- The Arc Raiders PvE toggle beta test will start on October 13, 2026, at 2:00 AM PT.
- This is a limited-time matchmaking test, and it ends on October 20, 2026, at 2:00 AM PT.
- During the test period, players can switch to PvE mode and face off against ARC enemies.
If there is one thing players have wanted to be added to Arc Raiders since launch, it’s a PvE mode. After nearly a year, Embark Studios is finally listening to its player base and introducing a PvE toggle beta test in Arc Raiders. If you have been waiting to get some PvE action, here is everything you should know about the brand-new PvE mode in Arc Raiders.
Editor’s Note: Last updated on October 14, 2026, to include the latest details about the Arc Raiders PvE toggle beta test.
When Is Arc Raiders PvE Coming Out?
Embark Studios announced that the Arc Raiders PvE toggle beta test will kick off on October 13, 2026, at 2:00 AM PT (5:00 AM ET) and end on October 20, 2026, at 2:00 AM PT (5:00 AM ET).
Keep in mind this is only a beta test of the PvE toggle mode, so the new mode will run for only a week.
How to Join ARC Raiders PvE Mode Beta
Luckily, the upcoming Arc Raiders PvE toggle beta test is open to all players. Therefore, players don’t need to sign up or get a code from the devs to join the PvE beta test. As mentioned earlier, PvE mode comes to Arc Raiders on October 13, 2026.
Once the server goes live after the update, a new toggle option will be added under the matchmaking options. Players can switch between classic PvPvE mode and the new PvE mode using the toggle feature. Once you switch to PvE mode, you can queue for a match normally, as you would by locking in one of the available destinations.
Since the PvE toggle beta test is coming to the game right after the Arc Raiders Frozen Trail update, it is currently speculated that players will be able to experience PvE mode on the all-new Pendola Pass map.
Arc Raiders PvE vs. PvPvE Mode Differences
As first spotted in the Arc Raiders PvE mode Chinese version, the upcoming Arc Raiders PvE toggle beta test will differ from the classic PvPvE experience. The devs are making some significant changes to keep the PvE experience intense and challenging.
So, here are the main differences between the PvE and PvPvE modes in Arc Raiders that we know so far:
PvE Mode PvPvE Mode No player-to-player damage; players cannot hurt each other. Players can engage in PvP fights. Supports Solos, Duos, and Trios during the test period. Supports Solos, Duos, and Trios all the time. Players can peacefully scavenge loot, complete quests, and team up when needed to take down ARC enemies in Arc Raiders. There is always rising tension in PvPvE, and fights can break out at any time. Throwable items such as Arc Raiders grenades and explosives won’t work on other players. All throwable items work against other players. All gadgets and utilities in Arc Raiders, like barricades, ziplines, etc will be usable. Every gadget and utility works. Overall loot value is lower. Overall loot value is significantly higher. Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate, and Redirection map conditions are unavailable. All maps and map conditions are available. PvE sessions don’t impact your PvPvE matchmaking rating, which will be taken into account for Aggression-based matchmaking in Arc Raiders. PvP fights do affect your PvPvE matchmaking rating. ARC enemies can target and attack players who move after being downed after an 8-second grace period. ARC Threats won’t target or attack players who crawl after being downed. No priority for squad separation. Thus, players can run into different groups more frequently. Squad separation is a priority. Matchmaking in low-population regions and during quiet hours can be affected. Matchmaking may get longer due to the new matchmaking algorithm.
Is the PvE Mode Permanent in Arc Raiders?
No! Embark Studios has confirmed that the upcoming PvE mode is only a limited-time matchmaking test and that “this test is not a promise that there will be a PvE mode in the future.”
However, if the beta test turns out to be a massive success and receives overwhelming positive feedback from players, Embark Studios may make PvE a permanent feature in the game in the near future.
In case the PvE mode becomes a permanent feature, the devs have also noted that a future version of this mode will be significantly different from the beta test. Therefore, the fate of Arc Raiders PvE mode comes down to player feedback at the end of the day.
Only players can help the devs understand what’s working and what’s not in the new PvE mode. So, make sure to participate in the upcoming PvE toggle beta test and share your feedback with the developers.
Having said that, are you planning to participate in the upcoming Arc Raiders PvE toggle beta test? Let us know in the comments below.
Arc Raiders PvE toggle beta test will commence on October 13, 2026, at 2:00 AM PT (5:00 AM ET).
No! Not all maps and map conditions will be available in the new PvE mode in Arc Raiders. Only a selected number of maps and map conditions will be available at launch.
Embark Studios has confirmed that the PvE session won’t have any impact on your PvPvE matchmaking rating.
