Swedish development studio Embark Studios has made the surprise announcement of a limited-time beta format for pure PvE matches in its evacuation shooter ARC Raiders. As the studio acknowledged in an official statement, the move is based on a comprehensive analysis of internal user data, which revealed clear changes in player behavior. From October 13 to 20, 2026, players will have the opportunity to seamlessly switch between the classic PvPvE experience and pure cooperative mode through matchmaking before the round begins. In PvE mode, player-to-player damage is completely disabled as solos, duos, and trios fight together in the same instance against the threat of ARC machines
The decision to enter beta marks a significant shift in Embark Studios’ design philosophy. Originally conceived as a purely cooperative game, ARC Raiders was redesigned during development to become a PvPvE-focused extraction shooter.
However, the development team’s internal surveys paint a clear picture of the current player base: 37% of active users consider themselves Peaceful Co-op players, and this group has been growing since the game’s launch. Another 27% prefer a mix of the two methods, while pure PvP players make up 34% of the user base. Over 51% of the community surveyed clearly support dedicated PvE options to avoid frustrating factors such as extraction point ambushes.
To keep the game balanced while reducing risk, the developers are making specific adjustments for the beta phase. In PvE instances, the total value of loot that can be found is slightly lower than in riskier PvPvE lobbies. Additionally, particularly nerve-wracking game conditions and events such as night attacks, hidden bunkers, locked gates, and flying frigates are excluded from PvE matches because these design elements are based on the constant uncertainty of enemy player encounters.
Embark Studios stresses that the one-week trial is just an experiment and is not a guarantee of permanent implementation. After October 20, the switch will be temporarily lifted to allow analysis of the telemetry data obtained and feedback on waiting pages and economic simulations. Still, the move demonstrates the studio’s willingness to tweak core designs to fit the real needs of its growing community.
