ARC Raiders PvE Mode: Will It Become Permanent?

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• ARC Raiders Emperor Dungeon Unlocking and Clearing Guide: The Exclusive Source for the Rare Emperor Modulators!

  In Pendola Pass, a new map introduced in Frozen Trail update, players will encounter more than just the perilous Flash Freeze weather event and the periodically spawning ARC Frigates. There is also a mysterious map condition known as Redirection.

  Players often refer to this Redirection condition as Emperor Dungeon. This is likely because it serves as the primary source of rewards under this condition, features dungeon-like exploration mechanics, and offers a rare final reward: Emperor Modulators.

  To help you fully explore Pendola Pass and secure more rare loot, this guide will walk you through how to clear Emperor Dungeon.

  

  How to activate Emperor Dungeon?

  First, you must wait for Redirection map condition to become active in Pendola Pass. The key items required to access Emperor Dungeon only appear under these specific circumstances:

  • ARC Conductive Coupler
  • ARC Insulated Coupler
  • ARC Plated Coupler
  • Emperor Gateway Conduit Blueprint

  Combine these at a Workbench 1 to craft an Emperor Gateway Conduit, which functions as a key to Emperor Dungeon. Additionally, if you have unlocked the final reward tier of Frozen Trail Premium Reward Pass, you will receive an extra one.

  While gathering these four components might seem like a hassle, fortunately, they can all be obtained from the same source: Harvester Payload.

  Alternatively, if you have the budget and want to save time, or if you wish to farm Emperor Dungeon multiple times, you can buy ARC Raiders items to lighten the load. You can acquire either the four base materials or Emperor Gateway Conduit itself directly!

  

  How to obtain Harvester Payload?

  Harvester Payload is a special type of container that typically only appears during Redirection condition. It cannot be found through standard looting; instead, you must first locate an Emperor Beacon among the fallen beacons scattered across the map.

  Once found, place Emperor Beacon on open ground to activate it. It will emit a unique signal that draws in Harvester Payload, causing it to drop from the sky. You can then loot it for various materials, and if you end up with items you don't need, you can sell them for ARC Raiders coins.

  Dungeon layout and exploration flow

  Once you have at least one Emperor Gateway Conduit, you can travel to and enter Emperor Dungeon at any time, regardless of the current map state.

  The dungeon features a series of challenge rooms of varying sizes; only the initial stage at the bottom and the final room remain fixed. The layout and order of the intermediate rooms change each time you re-enter.

  We recommend locating the exit before entering any room. The exit usually appears as a large, sealed door surrounded by two rings of white light.

  Be careful not to mistake it for a door with yellow light; doing so could teleport you back to a previously completed area or even eject you from Emperor Dungeon entirely.

  Among the rooms, Hydra Room warrants special attention, as it features the newly introduced Hydra enemy type.

  Hydra is a heavy, ground-based armored turret capable of firing projectiles in three directions simultaneously, delivering massive firepower.

  To handle Hydra effectively, quickly find cover within the room to shield yourself when it fires. Look for an opening to unleash concentrated fire on its unarmored rear section.

  Upon entering the final room and descending the ladder to the central platform, a large number of ARCs will suddenly swarm out from the far end. However, they may leave on their own, so it is best to wait for the right moment rather than rushing into combat.

  Once the enemies have left or been eliminated, you can freely scavenge the room. Pay close attention to containers, as they may hold Emperor Modulators.

  

  What gear should you bring?

  While ARC Raiders Emperor Dungeon does present certain dangers, a standard gear setup is perfectly adequate for the challenge.

  Generally, bringing two high-damage weapons, such as Anvil or Hallcracker (or the new weapons, if you have them), along with a Snaphook, shield chargers, healing items, and Stems, is sufficient for a run through Emperor Dungeon.

  This loadout provides ample firepower while consisting of items with relatively low rarity, so losing them wouldn't be too painful. Finally, keep an eye on the clock, if you consume too much time fighting early on, you might not have enough time to fully scavenge for loot before extraction.

  The good news is that after a run or two, you'll get the hang of it, eventually becoming efficient enough to speed-run through every stage of the dungeon.

  Loot value in Emperor Dungeon

  Beyond the various items scattered throughout the rooms and the materials dropped by enemies, the true value of farming Emperor Dungeon lies in Emperor Modulator, an essential component for obtaining Amplified tier weapons in the game.

  Amplified is the fifth gear tier introduced in Frozen Trail update; previously, gear in ARC Raiders could only be upgraded to tier four.

  To upgrade a weapon to Amplified tier, you must first unlock Outpost and upgrade both it and Gunsmith to tier four. The upgrade requirements for the latter include one Emperor Modulator.

  In short, if you don't want to fall behind in future ARC Raiders combat, farming Emperor Dungeon is a must. It's highly recommended to get familiar with it as soon as possible.

  That covers everything for this guide. Don't wait, jump into Emperor Dungeon and start clearing it! And if you're feeling unsure, feel free to squad up with some friends!

• ARC Raiders PvE Bug? Players Report Kills and Door Traps

  The appeal of a PvE lobby in ARC Raiders is straightforward: fight the machines, take on dangerous bosses, collect valuable loot, and make it to extraction without worrying about another Raider shooting you down. The Queen can still tear through an unprepared squad, and a failed extraction can still cost you a backpack full of hard-earned ARC Raiders items for sale. But other players are not supposed to be able to damage you in the new PvE test.

  Recent Reddit reports have raised questions about how that promise holds up in practice. One player claims that he and his teammate were knocked down by other Raiders after defeating the Queen, despite believing they were in a PvE-only lobby. In a separate incident, another player says a stranger used the promise of a blueprint to lure him into a room, then blocked the exit until the match timer ran out.

  These are two different problems, but both strike at the same concern: what happens when the risks of a raid come from other players in a mode designed to limit that kind of interaction?

  

  The reports do not prove that ARC Raiders has a widespread PvP damage exploit, nor do they establish that every PvE lobby is unsafe. However, they raise legitimate questions about the game's damage restrictions, physical interactions, and the risks players face when carrying valuable equipment.

  The Queen Fight That Allegedly Ended in a PvP Kill

  Reddit user u/Difficult_Offer3942 described an encounter that reportedly took place shortly after a group of Raiders defeated the Queen.

  According to the post, two players suddenly opened fire and managed to down both the poster and his teammate. The problem was not simply that another squad had turned hostile. The poster believed he was in a PvE-only lobby, where player-to-player damage was supposed to be disabled.

  One detail makes the account particularly puzzling.

  Earlier in the same match, the poster's teammate had accidentally shot another squad while fighting the Queen. Those shots reportedly caused no damage, suggesting that the PvE protection was working as expected at that point.

  Yet the later encounter appeared to produce a completely different result.

  If the events happened as described, why did the earlier shots fail to hurt other Raiders while the later attack allegedly knocked down two players?

  The consequences were substantial. The poster said he lost a fully equipped loadout and two reactors. For Raiders who spend time preparing for a difficult boss encounter, valuable equipment can represent a significant investment. Losing it after a fight they had already won would be frustrating under any circumstances. Losing it to an attack that should not have been possible makes the situation even harder to accept.

  Was It a Bug, Cheating, or Something Else?

  The available account does not establish what caused the incident. The player questioned whether cheating or a bug in the new PvE mode was responsible, but neither explanation has been confirmed.

  A matchmaking mistake, an unexpected technical issue, or another factor would need to be investigated before anyone could identify the cause. It would also be premature to claim that players have discovered a repeatable way to bypass PvE damage restrictions.

  For now, this remains a player-reported incident rather than a confirmed exploit.

  Still, the distinction matters to anyone entering a raid with expensive gear. If a player selects PvE because the mode disables damage from other Raiders, they should be able to rely on that rule. An unexplained death can turn an otherwise successful Queen run into a costly loss and leave players questioning whether the mode is behaving as intended.

  The Blueprint Trap: When Another Raider Becomes the Obstacle

  The reported Queen encounter concerns damage. A second Reddit post highlights a different way a PvE raid can go wrong.

  In that account, a player said another Raider lured him into a room by claiming to have a blueprint. The poster followed the stranger inside, apparently expecting a chance to obtain a valuable item.

  Once inside, however, the other player allegedly blocked the exit. The poster said he could not get out before the match timer expired, and both players ultimately died.

  He later asked the community whether there was a mine or another item he could throw to knock the blocking player out of the way.

  The appeal of a blueprint is easy to understand. Crafting unlocks and progression items can be valuable finds, and an offer from another Raider might seem worth investigating. But a confined room with only one exit creates an obvious disadvantage if the encounter turns hostile.

  The alleged trap did not require the other player to shoot anyone. Instead, the obstruction itself became the problem.

  That distinction is particularly important in ARC Raiders. Disabling PvP damage does not automatically mean players can no longer interfere with each other's movement. Depending on the environment and available equipment, a blocked doorway can prevent someone from leaving even when direct attacks are ineffective.

  The result can still be a failed extraction and the loss of whatever items the trapped player was carrying.

  The poster acknowledged that accepting the offer was a mistake. Even so, the incident raises a fair question: should a player be able to turn a friendly-looking interaction into an unavoidable trap simply by occupying the only exit?

  Door Blocking and PvP Damage Are Two Different Problems

  Embark Studios' PvE test rules help explain why these incidents should not be treated as identical.

  The studio stated that player-to-player damage would be disabled during the limited test. It also explained that certain physical interactions, including barricades and ziplines, would remain unaffected.

  That means the PvE mode was not intended to remove every form of interaction between Raiders. Some environmental and physical mechanics remain part of the experience.

  The distinction creates two separate issues.

  • Unexpected PvP damage: If a player is correctly matched into the PvE mode and another Raider can genuinely damage them with ordinary attacks, that would conflict with the stated rules and warrant investigation.
  • Physical obstruction: If another player blocks a doorway or uses an allowed physical interaction to prevent someone from leaving, the situation may not violate the literal no-damage rule. It can still be disruptive and may justify changes to how collision or griefing is handled.

  This difference matters because the solutions may be different, too. A damage anomaly requires an explanation of what happened to the damage restrictions. A door-blocking problem may require changes to player collision, environmental interactions, or the ability to escape an obstruction.

  The two Reddit reports do not prove that either problem is widespread. They do, however, show why players need a clear understanding of what PvE protects them from and what risks remain.

  Why Losing Items in PvE Feels Different

  ARC Raiders is built around risk and reward. Players collect weapons, materials, crafting resources, ARC Riders blueprints, and other valuable items while trying to survive long enough to extract.

  A failed run is part of that loop. A powerful ARC enemy can overwhelm a squad, a boss fight can consume more resources than expected, and an unsuccessful extraction can mean losing equipment.

  But players make decisions based on the rules of the mode they choose.

  Someone entering a conventional PvPvE raid knows that another Raider may be a threat. Someone selecting a PvE lobby expects a different balance of risk, with the main challenge coming from ARC machines and the environment.

  That expectation is why the Queen report has attracted attention. The poster claims that the squad had already defeated a major enemy before another group allegedly knocked them down. The loss of two reactors and a fully equipped loadout made the outcome more painful, but the underlying concern is whether the selected mode behaved as expected.

  The door-blocking report raises a related issue. Even when direct player damage is disabled, a Raider can still lose valuable items if another player prevents them from reaching extraction.

  For solo players and squads looking for a more cooperative experience, those situations can undermine the appeal of PvE. The point is not to eliminate danger from ARC Raiders. It is to ensure that the dangers players face match the rules they signed up for.

  

  How to Protect Your Loadout in ARC Raiders PvE Lobbies

  Until the circumstances behind these reports become clearer, players can take a few practical precautions.

  1. Be cautious about blueprint offers from strangers.

  A player offering a blueprint may be acting in good faith, but there is no need to follow someone into a confined room to investigate. Ask them to meet in a more open area where you have space to move and more than one possible escape route.

  2. Check the exits before entering a confined space.

  A narrow doorway can become a serious disadvantage if another player blocks it. Look for alternative routes before committing to an enclosed area, particularly when carrying valuable items.

  3. Do not assume a mine or grenade will solve a body-blocking problem.

  The player who reported being trapped specifically asked whether an item could move the obstructing Raider. However, the available account does not establish a reliable solution. Do not assume that equipment designed to damage or disrupt ARC enemies will necessarily push another player out of the way in a PvE lobby.

  4. Consider your loadout when testing unfamiliar situations.

  If you are experimenting with the mode or exploring areas where you may encounter unpredictable player behavior, bringing equipment you can afford to lose can limit the consequences of a failed run. This is a precaution, not a substitute for reliable game rules.

  5. Record suspected damage anomalies.

  If another Raider appears to damage you in a PvE-only lobby, capture the encounter if possible. Evidence showing the selected mode, the attack, and the resulting damage can help clarify what happened. Repeated reports with clear footage are more useful for investigating a potential issue than speculation about its cause.

  None of these measures guarantees a successful extraction. They simply reduce the chance of being caught unprepared while the community tries to understand these reports.

  Will Embark Change the PvE Rules?

  The incidents leave two questions for Embark Studios.

  The first is whether the reported Queen-fight deaths can be explained by a matchmaking mistake, a technical issue, cheating, or another cause. The available evidence does not establish the answer, and the report should not be treated as proof of a confirmed PvP damage exploit.

  The second is whether the current physical interaction rules provide enough protection against deliberate door blocking.

  One possible approach would be to prevent sustained player obstruction from completely sealing a narrow exit. Another would be to provide a reliable way to escape when another Raider deliberately blocks the only available route. These are potential design solutions, not announced changes.

  Ultimately, the two issues need to be evaluated separately. If the damage restrictions are not functioning correctly, players need a clear explanation and a dependable fix. If physical obstruction is an unintended consequence of the current rules, Embark may need to decide how much interference should be possible in a mode intended to support cooperative play.

  For now, neither Reddit report establishes how widespread these situations are. But both highlight the importance of making the PvE experience predictable and fair.

  Players are not choosing PvE because they expect every raid to be easy. They are choosing it because they want to face the dangers of ARC Raiders without the same threat of direct player combat.

  If an unexplained attack can cost a squad its equipment after a Queen fight, or a promise of a blueprint can end with a player trapped until the timer runs out, that expectation becomes harder to maintain.

  Have you encountered unexpected PvP damage in an ARC Raiders PvE lobby, or been trapped by another Raider blocking a doorway? Share your experience and any method that helped you escape. Specific reports may help the community determine whether these are isolated incidents or problems that deserve a broader fix.

• ARC Raiders Store Update 2.1.0 & PvE Toggle Beta Test Are Live: No PvP, but Loot Wars Are Just Beginning

  ARC Raiders' highly anticipated PvE Toggle Beta Test is finally live, running until 11:00 AM (CEST) on October 20th. During this period, players can switch between standard PvPvE and PvE.

  This feature was announced after months of observation and data accumulation from the development team regarding the player base.

  According to data released by the studio, 37% of players are currently in friendly co-op, a group that has been steadily growing since the game's launch; 51% of surveyed players expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option, and even 40% of PvP players expressed a desire to reduce hostile encounters. This data prompted the development team to begin testing a dedicated PvE matchmaking option.

  So, what changes has this limited-time PvE test brought? And how has the player community reacted? Let's take a closer look.

  PvE Servers: Zero Player Damage and Risk Reconstructed

  

  The mechanics of PvE servers have undergone significant changes. First, player-to-player damage has been completely eliminated. Throwable items, including stun and burning projectiles, are ineffective against other players, but physically interactive items like barricade kits and ziplines remain unaffected.

  Another noteworthy change is the re-locking of downed players by ARC. In PvE mode, players have an eight-second grace period after being knocked down, during which ARC will not lock onto them; however, once this time expires and ARC detects movement, it will resume its attack.

  Therefore, even without the threat of other players, being downed does not guarantee safety; players must carefully assess when to escape danger.

  Regarding map conditions, Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate, and Redirection do not offer PvE options. These map conditions inherently incorporate strong PvP elements, such as the line-of-sight control in Night Raids and resource contention in hidden bunkers, thus their exclusion from the PvE testing scope is understandable.

  The Competition for High-Value ARCs: New Conflicts in PvE

  

  The adjustments to the loot system in PvE mode are one of the most controversial changes in this test. The developers not only reduced overall loot rewards but also significantly decreased the number of lootable containers on the map.

  Meanwhile, although players cannot attack each other, everyone still needs to compete for limited rare drops when challenging high-level ARCs, making the acquisition of high-value resources still highly competitive.

  For example, defeating Matriarch, a massive ARC, yields ARC Raiders items such as the Matriarch Reactor, Magnetic Accelerator, and Advanced ARC Powercell.

  In PvE mode, since players cannot harm each other, theoretically everyone can safely approach the boss. However, in actual testing, due to the large influx of players to Matriarch spawn points, scenarios emerged where over a dozen raiders competed for the same Matriarch loot, instantly depleting the core resources.

  This phenomenon reveals an interesting paradox: PvE mode eliminates direct player-versus-player combat, yet creates a new, non-violent competitive pressure in the face of limited boss resources.

  In standard PvPvE mode, while players facing Matriarchs must simultaneously contend with ARC attacks and ambushes from other players, the abundant loot provides a real sense of reward upon successfully defeating a powerful foe.

  While PvE mode removes player-versus-player risk, it correspondingly reduces the amount of resources obtainable by a single player. This risk-reward balance reflects the studio's differentiated consideration of the economic systems of the two modes.

  Community Reactions: The Real Needs Behind the Polarization

  PvE Toggle beta sparked heated discussions within the community.

  Supporters argue that this provides more options for different types of players - those who want to experience the game without the pressure of PvP, whether parents who need to pause frequently, busy working professionals, or veteran players tired of high-intensity competition, can all find their rhythm in PvE mode.

  Opponents' concerns are equally important. Some players believe that the core appeal of ARC Raiders lies in the unpredictable tension of PvPvE, and the introduction of PvE mode might dilute this unique experience. Some community members have described it as the first step to killing the game, worrying that the fragmentation of the matchmaking pool will lead to a decline in the quality of PvPvE matches.

  The developers, however, have maintained a cautious approach. The official announcement clearly states that this test does not necessarily mean that a PvE mode will be included in the future. After the test, a questionnaire will be released to collect detailed feedback from players on their PvE experience to determine whether the feature will become permanent content.

  Store Update 2.1.0 Released with Fixes and Optimizations

  Store Update 2.1.0 fixes several issues affecting the game experience and further refines combat feedback and movement mechanics. For example, issues such as characters accidentally bouncing off when vaulting destroyed ARC components and abnormally enlarged character models have been fixed; excessively loud outdoor footsteps have been improved, and the audio-visual feedback when hitting weak points in melee combat is clearer.

  Regarding ARC, Frigate hatches now inflict burning damage when opened, and the drop and collision effects of their cargo containers have been adjusted.

  Meanwhile, the development team has also fixed issues with skills such as Broad Shoulders and Field Repair, and optimized the vaulting and swinging experience of Grappling Hooks, making character movement and skill usage more stable. In addition, the new Carrion Set is now available in the store.

  

  Conclusion

  PvE Toggle Beta Test is an important milestone in the development of ARC Raiders. It is both a response to long-standing community feedback and a careful experiment regarding the game's identity.

  Regardless of the test results, this data-driven and player-feedback-based iterative approach truly reflects the official team's emphasis on the game's long-term viability. This week is the perfect window for all raiders to express their true feelings.

• ARC Raiders PvE Mode First Impressions: Safer Raids, Tougher Machines, and a Divided Community

  Ask a room of ARC Raiders players what ruins a good run, and plenty won't point to the machines. They’ll point to the Raider who opens fire the instant a heavy ARC boss falls, or the squad camping the extraction point for easy loot.

  Embark Studios' limited-time PvE matchmaking toggle directly addresses those frustrations. Running from October 13 to October 20, 2026, this week-long test allows players to queue into raids where friendly fire is completely disabled, turning the focus strictly onto survival against the ARC threat.

  However, taking PvP out of an extraction shooter raises an obvious question for veterans: does removing human hostility make the game more enjoyable, or does it strip away the unpredictable tension that makes extractions feel earned?

  Here is a breakdown of how the test works, what is excluded, and how the community is responding.

  

  How the PvE Matchmaking Toggle Works

  Players can select between standard PvPvE and the new PvE queue before deploying. Selecting the PvE mode modifies several core match rules:

  • Zero Player-to-Player Damage: Firearms, melee attacks, and explosives deal no damage to other Raiders outside your fireteam. Utility and hazard items (like blaze or gas grenades) only affect ARC units.

  • Loot Protection: You cannot open or loot backpacks from fallen players outside your own squad.

  • Shared Sessions: Solo, duo, and trio squads share the same PvE instances.

  • Economy & Progression: Account leveling, blueprints, and material gathering carry over directly to your main account. However, since operational risk is much lower in PvE, overall loot drop rates and values are slightly reduced. If you are looking to stock up on high-tier gear or rare crafting materials faster during this limited event, securing essential ARC Raiders items for sale directly can help you stay fully equipped without grinding lower-yield lobbies.

  • MMR Separation: Performance in the PvE queue does not impact your standard PvPvE matchmaking rank.

  Physical map collision still applies. Barricades, chokepoints, and zip-lines function normally, meaning other players can still beat you to chest locations or crowd narrow corridors even without weapons drawn.

  IGGM Player Tip: With loot values reduced in the PvE queue, farming rare blueprints and specialized consumables might take longer than usual. To make the most of your boss fights against heavy ARC machines, having the right loadout is crucial—make sure you stock up on vital ARC Raiders items and utility gear before deploying into high-threat zones.

  

  Machine AI Mechanics: The 8-Second Grace Window

  Removing human conflict doesn't mean drops are risk-free. The ARC machinery remains aggressive, and downing mechanics require careful movement:

  • Downed State Target Acquisition: If an ARC unit downs you, outside players cannot execute you or take your gear, but machine AI will continue targeting crawling players.

  • The Grace Period: Players report an approximate 8-second window after going down. Staying stationary prevents the AI from locking on, while crawling after the window expires triggers immediate lethal targeting from nearby ARC units.

  • Community Mobility Workarounds: Players have noted that using mobility tools like the rollator allows movement without triggering the AI's crawling detection. However, misjudging terrain while rolling can easily lead to lethal fall damage.

  Excluded Content & Modes

  To preserve high-stakes gameplay loops, Embark Studios restricted several endgame events and conditions from the PvE matchmaking queue. To access the following content during the test week, players must queue in standard PvPvE:

  • The Frigate Event & Redirection key routes (including Fallen Emperor keys)

  • Night Raids with reduced visibility

  • Hidden Bunkers and Locked Gate instances

  Embark designed these encounters around player unpredictability; removing the threat of opposing Raiders alters their intended balance and difficulty structure.

  The Player Response: Safe Co-Op vs. Missing Tension

  Early feedback from the community reveals a clear divide in how players view the experiment.

  Gameplay Element	PvE Queue Feedback	PvPvE Baseline
  Combat Focus	Tactical co-op against high-tier ARC machines	Constant dual threat (Players + ARC)
  Extraction Risk	Zero extraction camping or ratting	High risk of ambushes at extract
  Gear Utilization	Players freely run high-tier weapons without gear loss anxiety	High risk of losing rare blueprints/gear
  Raid Atmosphere	Relaxed, cooperative, predictable	High-tension, paranoid, high-reward

  What Players Like

  For casual fans, solo quester, and co-op enthusiasts, the mode provides a stress-free environment to learn map layouts, farm specific crafting materials, and fight heavy ARC bosses without third-party interference. It also gives players a risk-free environment to field expensive weapon loadouts that otherwise sit in stash storage.

  What Players Miss: The "Vulture" Problem and Sterile Raids

  Not everyone is sold on the PvE toggle. Extraction purists argue that removing human unpredictability renders the sandbox sterile. In standard lobbies, encountering another squad presents tactical choices: fight, negotiate, or avoid. In PvE, default cooperation removes that tension, making raids feel repetitive once ARC attack patterns are memorized.

  Worse still, removing guns didn't completely remove toxic behavior—it just changed its shape.

  The Rise of Key Room "Vultures"

  While disabling PvP stopped extraction camping, players quickly uncovered a frustrating new loophole: Key Room Griefing.

  Because weapons deal zero damage to other Raiders, you can no longer clear out uninvited guests or defend your loot spot. Players are now reporting groups waiting like vultures outside locked key rooms. The moment an unsuspecting Raider uses their hard-earned keycard, these opportunists rush in to snatch high-value ARC Raiders items off the tables before the key owner can even react.

  Streamer Dkal famously captured the frustrating atmosphere during his stream, noting: "Everyone just waits outside the keyroom like vultures for you to use ur key."

  The community's sentiment was best summed up by a viral forum comment: "They removed the guns from the rats. Not the rats."

  IGGM Survival Tip: Until Embark Studios implements an instanced loot system or door-ownership mechanics for PvE key rooms, save your valuable keycards for standard PvPvE lobbies. In PvPvE, you at least have the firepower to defend your keys and secure your hard-earned loot.

  What Happens Next

  When the test concludes on October 20, the toggle will be deactivated, returning all matchmaking to standard queues. Embark Studios will analyze player participation data, queue times, and feedback before making any announcements regarding a permanent implementation.

  Whether a dedicated PvE queue becomes a permanent fixture depends on how Embark balances overall queue health, economy pacing, and player retention across both modes.

• ARC Raiders Trials Season 6 Brings New Ultimate Ranked Rewards | Prioritize Completing Week 1 Challenges

  While seasons aren't the primary method for major ARC Raiders updates, the game's weekly Trials operate on a seasonal cycle. Even without a major content update, ARC Raiders launches a new season roughly every three months.

  As it happens, the launch of Frozen Trail update coincides with the start of Trials Season 6; in fact, the developers timed the season's launch specifically so you could tackle these trials within the brand-new environment.

  So, how long will ARC Raiders Trials Season 6 last, and what are the ultimate rewards? Here is a detailed breakdown.

  

  Trials Season 6 duration

  The season kicked off on Thursday, October 8, with a new round of Trials released every Monday (dates may vary slightly depending on your time zone). Season 6 is expected to run until January 12.

  Although much of Season 6 trials content is designed around the new Frozen Trail environment, the game's update schedule, which targets two major updates per year, suggests that Season 7's Trials content will likely return to a more standard format.

  It is worth noting that there was a two-week gap between Season 5 and Season 6, whereas previous seasons typically followed one another without a break.

  We believe this gap was intentional, allowing the development team to synchronize Season 6 launch with Frozen Trail to generate more hype. Consequently, if there is no major update next January, Season 7 should launch immediately after January 12.

  Season 6 trials content overview

  We won't know the specific details of the five weekly Trial missions until they are released. However, having gone through five seasons already, you've likely noticed a pattern: missions generally involve tasks like eliminating specific enemies, fighting with particular weapons, or opening specific types of containers.

  ARC Raiders Trials Season 6 largely follows this established pattern, though the missions will likely tie in more frequently with the new Pendola Pass map or the new enemy types, Bully, Skulker, and Hydra.

  To successfully complete all the weekly trials in Season 6, you need to master the new combat mechanics. It is also highly recommended to buy ARC Raiders items to unlock new weapons beforehand, as they may outperform standard gear.

  What are the ultimate rewards for Season 6?

  Throughout the season, ARC Raiders introduces a new set of weekly trials, typically consisting of five specific missions. To maximize your rewards, you must earn enough points to complete every mission with a three-star rating.

  Completing weekly trials grants immediate resource rewards. Additionally, your performance score determines your ranking within a group of 100 Raiders.

  Throughout Season 6 cycle, your ranking will be updated every Wednesday, following the conclusion of the previous week's trials, based on your performance over the past week.

  The group leaderboard features four ranks, each subdivided into three tiers (1, 2, and 3, from lowest to highest). However, exceptional trial performance offers the chance to climb into the global Hotshot and Cantina Legend leaderboards.

  At the end of Season 6, ARC Raiders will award additional ultimate prizes based on the rank you achieved in the trials:

  • Maestro Outfit (including variants)
  • Sheriff Badge Backpack Charm
  • Infrared Transmitter Backpack Attachment
  • Pumped Dance Emote
  • Scrappy Outfit Pop Helmet

  Maestro Outfit features yellow and red color variants, but these are exclusive to players who reach Hotshot and Cantina Legend ranks. So, make sure to give it your all starting from Week 1 of Season 6!

  

  Week 1 trials are coming to a close!

  ARC Raiders Season 6 Week 1 trials began on October 8; typically, a weekly cycle concludes on the following Wednesday, in this case, October 14.

  However, to align with the tradition of launching new trials on Mondays, Week 1 is expected to end later on October 13 (or October 12, depending on your time zone). This means if you still have unfinished Week 1 missions, you only have a few hours left to complete them!

  

  Three of Season 6 Week 1 Trials tasks require you to complete objectives on the new Pendola Pass map: opening containers, eliminating Skulkers, and finding enough frozen Raider Caches.

  The challenge of exploring Pendola Pass lies in the occasional appearance of Flash Freeze, a special environmental hazard. During these events, you must seek shelter in indoor structures to avoid freezing to death.

  Unlike standard containers, which are easy to spot, frozen Raider Caches appear exclusively on Pendola Pass map, with only 13 locations available. To find enough of them quickly, you need to plan an efficient exploration route.

  As for Skulkers, these are new, small ground-based ARCs characterized by high mobility and a knack for launching attacks from unexpected angles.

  The key to eliminating them is to target their thrusters first; disrupting their mobility systems will slow them down. Additionally, Skulker's tail is equipped with a weapon resembling scorpion rifle, its primary source of damage, so you should focus your fire on destroying it.

  The remaining two Week 1 Trials tasks require you to eliminate any PvE enemy using Stiletto and to take down flying ARCs using Light Impact Grenades.

  Stiletto is a semi-automatic battle rifle introduced in Frozen Trail update; it can be upgraded to Tier 4 and obtained through scavenging or crafting.

  Light Impact Grenades are a common type of grenade in ARC Raiders, easy to acquire but moderate in power. To successfully eliminate enough flying ARCs with them, you will need to stock up on plenty of grenades and master your throwing technique.

  That covers everything for this update. To secure the ultimate reward, be sure to dedicate plenty of effort throughout Season 6 and aim to complete every task with a three-star rating!

• ARC Raiders PvE Test Runs October 13–20: No PvP Damage, Lower Loot, and What's Next?

  ARC Raiders is testing a feature that could change how players approach every raid. From October 13 to October 20, 2026, Embark Studios will introduce a limited-time PvE matchmaking option, allowing players to choose between the original PvPvE experience and a co-op-focused mode where Raiders cannot damage one another.

  

  For players tired of being ambushed while carrying valuable loot, this is a chance to explore, complete objectives, and fight ARC machines without worrying about hostile players. But the safer experience comes with a trade-off: loot value will be lower in PvE, and the matchmaking toggle will disappear when the test ends.

  The experiment also raises a bigger question for the extraction shooter community: Can ARC Raiders offer a less hostile experience without losing the tension that makes its original mode so compelling?

  How the ARC Raiders PvE Test Works

  The test introduces an alternative matchmaking option rather than replacing the standard PvPvE experience. Players can switch between the two modes, with their PvPvE matchmaking rating remaining unaffected by time spent in PvE.

  Here are the key changes:

  • No player-to-player damage: Other Raiders cannot damage you during PvE sessions.

  • Mixed group sizes: Solo players, duos, and trios can share the same sessions.

  • Lower loot value: PvE offers reduced loot value to account for the lower risk.

  • Separate PvPvE rating: Your original matchmaking rating remains untouched while playing PvE.

  • ARC enemies remain dangerous: Downed players who crawl can be targeted again by ARC machines, while staying still causes the machines to ignore them.

  • Limited-time availability: The test runs from October 13 through October 20, after which the toggle will be removed.

  Several high-pressure conditions, including Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate, are excluded from the test.

  This is not a traditional single-player mode. Players will still share sessions with other Raiders, but the absence of player-to-player damage changes how those encounters unfold. Instead of constantly weighing the risk of betrayal, players can focus on surviving the ARC threat and collecting resources.

  Lower Loot Is the Price of a Safer Raid

  The most important balancing decision is the reduction in PvE loot value.

  In a typical extraction shooter, valuable rewards come with the possibility of losing everything. Another Raider might help you fight an ARC machine, ignore you entirely, or wait until you are distracted before opening fire. That uncertainty is central to the original ARC Raiders experience.

  Removing hostile player encounters makes looting less risky, so Embark is reducing the value of PvE loot to preserve the appeal of the traditional mode.

  Whether that trade-off feels fair will be one of the most interesting parts of the test. Players who want a relaxed session may consider lower-value loot an acceptable price for avoiding PvP. Those focused on gathering resources efficiently may find the reduced rewards less attractive.

  The test is therefore about more than whether players enjoy PvE. It is also an opportunity to see whether a safer matchmaking option can coexist with the original game's risk-and-reward economy.

  Why Embark Is Testing PvE Now?

  Embark's player data points to a community with different expectations for how a raid should unfold.

  The studio's reported breakdown places approximately 37% of players in the friendly co-op group, 27% in the mixed group, and 34% in the pure PvP group. More than 70% of friendly players reportedly want fewer hostile encounters.

  These figures help explain the demand for an alternative. Some players enjoy the world, scavenging, and combat against ARC machines but do not want every encounter with another Raider to carry the threat of a gunfight. Others enjoy the unpredictability of PvPvE and see hostile encounters as an essential part of the experience.

  Neither preference is easily accommodated when everyone shares the same matchmaking rules.

  The PvE test gives players a way to choose their preferred experience without immediately redesigning the entire game. It also revisits an idea from ARC Raiders' development history: the game originally began as a cooperative PvE project before evolving into the PvPvE extraction shooter that launched in October 2025.

  That history makes the test particularly interesting. Embark is not abandoning PvPvE, but it is exploring whether the cooperative experience can have a place alongside it.

  Could PvE Change the Original ARC Raiders Experience?

  A dedicated PvE option could make ARC Raiders more approachable for solo players, newcomers, and those who prefer cooperative combat. It could also give existing players a reason to revisit locations or complete objectives they have been reluctant to attempt in hostile lobbies.

  However, Embark has acknowledged the potential downside. Offering players a way to avoid PvP could reduce some of the tension the game was designed around and affect the quality of certain PvPvE sessions.

  The concern is understandable. In extraction shooters, an encounter with another player is meaningful partly because the outcome is uncertain. A friendly interaction feels different when betrayal remains possible, and a successful extraction becomes more satisfying when other Raiders could have stopped you.

  There is also the possibility that splitting players between two matchmaking options could affect queue times or the composition of traditional PvPvE sessions, particularly in regions or at times with fewer active players. These are potential risks to monitor, not confirmed outcomes of the test.

  The challenge for Embark is to determine whether PvE can serve players who want a different experience without weakening what makes PvPvE distinctive.

  Will ARC Raiders Get a Permanent PvE Mode?

  Not necessarily. Embark has made clear that this limited test is not a promise of a permanent PvE mode.

  When the test ends on October 20, the matchmaking toggle will be removed. Any future version could look substantially different from the one players experience during this week.

  The studio is, however, seriously considering the idea. Feedback and gameplay data from the test can help determine whether a longer-term option makes sense and how it might be balanced.

  A permanent mode would involve more than keeping a switch in the matchmaking menu. Embark would need to consider loot balance, player populations, matchmaking quality, and how the two experiences could coexist over time.

  For now, the test is an opportunity for the studio to evaluate real player behavior rather than commit to a long-term change before seeing the results.

  One Week Could Shape the Future of ARC Raiders

  The October 13–20 PvE test gives players a straightforward choice: keep the threat of hostile Raiders, or try a version of ARC Raiders focused on surviving the machines together.

  If you have been avoiding PvP-heavy raids, the test offers a chance to explore and gather better ARC Raiders items for sale under different rules. If you prefer the original extraction experience, PvPvE remains available, with its familiar uncertainty and higher baseline loot value during the test.

  The bigger question is whether both playstyles can coexist without compromising either one.

  Would you keep a permanent PvE mode in ARC Raiders, even with lower loot rewards, or is the threat of other Raiders what makes the game worth playing?