the overall loot value in PvE sessions to offset how safe they are.
- Slightly better loot in PvPvE. During the test, PvPvE sessions get slightly higher baseline loot values. Embark says this addresses the economy impact of more players extracting in PvE.
- No effect on your MMR. Your PvPvE matchmaking rating is not affected by PvE sessions.
- ARC still hunt downed players. If ARC down you, they may target you again while you crawl. Embark says they ignore you if you stay still.
Embark adds that the test is not about making PvE harder, and it is not trying out new PvE progression.
Which map conditions are excluded from PvE
Four conditions are not included in PvE matchmaking: Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate. If you want to board the ARC Frigate that arrived with Frozen Trail, you still have to do it in a normal PvPvE raid. Our Frigate guide covers how to get on board.
Is PvE mode permanent in ARC Raiders?
No. Embark says the toggle is removed and matchmaking returns to normal when the test ends. It says it will review feedback and data and share what it learned afterwards. It also says plainly: “This test is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future.”
Embark explains why it is running the test. By its numbers, 37% of players are friendly co-op, 27% are mixed and 34% are pure PvP. Over 70% of friendly players and about 40% of PvP players want fewer hostile encounters, and 51% of the players it surveyed are interested in a dedicated PvE option.
ARC Raiders services for the PvE week
If the PvE week is when you want to clear quests or stock up, these are the closest matches:
ARC Raiders Dam Battlegrounds Raid RunsPvE loot is worth less during the test, while PvPvE sessions get slightly higher baseline loot.From $3.49View offer
ARC Raiders Boss KillsThe Frigate stays PvPvE only during the PvE test.From $17.99View offerFrequently asked questions
When does the ARC Raiders PvE test start?
October 13, 2026, per Embark. Press coverage gives 2:00 AM PT; Embark’s post does not give an hour.
Do I need to sign up for the PvE test?
Embark’s post does not mention any sign-up or code. It describes a toggle you switch on and off.
Does PvE affect my matchmaking rating?
No. Embark says your PvPvE matchmaking rating is not affected by PvE sessions.
Can I do the Frigate in PvE?
No. Frigate, Night Raids, Hidden Bunker and Locked Gate are excluded from PvE matchmaking.
Is loot worse in PvE mode?
Yes. Embark lowers overall loot value in PvE sessions and raises baseline loot slightly in PvPvE during the test.
Will PvE mode come back after October 20?
Not confirmed. Embark says the test is not a promise of a future PvE mode.
Sources and update history
- Embark Studios: We’re testing a PvE Toggle: here’s what it means for you, September 24, 2026 (dates, PvE rules, loot changes, MMR, downed behavior, excluded conditions, survey numbers, test ends with toggle removed)
- Beebom: Arc Raiders PvE Mode Beta: Start Date, How to Join, and More, September 29, 2026 (2:00 AM PT start and end, toggle under matchmaking options)
- Embark Studios: Frozen Trail – 2.0 Update, October 8, 2026 (Frigate map condition, image)
Update history: Published October 11, 2026. Facts last checked October 11, 2026 against the sources above.
