Arc Raiders Players Will Soon Choose: Fight Other Gamers or AI Only
Key takeaways
- PvE toggle test runs October 13–20; players can switch between PvP and AI-only lobbies without friction
- Embark confirmed player data shows significant co-op preference, but acknowledges PvE risks diluting core PvP tension
- Lower loot in PvE mode and AI targeting of downed players designed to maintain stakes and prevent easy farming
Embark Studios is testing a PvE toggle for Arc Raiders next week, giving players the option to fight AI instead of other humans. From October 13 to October 20, lobbies will let players seamlessly switch between PvP and PvE modes, with lower-value loot in the AI version to reflect reduced stakes. ARCs will target downed players to maintain tension, but stationary players can avoid detection.
The studio is monitoring economy balance and matchmaking times throughout the test. Embark was candid about risks: player data showed significant demand for co-op gameplay over PvP combat, yet forcing PvE could erode the competitive tension the game was built around. The studio emphasized this is a genuine experiment, not a guaranteed feature rollout.
The bigger picture
This move reflects a growing tension in live-service design: vision versus player demand. Embark's willingness to publicly test and admit potential failure is refreshing, but the stakes are real—if PvE dilutes matchmaking or the economy, competitors like Helldivers 2 and Deep Rock Galactic (which nailed PvE-only experiences) could become more attractive to players seeking non-confrontational co-op. Watch whether retention and engagement metrics justify a permanent toggle.
We're covering this because Arc Raiders' openness about internal design debate matters to anyone following how studios adapt post-launch. Embark's transparency—including acknowledging the test could fail—deserves attention in an industry often prone to false confidence. This is how live-service evolution should look.
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