ARC Raiders Producer Says PvE Split Is “Possible”
Embark Studios plans to test a dedicated Player vs Environment (PvE) mode for its extraction game ARC Raiders, potentially splitting the currently unified PvPvE (Player vs Player vs Environment) experience. The limited test will run from October 13 to October 20, 2026, introducing a toggle in-game that enables pure PvE matchmaking.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, ARC Raiders producer Aleksander Grøndal confirmed that a permanent PvE split is “very possible,” acknowledging that the player community is already naturally divided between those preferring PvE and PvP experiences. The producer emphasized the importance of respecting these different playstyle preferences, suggesting the game could eventually support both modes as separate experiences.
The move reflects broader challenges in live-service games where player preferences don’t always align. The test period will provide Embark Studios with data on how a PvE-exclusive mode affects core systems including game tension, economic balance, and overall player base distribution. The outcome of this test could determine whether ARC Raiders officially splinters into distinct PvE and PvP branches.