Hero image: ARC Raiders. Image: Embark Studios
The ARC Raiders PvE matchmaking toggle is in a test that ends at 8pm AEDT on Tuesday 20 October. PvE servers have no player damage and lower loot.
Embark’s team announced the test in a Steam post. It runs from 11:00 CEST on 13 October to 11:00 CEST on 20 October. We converted that to AEDT ourselves. It started at 8pm on Tuesday 13 October and ends at 8pm on Tuesday 20 October.
The toggle lets you switch between the standard PvPvE experience and new PvE servers. Here is what changes when you pick PvE.
Players cannot hurt each other. The post lists “Zero player-to-player damage.” Stun and fire throwables will not work on other players. Barricades and ziplines still work as normal.
Loot is lower. The post says overall loot value in PvE servers will be lowered.
Squads meet more often. Squad separation will not be prioritised, so groups of different sizes will meet more often.
Watch the ARC. Downed players can be re-acquired by ARC enemies. You get an eight second grace period after going down, but the post warns they may attack if they catch you moving after that.
Some maps will not offer PvE. The post names Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate and Redirection among the major map conditions.
Expect longer queues in quiet hours. The post says matchmaking times may be affected in low-population regions and during quiet hours. Standard matchmaking still applies in PvPvE sessions.
Embark wants feedback from everyone, not only PvE players. A survey will go out after the test ends.
ARC Raiders costs A$28.99 on Steam in Australia when we checked on Wednesday 14 October. That is 50 per cent off A$57.99. Check the store page for how long the discount runs.
So jump in before 8pm on Tuesday 20 October and try the PvE toggle for yourself.
Source: Embark Studios (Steam) – PvE Toggle Beta Test: October 13-20, Steam – ARC Raiders