ARC Raiders PvE Bug? Players Report Kills and Door Traps

Posted: Oct 15, 2026

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?

ARC Raiders PvE Bug? Players Report Kills and Door Traps

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.

ARC Raiders Door Traps

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

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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.

ARC Raiders PvE Mode First Impressions

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?
ARC Raiders Outpost Upgrade Guide: Plan Your Resources to Unlock Amplified Weapons Efficiently
Frozen Trail update for ARC Raiders introduces a brand-new surface base system - Outpost. This is not just a personal space where players can freely furnish and add functional sites; it's a system deeply tied to endgame progression.

Unlocking Outpost itself isn't complicated, but what's crucial to understand beforehand is that the level of your Research Station is directly limited by the level of your Outpost, and Outpost's level depends on whether you've added rooms. If you don't understand this relationship and rush into investing materials, you can easily find yourself in a situation where you don't have enough materials and can't level up in the mid-game.

Three Stages to Unlock Outpost

Unlocking Outpost requires reaching level 18, followed by completing the three stages of Sheltered Retreat Project in Outpost tab.

Stage 1: Research Topside Living Conditions

This stage requires players to go to the vicinity of Ruined Homestead on Blue Gate map and take a photo of any farmhouse.

The key is that the camera must be placed in Quick Use Slot before entering the map; otherwise, the shot cannot be taken.

The basic camera can be obtained for free at Frozen Trail Pass Level 2. If you haven't reached that level, you can unlock it directly from Shani for 1900 coins, or choose the advanced version for 3000 coins.

After completing the shot, return to Speranza, click Complete on Outpost tab, and you will receive Advanced Camera Blueprint reward.

Stage 2: Gather Building Materials

This stage is purely about submitting materials:
- 3 × Planks
- 5 × Sheet Metal
- 10 × ARC Alloy
- 3 × Advanced Electrical Components
While Planks and Sheet Metal can be looted, the easiest way is to exchange them directly from Celeste for 3 Assorted Seeds each; 24 Seeds will meet all your needs.

ARC Alloys are obtained by killing ARC enemies or recovering ARC components; Advanced Electrical Components are crafted in Refiner using 3 Wires and 2 Electrical Components.

Stage 3: Safeguard the Building Site

This stage requires dealing 800 damage to flying ARCs and 300 damage to Bullies. Damage can accumulate across multiple raids and does not need to be completed in one go.

For flying ARCs, Pendola Pass is recommended. Shooting all flying ARCs along the way will naturally accumulate 800 damage.

Bullies are large, four-legged ARCs added in Frozen Trail. A red laser indicates they are about to fire: they spew flames at close range and throw cluster explosives at long range.

An effective strategy against them is to fight inside buildings - shoot through doors and windows and then quickly retreat to cover. Killing Bullies is not necessary; the 300 damage can be achieved by firing through a few windows.

After completing the three stages, you will gain access to Outpost. However, this is just the beginning; you'll then need to start upgrading and building.

Outpost Upgrade Requirements and Room Types

Once Outpost is unlocked, players can upgrade it to Level 4 by consuming ARC Raiders items. Each upgrade requires a specific combination of materials, and one of the upgrade rewards is unlocking new room type options.

Level 2 Materials:
- 3 × Steel Cable
- 20 × Sheet Metal
- 3 × Cable Stripper
Level 3 Materials:
- 3 × Epoxy Bucket
- 35 × Planks
- 3 × Hand Drill
Level 4 Materials:
- 40 × Sheet Metal
- 3 × Laser Level
- 3 × Insulation Roll
Each upgrade allows players to choose to add a room type. All rooms at the same level require the same combination of materials. Available room types include:
- Chalet Room: A combination of plaster and wood construction, creating a warm atmosphere and a popular visual choice.
- Timeless Room: A post-apocalyptic style room with irreplaceable old paintings on the walls, divided into multiple small rooms. The lack of windows and the peeling paint create a somewhat oppressive overall visual effect.
- Panoramic Room: A large, open space with significant decorative advantages, but the view from the ceiling windows is currently limited by camera angles.
- Study Room: A large, circular room with multiple large windows in the ceiling, resembling a glass roof design, offering a good overall aesthetic.
Note that once installed, rooms cannot be moved or changed, so careful consideration is needed when choosing one.

Research Station: The Core Value of Outpost

Research Station is one of the most worthwhile facilities to prioritize for resource investment in Outpost system. It becomes available after unlocking Outpost, but its upgrade level cannot exceed that of Outpost itself. Therefore, if the goal is to unlock endgame weapon upgrades as quickly as possible, the base expansion order must be planned carefully, rather than solely focusing on collecting upgrade materials for Research Station.

The initial upgrade of Research Station requires 3 Mini Pumps, 35 Planks, and 5 Battered Paperbacks.

As Research Station levels up, it supports more research, including unlocking some equipment and weapon blueprints, and crafting base furniture with obtained Design recipes.

For players who don't want to rely solely on scavenging random drops to collect blueprints, this system provides an alternative.

It's important to note that Research Station upgrade materials are not entirely the same as Outpost expansion materials. It's recommended to first compile a list of the resources needed for each level, then plan your scavenging route based on your current needs. This will prevent you from collecting enough materials to upgrade your Research Station but being stuck due to a lack of key items for expansion rooms.

Amplified Weapons: The Ultimate Goal of Endgame Growth

The ultimate goal of Research Station is to pave the way for Amplified Weapons. Frozen Trail adds a fifth quality tier to the 15 existing weapons.

Unlike regular upgrades that primarily improve stats, Amplified Weapons can alter the way a weapon is actually used. For example, they can enable full-auto fire for Burletta, add a scope to the Renegade, or grant Rattler incendiary rounds - different enhancement paths available.

To unlock this new weapon tier, the following conditions must be met:
- Outpost level 4
- Research Station and Gunsmith levels 4
- Prepare the corresponding Amplification Module and upgrade a regular weapon that supports amplification to Lv.4
Amplification Modules are divided into different tiers based on weapon rarity and can be found in high-risk areas such as Frigate and Fallen Emperor in Pendola Pass. Therefore, weapon amplification not only requires sufficient material reserves but also the ability to challenge high-threat ARCs.

Finally, it's important to note that weapon amplification is not a regular attachment that can be switched at will. Once an amplification option is selected, it cannot be undone, and some branches are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, while enhanced weapons have a higher durability cap, weapons dropped upon player death will have 10% durability remaining, and repairs require specific materials.

Overall, ARC Raiders' Outpost system is not just about base building; it's a crucial component throughout the mid-to-late game progression. From completing unlock missions and planning room expansions to upgrading the Research Station and Gunsmith, and finally unlocking Amplified Weapons, each step requires careful resource allocation.

It is recommended that Raiders prioritize upgrading their Outpost level and functional sites, then choose an amplification path based on their preferred weapons to manage material consumption and maintain a good overall progression rhythm.
ARC Raiders Player Count Quadruples After 'Spider-Man Grapple' Update Hits 185K on Steam
ARC Raiders has recorded a major Steam player count rebound following the launch of its Frozen Trail update on October 8, 2026. The update adds a Spider-Man-style Grappling Hook, the snowy Pendola Pass map, new enemies and weapons, and expanded progression systems. A free weekend across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S has also helped bring players back to Embark Studios' extraction shooter.

ARC Raiders Hits 185K Concurrent Players on Steam

ARC Raiders reached a reported 24-hour Steam peak of 185,443 concurrent players following the Frozen Trail update, roughly 4.6 times its reported September peak of 39,900. Its September daily averages were around 21,000.

The game previously reached an all-time Steam peak of 481,966 concurrent players in January 2026, following its October 2025 launch. The latest rebound marks its strongest reported performance since March.

The timing is significant, but the update is not the only factor. Embark's free-play weekend runs through October 12, allowing players across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S to try the game without purchasing it.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Frozen Trail can sustain that momentum after the promotion ends.

The Grappling Hook Is Frozen Trail's Biggest Addition

The new Grappling Hook is the update's standout feature, giving players more ways to traverse the Rust Belt and reach elevated positions.

Raiders can use it to cross gaps, climb onto rooftops and ledges, and reposition during encounters. The community's Spider-Man comparisons reflect how dramatically the tool changes movement possibilities.

The tactical implications could be just as important as the visual appeal. Elevated positions are no longer limited to players who find conventional routes up buildings, while squads defending rooftops must consider additional approaches. The hook also offers more options when navigating exposed terrain or trying to escape a dangerous encounter.

For returning players who have grown familiar with the existing maps, this new movement tool creates opportunities to experiment with routes and combat strategies. Its long-term value will depend on how well it fits into the game's balance and whether it creates meaningful choices without making existing approaches obsolete.

Pendola Pass Adds a Snowy Map and New Challenges

Frozen Trail introduces Pendola Pass, a snow-covered region that expands the game's exploration and combat opportunities.

The update also adds Flash Freeze weather conditions, new ARC-related encounters, and content associated with the fallen ARC Emperor and the Frigate. These additions give players new locations to investigate and fresh challenges to tackle.

For experienced Raiders, the new environment offers a break from familiar routes and established strategies. Learning its layout, finding valuable locations, and understanding how environmental conditions affect each deployment will be central to mastering the map.

The update also introduces three new ARC enemies: the Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. Two new weapons, the Bantam and Stiletto, expand the available arsenal, while Amplified Weapons introduce a fifth weapon quality level.

New Quests, Skill Tree Changes, and Reward Pass

Frozen Trail includes several progression changes designed to give players more reasons to keep playing after exploring the new map.

Key additions include:
- 22 new quests offering additional objectives.
- A revamped Skill Tree that changes character progression.
- A new Reward Pass replacing the previous Raider Decks system.
- A Research Bench and Outpost additions that expand crafting and progression options.
- Increased stash capacity through two additional levels.
These systems give returning players more than a new location to explore. They also provide longer-term goals involving progression, rewards and more valuable ARC Raiders items.

However, the amount of new content alone will not determine whether players stay. Its value will depend on how rewarding these activities remain after the initial excitement surrounding the update fades.

Embark Studios Moves Away From Monthly Major Updates

Frozen Trail is an important test of Embark Studios' revised content strategy.

The developer previously abandoned its plan for monthly major updates, citing sustainability concerns. The studio has instead moved toward a schedule centered on two major updates per year.

Larger releases can give players stronger reasons to return, while a slower schedule gives the development team more time to work on substantial additions. The downside is that extended gaps between major updates can leave dedicated players with fewer new objectives.

Frozen Trail delivers a broad package of new content, but its success will ultimately depend on whether Embark can maintain engagement between releases.

Can ARC Raiders Keep Its Players After October 12?

The free weekend has helped bring attention back to ARC Raiders, but the end of the promotion will be the first major test of player retention.

Some newcomers may leave once free access ends, while others could purchase the game and continue playing with friends. Returning veterans may also move on after completing the new quests and learning Pendola Pass.

The Grappling Hook has the potential to keep combat and exploration fresh, while the new enemies, weapons, and progression systems provide additional reasons to return. However, sustained growth will also depend on gameplay balance, server stability, anti-cheat efforts, and the quality of future updates.

For now, the reported Steam rebound shows that Frozen Trail has successfully attracted renewed attention. Whether that interest translates into a lasting recovery remains an open question.

ARC Raiders has brought players back with its Spider-Man-style Grappling Hook and Frozen Trail update. The real challenge for Embark Studios is keeping them engaged long after the free weekend ends.