ARC Raiders players got one week of raids without other players shooting them, and that test is now over.
Embark Studios ran a PvE test from October 13 to 20, 2026. This guide explains when PvE ended, what the results showed, how the mode worked for anyone searching how to turn it on, and what Embark has and has not decided about its future.
Updated October 22, 2026. The first version of this page was written during the test, so it has been rewritten for the aftermath. We have not played the test ourselves, so this is a research summary based on Embark’s announcements and press reports.
When Did ARC Raiders PvE End?
The PvE test ended on October 20, 2026. The Click reports that it ran from 10:00 a.m. BST on October 13 to 10:00 a.m. BST on October 20, which is 5:00 a.m. Eastern. That hour comes from a single outlet and Embark’s original announcement gave dates only, so treat the exact time as reported.
The toggle is gone. The Click says it was removed for now while Embark studies the data. If you cannot find the PvE option in matchmaking, that is why, not a bug.
The takeaway: PvE ended on October 20 and the option is not available right now.
Test Results: 30 Million Rounds
Players completed more than 30 million PvE rounds, according to Inven Global and MMOHuts. Neither gives a player count. Embark described the volume as a huge amount of information to analyze and said that, on a surface reading, the test has been polarizing.
Is PvE Coming Back? What Embark Said
- No decision yet. Embark has not announced a permanent PvE mode or a return of the toggle.
- November update. The studio expects to share more in November, with no specific date given.
- Survey from October 22. A survey goes to a representative sample of players, asking how PvE compared with the standard experience.
- Feedback channel. Players can still comment in the PvE test feedback channel on Embark’s Discord.
- Stated priority. Embark says the decision will prioritize the overall health and enjoyability of the game.
Embark said before the test that it was not a promise of a permanent mode. Its stated reason for the test was demand, with 51% of its surveyed player base interested in a dedicated PvE option, according to its official announcement.
The takeaway: Do not expect PvE back soon. The next answer is expected in November.
How the PvE Mode Worked
For readers asking how to turn on PvE in ARC Raiders: during the test, press coverage described a toggle on the map selection screen, with no separate download. Playnews said it swapped standard queues for cooperative PvE lobbies. That option is not available now.
Embark’s announcement listed the core rules:
- Zero player-to-player damage. Raiders could not hurt each other.
- Mixed squad sizes. Solos, duos and trios shared sessions.
- Quests and scavenging worked. ARC machines stayed dangerous.
- Lower loot value to offset the extra safety, with no exact percentages published.
- Excluded conditions: Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate. Several outlets added Redirection, which was not in the official list we read.
- No rating impact. Embark said PvE sessions did not affect the PvPvE matchmaking rating.
What Is Not Confirmed
- Whether PvE will return, in any form.
- The date of the November follow-up.
- Whether PvE runs counted toward Trials or leaderboards, which Embark did not say.
- The exact loot reduction, which was never published.
What Else Is New in ARC Raiders
Update 2.2 also launched on October 20, according to MMOHuts, adding the Wreck Set and various fixes, and players need to restart the game to download it. The larger Frozen Trail update arrived on October 8.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking for the PvE toggle. It was removed after the test.
- Believing PvE is permanent. No decision has been announced.
- Expecting a November date. Embark gave a month, not a day.
- Trusting an exact end time. Only one outlet gave it.
FAQ
When did the ARC Raiders PvE test end?
October 20, 2026. The test ran from October 13.
How long was PvE mode in ARC Raiders?
One week, October 13 to 20.
How do I turn on PvE in ARC Raiders now?
You cannot. The toggle was removed after the test.
Will ARC Raiders keep PvE?
Unknown. Embark says it will share more in November.
How many people played the PvE test?
More than 30 million rounds were played. A player count has not been published.
Final Thoughts
The test is over, and the useful date to watch is Embark’s November update. If you are also following the month’s other launches, we cover Final Fantasy Resonance, Modern Warfare 4 early access and Gears of War: E-Day login errors, with more in our game guides.
More to read: our Valorant Hush agent release date and abilities guide and the latest on whether Mass Effect 5 is cancelled.
Sources: Inven Global, MMOHuts, The Click, Embark Studios announcement, Playnews.
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