ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Brings a Major Skill Tree Overhaul: New Decision Nodes Make Every Choice Matter

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• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Exclusive Combat Tips for the New Scenario: Turning Verticality to Your Advantage

  With the launch of Frozen Trail, the major update for ARC Raiders, just around the corner, the official trailer has already dropped!

  However, simply watching the trailer isn't enough to fully prepare for the new content, as it reveals very little in terms of actual gameplay details.

  Based on everything we know about Frozen Trail, here are some gameplay tips tailored to the update's new features, ensuring you get the best possible loot-farming experience.

  

  Detonate enemy mines early

  Although ARC Raiders will pilot a pure PvE mode shortly after Frozen Trail launch, this won't apply to every combat scenario; you will still face PvP opponents when fighting on the new massive warship, Frigate.

  On a map like Frigate, characterized by complex layouts and rooms designed with verticality in mind, human players often employ a specific tactic: planting mines in loot rooms so that you get blown up the moment you step inside.

  Fortunately, you can easily avoid this trap by tossing a Blaze Grenade ahead of time. If you suspect a room might contain enemy mines, simply throw a Blaze Grenade in to detonate them beforehand.

  This won't interfere with your subsequent looting, and it might even damage unsuspecting enemies. If you want to play it safe and carry multiple Blaze Grenades, be sure to buy ARC Raiders items in advance.

  Make clever use of ziplines

  Ziplines are a handy tool in ARC Raiders; they attach to surfaces and allow for rapid movement between two points.

  Consequently, you'll frequently need to use ziplines when navigating the significant verticality of Frigate in Frozen Trail.

  While everyone has their own style, many players currently tend to ride the zipline all the way to the end, but that isn't necessary. In fact, doing so can put you in unnecessary danger if an enemy is lying in wait at the destination.

  Instead, you can simply press the side button and jump while sliding to detach from the zipline and move toward your target direction.

  If a zipline is taking you to a higher elevation, vaulting onto the platform edge just before reaching the end prevents anyone lying in wait at the top from catching you off guard. That brief climbing moment gives you a chance to survey your surroundings.

  Of course, if you're falling from a height, remember to use a zipline to break your fall or catch yourself. If there's a zipline below, simply grab it to keep moving. Just be aware that if the drop is too high, the impact force might cause you to lose your grip.

  

  Deploy Smoke Grenades in time

  Whether you're on Frigate or the new snow-themed map, Pendola Pass, you're bound to encounter ARC enemies. While not every type is lethal, getting swarmed is definitely a tricky situation.

  Aside from using high-damage firearms, Smoke Grenades are an excellent tool for dealing with them. Their value lies in creating smoke to break ARCs' lock-on.

  Specifically, ARCs lock onto and fire at the last position where they spotted you; if you drop a smoke grenade before they finish locking on, you'll be safe.

  However, if they've already locked on and started firing just as the smoke spreads, they'll fire blindly into the smoke until their attack sequence ends.

  This tactic works just as well in PvP combat against ARC Raiders: throw one or more smoke grenades in a completely different direction during extraction, and they won't be able to tell where you're going.

  Carrying a Crash Mat makes your escape even more effective. Place it down and set up a zipline on it; once you step onto the mat, a countdown begins, and the zipline vanishes completely after about five seconds.

  This trick is particularly useful when you need to change elevation, as it makes it impossible for enemies to catch you, unless they happen to be carrying a Snap Hook. Plus, if they fail to reach your destination in time, you might even cause them to take damage.

  Of course, these items only work effectively if you've stocked up on them beforehand through crafting or trading, so make sure to prioritize gathering resources.

  More efficient mantling techniques

  You've likely noticed that we've repeatedly emphasized the importance of mastering verticality during ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update. Beyond using tools, your own climbing and movement skills are crucial.

  Standard descent methods usually involve simply jumping from a height or taking the stairs. However, there are stylish ways to descend that save time, keep you alive, help you avoid potential PvP encounters, and are simply fun to execute.

  If you look closely, you'll find that many buildings offer faster, alternative descent routes, such as using nearby streetlights or utility boxes, by latching onto them for a quick, stealthy drop.

  Additionally, if you plan to use ARC Raiders Snap Hook for your descent, jump off the building first. As you accelerate downward, fire the hook back toward the structure you just left, using your momentum to swing or control your fall.

  The moment you feel your downward momentum halt, a very brief window, right-click to detach the hook.

  If you misjudge the height and detach a bit too high, don't worry; simply perform a roll upon landing to mitigate fall damage. Even without the roll, the damage taken is far less severe than a standard drop.

  

  Optimizing healing

  If we had to guess, when you get injured in ARC Raiders, you likely default to high-efficiency items like Herbal Bandages or Sterilized Bandages.

  However, you can actually stack items, such as Vita Spray, mushrooms, mixed fruit, or even expired pasta, to further boost your healing. You just need to distinguish between items that provide instant healing and those that offer healing over time.

  Generally, the simplest and most effective setup involves carrying a good supply of continuous healing items, such as Vita Spray and various bandages.

  By using Vita Spray while your bandages are already restoring health, you eliminate any downtime in your healing process.

  The techniques mentioned above are broadly applicable, though they are particularly effective when utilized with the new mechanics introduced in Frozen Trail. Be sure to master them before October 8th arrives!

• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Countdown! What You Should Save, Spend & Unlock Now?

  As everyone knows, Frozen Trail—the major ARC Raiders update arriving after a nearly five-month hiatus—launches on October 8. It brings a wealth of new content, including Research Bench, Amplified Weapons, new ARC threats, Ascension materials, a reworked skill system, and the mysterious Frigate.

  If you want to dive straight into the new content after the update—rather than spending your first few raids scrambling for basic resources—now is the time to prepare. While not every crafting requirement has been fully revealed, developer previews have given us a good idea of which resources, blueprints, weapons, and gear will become highly valuable once the update goes live.

  

  1. Start Stockpiling Resources

  The safest preparation strategy right now is simple: don't sell off all your ARC Raiders items before the update.

  Since the new Research Bench will be used to craft and upgrade Amplified Weapons, early previews suggest that these upgrades may require Research Points and specific ARC-related materials.

  However, the exact requirements for each upgrade remain unclear, making it difficult to predict which materials will become the most valuable. Consequently, stockpiling supplies is a wiser move than selling off excess materials for a small amount of extra credits.

  You don't necessarily need to stuff your inventory with every single item in the game. However, holding onto a supply of rare ARC components could save you a significant amount of resource-gathering time once Frozen Trail launches.

  Hold Onto Fireball Burners and Rocketeer Drivers

  While we aren't certain of the specific materials needed for every weapon, two items have clearly emerged as focal points following the developer previews.

  Previews of Research Bench show that Fireball Burners can be used for weapon amplification; additionally, upgrading Kettle requires Rocketeer Drivers in addition to Research Points. This doesn't mean every amplification will require these materials, but it is a compelling reason to hang onto any Fireball Burners and Rocketeer Drivers you currently own.

  Instead of selling them off before October 8, hold onto them and wait for the new crafting system to fully go live. 

  Stockpile ARC Components

  Frozen Trail update for ARC Raiders focuses on new ARC-related content, including new amplified weapons and Frigate.

  Since several new systems appear to rely on ARC materials, stockpiling a supply of ARC components will give you greater flexibility on the day the update goes live.

  High-rarity ARC components—such as Queen Cores and Matriarch Cores—are particularly worth keeping. You may need them for Research Bench upgrades, crafting amplified weapons, or meeting other new crafting requirements.

  Before the update drops, it is a good idea to run raids specifically to gather ARC components, rather than simply extracting with the most obvious loot.

  Hold Onto Your Anvil Splitters

  As you may have heard, Frozen Trail update is changing Anvil Splitter; it will no longer function as it did before but will instead be integrated into the amplified weapon system. There has also been discussion about converting existing Anvil Splitters into materials needed for amplified crafting.

  Since the specific conversion rates and final changes depend on the live release, the safest approach is simple: do not sell or discard your Anvil Splitters before the update. Keep them in your stash until the new system launches and their specific use is clarified—you might just make a huge profit from this decision!

  

  Stockpile Assorted Seeds for Celeste

  Frozen Trail update will also expand Celeste's inventory. Since this trader is closely linked to the new Ascension materials, it is well worth stockpiling plenty of Assorted Seeds.

  Acquiring seeds in ARC Raiders is relatively easy—especially when scavenging on Stella Montis map—and a haul of significant value can often be gathered in just over an hour.

  Of course, we aren't suggesting you spend all your time farming seeds, but stocking up a bit before the update will give you more options when Celeste's new items become available.

  2. Acquire as Many Useful Weapon Blueprints as Possible

  Blueprints are another top priority leading up to Frozen Trail update. This update introduces Amplified versions for 15 different weapons; the more weapon blueprints you own, the sooner you can experience this new system.

  Weapons featuring Amplification mechanic that have already been showcased or mentioned include Burletta, Renegade, and Rattler.

  Not all crafting requirements have been officially revealed, so you don't necessarily need to own every single blueprint. However, acquiring the blueprints for the weapons you wish to upgrade beforehand will put you in a more advantageous position when the update goes live.

  Additionally, the introduction of new content makes certain utility gear and weapon blueprints particularly valuable, such as:

  • Snap Hook Blueprint: This is especially useful for traversing complex terrain and reaching hard-to-access areas. You can find this blueprint during Electromagnetic Storm map conditions across various maps—most commonly in residential area loot zones.
  • Powered Descender Blueprint: This is one of the most crucial blueprints for dealing with the new Frigate threat. Powered Descender enables vertical movement when facing this flying ARC threat. It can be obtained via Hurricane Raid missions or on Riven Tides map.
  • Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) Blueprint: This augment offers extra security when carrying valuable loot. Although it is rarer than some other recommended gear, it proves incredibly useful during high-risk Raid missions.
  • Jupiter & Equalizer Legendary Blueprints: Both of these legendary weapons can be obtained through Harvester Event. If you want to stock up on powerful weaponry for high-difficulty ARC encounters, keep an eye on map rotations and seize the opportunity when Harvester event is active.
  • Hullcracker Blueprint: If you still have the chance to acquire this blueprint from the current Credits shop, it is definitely worth considering before the system changes.

  3. Spend Your Credits Before the Changes

  Another important step in preparing for Frozen Trail update is checking your ARC Raiders Credits. Officials have clearly stated that Credits will be completely removed following October 8th update—they won't simply be reset to zero for continued use. Therefore, it is recommended that you spend all your Cred before the update; any rewards unlocked using Cred will not be revoked.

  Shani is currently the primary Cred vendor. If you still have a large amount of Cred on hand, check Shani's inventory before Frozen Trail goes live. Depending on your current gear, items worth investing in include:

  • Hullcracker Blueprint
  • Burletta Blueprint
  • Trigger ‘Nade Blueprint
  • Medical supplies
  • Augments
  • Weapon attachments

  If items you desire are still available for exchange, do not let a large amount of Cred go to waste.

  4. Level up before Frozen Trail launches

  If you have recently completed Expedition missions or reset your progress, leveling up before October 8th should be one of your main goals. This is due to the upcoming overhaul of the skill system.

  ARC Raiders: Frozen Trail will introduce a vastly different skill system to players; having more available skill points means you can immediately experiment with various builds and playstyles, rather than spending the first few days after the update just grinding for levels.

  High-level characters are also better equipped to handle challenging endgame content, such as Frigate encounters.

  Therefore, if you are currently at a mid-range level, use the remaining time to push your character level higher and work towards the level cap.

  5. Prepare for Frigate's vertical gameplay

  One of the biggest additions in Frozen Trail update is Frigate. It is not merely another ground-based ARC enemy but a massive flying vessel; this means that standard horizontal ground gameplay will no longer suffice, and we must shift our focus to vertical, high-altitude assaults.

  This implies that mobility gear will probably skyrocket in value after Frozen Trail update. Consequently, try to acquire mobility equipment—such as Snap Hook and Powered Descender—before the update drops.

  Having reliable methods for vertical movement can make a huge difference when dealing with airborne ARC units and the hazards surrounding these encounters. High mobility translates to a higher chance of success.

  

  In reality, you don't need to know every single detail about ARC Raiders: Frozen Trail to start preparing. The most important thing is to avoid unnecessarily selling or discarding rare resources before the update. 

  Craft your ARC materials, gather useful blueprints, spend your remaining Creds wisely, and ensure your character is sufficiently leveled and geared to tackle the new Frigate content.

  This way, once Frozen Trail launches, you can dive straight into using Research Bench, experimenting with amplified weapons, exploring Celeste's new offerings, and figuring out how Frigate encounters work—without having to spend those first few days rebuilding your inventory. Good luck!

• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Anti-Cheat Update | Can Stronger Detection Keep Cheaters Away?

  ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update will go live on October 8, and the official team will also launch a four-day free play period at the same time. Both new players and returning veterans are expected to join during this period.

  The new map in ARC Raiders is not enough to fully solve the game's problems. What the official team urgently needs to address is the rampant cheating, which has become one of the main reasons many players have left the game.

  On September 30, the official team also published an announcement on the official website, revealing another update to the anti-cheat system. The update strengthens detection capabilities and places tighter restrictions on the use of alternate accounts. Let's take a look at what the official team has actually done with the new anti-cheat system.

  

  Anti-Cheat Philosophy

  The official team stated that cheating undermines the challenge and enjoyment that the game is meant to provide, while also ruining the experience for players who play fairly. They take the issue very seriously and have continued investing significant time and resources into combating unfair gameplay.

  The cheating market is constantly evolving. Cheatmakers profit by distributing cheating software to players, and they often bundle malware with it as well. Whenever the official team improves its defenses, cheatmakers adapt and look for new ways to bypass them.

  The official team will continue adapting as well. Its growing anti-cheat team constantly detects and blocks new cheats, closes exploited pathways, and adds barriers that make cheating more difficult and less worthwhile. As long as the game remains active, this work will continue.

  The official team acknowledged that it has occasionally shared updates in the past, but simply saying that the issue is being addressed is not enough. Sometimes, it deliberately avoids revealing too much because sharing excessive details about the anti-cheat system could make it easier for cheatmakers to adapt. In other cases, changes are tested in the background before being deployed.

  Anti-cheat work is not like ordinary game development, where teams simply create content and fix bugs. Instead, it is a constant battle against an ever-present force. Cheatmakers are continually searching for new vulnerabilities, while anti-cheat developers work to counter them. Therefore, silence does not mean the issue is being ignored. The official team wants players to know that it is not overlooking the problem.

  Detection Methods

  The official team stated that its cheat detection system is becoming stronger month by month. In addition to the kernel-level protection provided by Denuvo Anti-Cheat and detection from Anybrain Anti-Cheat, the team is also using a growing number of in-house models.

  The anti-cheat system does not operate completely autonomously. Human involvement remains part of the appeals process to ensure that sanctions are applied fairly.

  

  Account Sanctions

  The official team stated that it takes action when there is sufficient evidence proving that a player has cheated. In recent months, it has improved its ability to identify and sanction accounts using cheating software, while also strengthening its response to accounts involved in economic exploits. At the same time, it continues making it more difficult for repeat offenders to return to the game by creating new accounts.

  Early on, the official team was too cautious with first-time cheaters and only issued temporary bans, which caused considerable frustration among players. The team heard the community's complaints and acknowledged that the situation should have been handled better.

  Permanent bans are now the standard response to all known cheating software. Any account found using cheats will receive a permanent ban, with no warning and no second chance.

  The official team has also expanded its license restrictions to prevent another account associated with a sanctioned game copy from continuing to access the game.

  It has also tightened restrictions on linked accounts. If an account has previously been linked to a banned game copy, it will also receive a permanent ban.

  Steam Family Sharing was previously a major problem, as some players used it to rent out accounts to multiple people, allowing cheaters to obtain access to accounts at a lower cost.

  Xbox Game Pass and Xbox game sharing have faced similar issues. The official team hopes to address these problems and reduce the supply of accounts that cheatmakers can rent or distribute.

  Hardware Bans

  Hardware bans are also part of the sanction system. When the official team has sufficient evidence that a particular machine has been used for cheating, it can prevent the game from running on that system.

  The official team is continually strengthening its detection capabilities and has recently lowered the threshold for applying hardware bans. It is also actively researching solutions that could increase the number of systems covered by hardware bans. This should make it more difficult for repeat offenders to return on the same system.

  The official team hopes to implement these measures later this year, potentially allowing sanctions to be deployed against nearly every system detected running cheating software.

  However, the official team emphasized that hardware bans cannot completely solve the problem. Cheatmakers will continue looking for ways around these restrictions. The team's task is therefore to deploy fixes as quickly as possible and make hardware bans as reliable and effective as possible.

  There are also many ways to spoof hardware information and bypass these restrictions. As a result, this remains a cat-and-mouse game and an ongoing battle between detection and evasion. Some people may think the official team does not use hardware bans, but it does. The challenge is that it must continually respond to new bypass methods.

  Ban Transparency

  The official team explained why some bans are not issued immediately. Players can understandably feel frustrated when they see hackers livestreaming or posting videos of themselves cheating without being banned right away.

  There is also plenty of similar content on platforms such as TikTok. However, the anti-cheat system cannot simply issue an immediate ban whenever a behavior appears suspicious, as doing so could result in legitimate players being wrongly sanctioned.

  The official team analyzes multiple instances of behavior until it reaches a high level of certainty that the fair-play environment has been compromised before issuing a permanent ban. Otherwise, this could lead to large-scale false positives.

  Queue Teaming

  

  Queue teaming refers to players coordinating in advance to enter the same solo lobby and then work together to attack raiders who queued alone.

  The official team spent months developing detection capabilities and can now identify coordinated groups with a relatively high degree of reliability. It began separating known queue-teaming groups from one another through matchmaking.

  However, encountering other players during a raid through proximity chat and cooperating with them is still allowed.

  Cheating has been a persistent problem for ARC Raiders. Its impact may not be as noticeable when the player population is large, but as the player population declines, cheaters become increasingly visible, much like rocks emerging from a river as the water level falls.

• ARC Raiders Store Update 1.48.0 Adds 2 Color Variants for Misthorn Set | Frozen Trail and PvE Test Coming Next

  ARC Raiders received its final Store Update (1.48.0) before Frozen Trail update. This is the last update because the development team is currently focused on final preparations for Frozen Trail, which launches on October 8th. Therefore, there will be no regular Store Update next Tuesday.

  This also means that players will not see new rotating store content until the official launch of Frozen Trail. The official focus will gradually shift to Frozen Trail itself, paving the way for this upcoming major content update.

  Misthorn Set Gets New Color Variants

  

  This Store Update introduces two new color variants for Misthorn Set: Blue Silver and Green Wood. It has been confirmed that all players who already own Misthorn Set will automatically unlock these two color variants and can view and use them in the gear menu without restarting the game.

  Misthorn Set was initially released during Flickering Flames event in December 2025. With its unique and imposing appearance - hooded armor, a gold, expressionless mask, and a highly recognizable headgear - Misthorn Set was affectionately nicknamed griefer skin or sweat skin by players in the community, and these nicknames gradually became the impression players had of the outfit.

  While Misthorn Set is purely a cosmetic item and doesn't provide any stat bonuses, its striking silhouette and bizarre visual style can still influence other players' first impressions in PvPvE extraction shooters.

  The newly added Blue Silver and Green Wood colors further enrich the set's appearance options. The former, with its cool color scheme, fits the winter atmosphere, while the latter uses more subdued natural colors, providing new styling possibilities for the already distinctive Misthorn Set.

  Frozen Trail is coming soon

  For players who already own Misthorn Set, this update brings more of a visual refreshment. However, more noteworthy than the two new colorways themselves is perhaps the timing of this Store Update. With version 1.48.0 being the last Store Update before the release of Frozen Trail, the official focus will gradually shift to the upcoming Frozen Trail.

  The core of Frozen Trail is the new map, Pendola Pass, and a series of new challenges surrounding this area.

  Compared to previous ARC Raiders maps, Pendola Pass will place greater emphasis on vertical space and exploration. Players will not only need to search for resources on the surface but also enter underground facilities, while facing sudden severe weather. The official announcement has confirmed the presence of a special environmental threat called Flash Freeze, where extreme low temperatures may force players to temporarily change their routes and tactics.

  In addition to the new map, Frozen Trail will also introduce a new, high-difficulty ARC Operation - Frigate, a large ARC ship. Players will need to board the ship, find their way inside, and face ARC attacks, while other Raiders will also enter to compete for resources. Due to Frigate's high-altitude and relatively confined combat environment, this challenge will place a greater emphasis on player cooperation, judgment, and risk-taking.

  Meanwhile, Frozen Trail will also introduce three new ARC enemies: Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. Bully prefers frontal assaults and will actively pursue players; Skulker excels at stealth and ambush, attacking when players are distracted; Hydra is a heavy turret with three independent firepower units, primarily appearing in Frigate area.

  The addition of these three enemies means that players will need to adjust their established combat habits.

  

  PvE Mode to Undergo Limited-Time Testing

  Compared to Frozen Trail, the recently announced PvE Matchmaking Toggle is also noteworthy.

  This feature will not be released as a permanent mode with Frozen Trail on October 8th, but will instead undergo a limited-time test from October 13th to October 20th. During the test, players can choose between a traditional PvPvE mode and a PvE mode.

  In PvE mode, players do not deal damage to each other; the focus shifts to looting, completing missions, and cooperating against ARC enemies. Solo, Duo, and Trio modes will all offer corresponding PvE matchmaking, allowing players to explore solo or with teammates.

  However, due to the lack of threat from other Raiders in PvE mode, the developers have adjusted the test environment accordingly. The value of ARC Raiders items obtainable in the test will be reduced to balance the relatively safe game environment; simultaneously, ARC's behavior after a player is downed will be more dangerous - if a player continues crawling after being downed, ARC may re-lock onto them, while remaining still will avoid being attacked again.

  The developers stated that this mechanism aims to compensate for the lack of tension in PvE mode due to the absence of PvP threats. Furthermore, content relying on player encounters and high-intensity PvE combat, such as Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate, will not appear in this PvE test.

  After the test, the development team will decide whether to continue refining this feature based on player feedback and actual data. In other words, the more significant aspect of this test, which began on October 13th, is observing how ARC Raiders player base perceives an extraction experience without PvP threats.

  

  Therefore, for players currently playing ARC Raiders, this week's Store Update may only be a temporary pause. The truly anticipated content has been reserved for Frozen Trail on October 8th. With new maps, new enemies, and the upcoming PvE test, we eagerly await to see how the game will change.

• ARC Raiders One-Week PvE Mode Beta Finally Confirmed for October 13: Key Tips for Getting Involved

  Ever since ARC Raiders launched, the community has been calling for a dedicated PvE mode. Now, as the game approaches its one-year anniversary and the major Frozen Trail update is set to launch, the development team has finally made it official!

  Here, we'll detail how ARC Raiders will implement this pure PvE strategy and the advantages it offers in the competitive shooter market for the second half of the year.

  

  When does ARC Raiders PvE mode launch?

  According to the announcement made by the development team on September 24, ARC Raiders will host a one-week PvE mode beta starting October 13 and ending October 20.

  PvE option will be removed once the beta concludes. A final, permanent release date will be determined only after further optimization based on actual gameplay and player feedback.

  Notably, Frozen Trail update launches on October 8, meaning you'll have the chance to experience the new map, and battle new types of ARC enemies in a pure PvE setting.

  How does PvE mode work?

  ARC Raiders PvE mode isn't a separate, standalone game mode; instead, it integrates into the existing matchmaking environment, allowing you to toggle between PvPvE and PvE.

  In the pure PvE environment, you can still cooperate with other players or squads to take down dangerous ARCs more easily, but players cannot attack one another.

  Furthermore, PvE and PvPvE environments aren't isolated from each other; the development team is committed to seamless switching, letting you change your combat environment whenever your needs shift.

  However, the player behavior assessment systems for the two environments operate independently. As you likely know, the type of human players you match with in PvPvE depends on your personal playstyle.

  Additionally, to ensure the experience remains intense and high-stakes on maps defined by thrilling combat, such as Hidden Bunker and the upcoming Frigate, these locations are excluded from PvE beta.

  

  Further distinctions in pure PvE

  Beyond the obvious inability to engage in combat with other players, at least during the test period, the overall value of loot in ARC Raiders' Pure PvE mode will be lowered, while the base loot value in PvPvE will see a slight increase.

  This adjustment accounts for the safer combat environment created by the absence of PvP conflict; without the threat of ambushes by rats, players can extract with large amounts of resources more easily. If loot values remained unchanged, it would create an unfair imbalance for PvPvE players.

  Furthermore, to compensate for the loss of excitement associated with PvP, the danger level of ARC enemies in PvE mode has been slightly raised. Specifically, if you are downed but not yet dead, moving around may cause enemies to re-target and attack you.

  This means that successfully defeating ARCs and extracting in PvE mode requires mastering highly mobile combat tactics and making full use of ARC Raiders items that enhance your character's stealth.

  Things to note for PvE beta

  If you plan to be among the first to experience ARC Raiders PvE on October 13, you should be aware of the following two points in addition to the mechanics mentioned above.

  First, the introduction of a PvE mode will inevitably split the player base. Consequently, whether you are focusing on the test or playing the standard PvPvE mode, matchmaking times may increase, particularly during off-peak hours or on servers with lower populations.

  Second, participating in the test does not guarantee that PvE mode will be officially released in the future, especially if the feedback is poor, so please keep this in mind.

  What drove the development team to launch PvE beta?

  Player requests were only one factor behind the launch of this ARC Raiders test; the development team made the decision based on a deep analysis of the player community and the resulting data.

  Data released by ARC Raiders indicates that the current player base consists of 37% cooperative, PvE-leaning players; 27% hybrid players; and 34% pure PvP players.

  Among the player base, the proportion of friendly players has been steadily rising, while the share of PvP-focused players has remained relatively stable.

  However, players across all categories feel that hostile PvP encounters in ARC Raiders occur too frequently; some friendly players even try to avoid PvP entirely.

  Beyond player demand, the developers have stated that when the project first began, the plan was to create a PvE-focused scavenge-fight-extract game. That original vision was shelved due to insurmountable difficulties, eventually evolving into the current PvPvE format.

  Given the strong player support for pure PvE, the development team believes it is time to take action, satisfying player needs while gradually realizing the original development vision.

  Competitor Marathon also launching a PvE mode

  Shortly after ARC Raiders announced its PvE beta, its main rival in the genre, Marathon, announced that it would introduce a permanent PvE mode in December Symbiosis update.

  While specific details remain scarce, Marathon appears committed to launching a PvE mode directly, rather than following ARC Raiders approach of testing first before deciding on future plans.

  

  If ARC Raiders does not launch an official PvE mode immediately after the test, or delays it until next year, some players might switch to Marathon in December once the novelty of Frozen Trail update wears off.

  Whether the beta is a stopgap measure for ARC Raiders or a necessary step toward refining the official PvE mode, the shift toward a pure PvE environment is clearly the prevailing trend. We look forward to ARC Raiders delivering a satisfying beta experience on October 13!

• ARC Raiders Will Introduce a Limited-Time PvE Mode | Matchmaking, Loot Changes, and Economic Risks

  ARC Raiders officially released a new blog on September 24, announcing that it is testing a PvE matchmaking toggle for ARC Raiders. The test will run from October 13 to October 20, 2026, beginning five days after October 8 Frozen Trail update.

  Players can choose the classic PvPvE experience, or opt for a co-op-focused PvE experience where they work with other Raiders to fight against ARC. Let's take a look at what this test includes and the potential issues that PvE mode could bring.

  

  Player Data and Feedback

  ARC Raiders development team relies heavily on player data when adjusting the game. They usually make key decisions from three perspectives: what the data shows, what players are saying, and what their own instincts suggest.

  This time, the decision to introduce PvE mode is directly based on changes in player data:

  • 37% are friendly co-op players, and this group has continued to grow since launch.
  • 27% are mixed players who play both PvE and PvP.
  • 34% are pure PvP players, and this proportion has remained stable since launch.

  More than 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players want fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of surveyed players are interested in a dedicated PvE option. Friendly players often try to avoid PvP entirely and have become frustrated by ratting and camping.

  How PvE Test Works?

  PvE matchmaking toggle in this test will appear as a slider or option in the preparation interface, similar to the choices for filling teammates or playing solo. During the test, players can switch between the classic PvPvE and PvE experiences.

  In PvE experience, player damage is set to zero, and each session focuses entirely on ARC threats and co-op social dynamics. PvE sessions will include solo, duos, and trios.

  However, Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate will be excluded from the PvE matchmaking test. These activities were originally designed around high risk and high reward, and removing PvP from them would make valuable ARC Raiders items far easier to obtain.

  In addition, PvE sessions will not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating. Once the test ends, the toggle will be removed and matchmaking will return to its previous state. In PvE, players can loot, complete missions, and explore with relatively little risk.

  The overall loot value in PvE will also be reduced to compensate for the safer environment. Players should be careful when crawling after being downed by ARC machines, as they may retarget you, but they will ignore you if you remain still. The goal is to preserve some tension even without the threat of PvP.

  Differences from Security Protocol in China

  

  Previously, Chinese client tested a mode called Security Protocol. Similar to activities such as Night Raids, everyone entered in a PvE state, but players could switch to PvP during the session and would receive map indicators, audio warnings, and even red antennas.

  However, the version being tested globally is completely different. The development team is using a separate matchmaking queue. Once players load into a session, everyone remains in PvE and cannot switch to PvP during the session. The only way to disable PvE is to switch the option before queueing from the main menu, after which players enter a separate server.

  Risks of the PvE Test

  The development team has also publicly listed several risks that this experiment could bring.

  First, the economy could be affected. Friendly PvE players are more likely to extract successfully, and more successful extractions mean more value entering the economy. This is also why PvE loot will be reduced while PvPvE loot will be increased.

  Matchmaking times could also become longer. Because the player pool is split, regions with lower populations may experience longer queue times, with the effect becoming more noticeable during off-peak hours. Even regions with larger populations could be affected. The development team said it will continue monitoring the situation throughout the test.

  ARC Raiders was originally a PvE game, but it shifted toward PvPvE after the initial testing did not succeed. PvE removes much of the experience that was originally built around competition between players, which could reduce some of the fun and tension of the game.

  Moreover, since peaceful and friendly players may move into PvE sessions, the players remaining on PvP servers could be more aggressive overall. This could make the environment in the standard mode more hostile, with players encountering rats more frequently.

  Will PvE Mode Become Permanent?

  The official team is also uncertain whether the PvE mode represents a better overall game experience. It has therefore emphasized that this test does not represent a commitment to having a PvE mode in the future, although the team is seriously considering it. Future versions could be completely different.

  The development team needs to consider several questions:

  • How much lower should PvE loot be?
  • Will the reward progression system remain the same?
  • Will Squad Queue selection work properly?
  • What happens if PvE performs far beyond expectations?
  • What happens if the PvPvE queue is significantly affected?

  These questions could determine whether this PvE Mode remains a short-term test or becomes a permanent pillar of the game.

  This PvE test will last only seven days. Anyone who plays during the test, whether they prefer PvP or PvE, can provide the official team with data and help reveal the impact of the PvE mode, which could influence future decisions. So remember to return and play during the test.