Embark Studios has concluded a limited-time PvE mode test for Arc Raiders, during which players completed more than 30 million rounds, according to multiple reports. The studio now faces a critical decision: whether to make the mode a permanent addition to the extraction shooter, a choice complicated by mixed community feedback and internal debates about preserving the game’s core identity.
Embark Analyzes Polarizing PvE Test Data
The PvE test, which ran for a week in October 2026, allowed players to explore Arc Raiders’ Rust Belt environment without the threat of PvP encounters. Embark reported that the mode generated significant engagement, with over 30 million rounds played, though the studio emphasized it would take time to analyze the data. We need a bit of time to understand what the data is telling us, and what our community is saying,
a blog post from the studio stated, adding that the test had been “polarizing.”
Developers acknowledged the mode’s appeal to players seeking a less intense experience but raised concerns about diluting the game’s tension. Aleksandar Grøndal, a studio representative, noted that while the mode could cater to a certain player type,
the challenge lies in supporting that without undermining the premise of the game itself.
The studio also cited historical reasons for its hesitation, referencing earlier decisions to pivot away from PvE-focused design in favor of a PvPvE model.
Embark’s CCO, Stefan Strandberg, previously expressed skepticism about PvE’s consistency, stating in a 2025 video doc: And again, we couldn’t replicate the sessions consistently enough.
This concern resurfaced during the test, as the studio grappled with balancing PvE’s potential to attract new players against its risk of altering the game’s identity. The test’s limited duration—just one week—also left some questions unanswered about long-term viability.
Player Feedback Divides on PvE Mode Appeal
Community feedback during the test was sharply divided. Some players praised the PvE mode as a nice alternative
to the game’s high-stakes PvP, while others criticized it as bland, soulless
and argued it undermined the game’s core tension. A streamer known as Loochy stated that Arc Raiders doesn’t have a strong enough endgame to support a meaningful PvE experience,
calling the mode “hollow.”
Contrasting views emerged from player data. The test coincided with a surge in concurrent players, jumping from 50,000 to 185,000, and Steam reviews for Arc Raiders returned to Mostly Positive.
A Steam blog post announcing the test received 17,000 upvotes, surpassing the 7,000 for the Frozen Trail update. These metrics suggested broad interest, but not universal approval.
Embark Weighs Permanent PvE Mode Against Core Premise
The outcome could shape Arc Raiders’ trajectory as a live-service game. A permanent PvE mode might expand its audience but risks alienating core fans who value the game’s high-stakes PvP. For now, Embark remains cautious, with Grøndal acknowledging that the challenge is how we do that without undermining the premise of the game itself.
Embark’s decision will also depend on the game’s historical context. Arc Raiders launched in late October 2025 as a PvE-only cooperative looter before pivoting to an extraction shooter format. This shift, driven by gameplay considerations, remains a point of reference as the studio weighs future changes. The studio’s blog post noted that it is essential for us to be able to make informed decisions for the development of the game.
The game is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles. Embark’s upcoming November announcement will likely address whether PvE will be integrated as a supplementary mode, a challenge-focused alternative, or a standalone experience. Until then, the studio’s focus remains on analyzing the 30 million rounds of PvE data and community input to guide its next steps.