ARC Raiders China Beta First Look: Not Pure PvE, But You No Longer Have to Fear Backstabbing
Category: ARC Raiders Posted: Jun 26, 2026 Views: 14
Raiders, the Chinese version of ARC Raiders launched its first test on June 24th. As we previously learned, the Chinese version does indeed have a friendly PvE-like mode, allowing for safer exploration - something players in the global version have been eagerly awaiting.
Of course, this mode is a major highlight of the Chinese version of ARC Raiders, but if you think this is the only thing worth paying attention to, you're sorely mistaken.
Next, we'll not only delve into how this PvE-like mode works, but also explain other highly anticipated mechanics and features of the Chinese version of ARC Raiders.
Core Gameplay
The common misconception that the Chinese version of ARC Raiders is simply a PvE mode is incorrect.
There is indeed a map condition in the game called Security Protocol. In this map condition, if you shoot a teammate, there will be a hit effect and blood splatter, but no actual damage will occur to their health.
However, we must recognize that this doesn't mean PvP has been completely eliminated, as the system provides each player with an active Rebellion switch.
An additional key binding, not present in the global version of ARC Raiders, will appear on the right side of the screen. Pressing it will produce a larger and thicker piece of equipment, similar in appearance to Shield Recharger. This device requires a relatively long five-second induction time to activate, and the entire process is completely irreversible.
Once Rebellion is activated, players cannot deactivate it again, and the entire game will be in PvP mode.

To prevent unannounced backstabbing at close range, Rebellion activation process is highly distinctive: activation produces a long-lasting and loud unique sound effect, providing a clear audible warning to all nearby players.
Simultaneously, the player's inventory will flash a striking red light, and their location will be displayed in real-time on HUD compass of all players in the lobby, meaning the betrayer will be exposed to all opponents.
It's important to note that Rebellion mechanic isn't a standalone game mode, but a temporary, rotating map event. Therefore, it's not a completely new, permanent mode as some players on Reddit have mistakenly claimed.
Matchmaking Changes
The changes to the matchmaking system are another highlight of ARC Raiders China server.
Through the test server, we learned that when players first enter early matches, ARC Raiders will be heavily populated with AI bots. These bots behave very passively, almost never actively shooting at players, and even when shot at, they rarely retaliate. Their only possible target is attacking ARCs on the map.
This design isn't meant to deceive players, but as a clear tutorial step to help newcomers familiarize themselves with basic controls and the map environment.
This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in solo matchmaking, while teams entering together may encounter fewer bots because of their higher skill level.
However, the bot population will gradually decrease and eventually disappear completely as players play more matches; it's not all bot matches.
Second, the Chinese version of ARC Raiders introduces an optimized framework for gear intent tracking. This algorithm scans players' current gear configurations before matchmaking loads and groups players into similar matchmaking pools based on gear quality, rather than simply matching based on aggressive behavior or match history.
This means players with high-level gear are more likely to encounter equally well-equipped real opponents.
This mechanism is essentially gear-based matchmaking, unlike the purely random or skill-based matchmaking methods that the global version of ARC Raiders might employ.
Interface and Social System Upgrades
In addition, two highly valuable interface features are launched first in the Chinese version of ARC Raiders, which are not present in the global version.
Built-in Recruitment Board
Global version players will surely be envious, as the Chinese version of ARC Raiders features a native team-up tool directly integrated into the game's main interface, eliminating the need for third-party platforms to find teammates.
This recruitment board offers a wealth of filtering options, including player playstyle tags, leader level, and specific intention notes.
You can view currently available team slots in real time and apply to join with a single click - the process is simple and eliminates the need for manually entering complex specifications.
If only one feature could be ported from ARC Raiders China server to the global server, this would undoubtedly be the top priority.
Three-Slot Preset Gear System
In the game's custom menu, players can create and save up to three complete gear setups, each with a custom name and the ability to modify them at any time.
When you need to quickly change gear, simply click the preset button, and the system will automatically retrieve the corresponding ARC Raiders items from your inventory, completing the gear setup in one step.
If any necessary parts are missing from your inventory, the system will highlight the missing items in red and indicate the required crafting materials.
This design directly addresses a major problem of the global version: after dying, players often have to spend a significant amount of time manually searching their inventory and reassembling their gear.
The gear preset system allows players to almost instantly return to ARC Raiders battlefield after dying, significantly improving game smoothness and pace.
Inspiration of the Changes for the Global Version
The built-in recruitment board and pre-built gear system are purely quality-enhancing tools and do not affect the core PvPvE combat logic and economic system of ARC Raiders. Therefore, it is entirely worthwhile to directly introduce or develop similar features for the global version.
However, mechanisms like Rebellion, which can directly change the rules of game interaction, require careful consideration, as they may weaken the original tense extraction shooting feel of the global version of ARC Raiders.
The Chinese version of ARC Raiders has indeed done a great job, so let's hope that the global version will receive the same recognition in the future!
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