How to Play, Start, End Times, All Changes

Following the rollout of the Frozen Trail update, Embark Studios is finally launching a dedicated PvE mode toggle for ARC Raiders. While it’s a limited one-week beta test, it’ll be available for all players without requiring any special beta build or access key. This means interested players will be able to toggle PvE mode on and explore the map, complete complex questlines, and fight ARC machines without worrying about hostile players or extraction campers.

However, playing without human competition comes with distinct rules, restrictions, and economic trade-offs. Here is everything you need to know about how the ARC Raiders PvE mode works, its exact launch schedule, and how it changes various gameplay elements.

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How to Play ARC Raiders PvE Mode

The limited-time PvE mode beta test for ARC Raiders will be available on October 13th, 2026, and will last a whole week, ending on October 20th, 2026. During this time, players will be able to see an option to toggle PvE on before queuing for a match. This will introduce new gameplay elements and change some familiar rules to balance the reduced threat of hostile raiders (more on that later).

Here’s a table breaking down the start and end times for the ARC Raiders PvE beta test.

Gameplay Changes in ARC Raiders PvE Mode

According to Embark Studios, queuing into the ARC Raiders PvE mode introduces several systemic adjustments to balance the absence of PvP action:

Zero Player Damage: Raiders cannot hurt or down one another. Throwables, including stun and fire items, will not affect other players. However, physical interaction items like barricades and ziplines function normally.

Mixed Squad Sizes: Squad separation will not be prioritized in PvE matchmaking. For example, it means solo players are more likely to come across teams of duos and trios.

Lower Loot Value: Since the extraction risk is drastically reduced, the overall value of loot found in PvE servers is lowered. So, don’t expect to find legendary and Epic-rarity loot as easily.

Excluded Map Conditions: Major high-risk map conditions are entirely disabled during the test. So, players toggling PvE on won’t be able to access Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate, or Redirection events.

ARC Downed Mechanics: ARC enemies can re-acquire downed players. So, if a player gets downed, the ARC enemies will start attacking them after an eight-second grace period.

Independent MMR: It goes without saying that PvE sessions will not impact your standard PvPvE aggression-based matchmaking rating.

So, if you’re looking to do some casual item farming, or trying to have a “relatively” stress-free raid session with your squad, ARC Raiders PvE mode is definitely something you should try. While the loot quality reduction can put off some players, not having to worry about other players shooting you in the back is a huge plus.