ARC Raiders is reported to be testing an opt-in PvE matchmaking queue from October 13 through October 20, 2026. The temporary test is not confirmation of a permanent PvE mode: reports say Embark Studios plans to remove the toggle afterward while it reviews the results.
When does the ARC Raiders PvE test start?
The reported test window is October 13–20, 2026. Exact start and end times have not been published in the available reports, so the dates do not establish a particular launch hour or time zone. MetaForge reported the schedule on September 24, and TheDashDouble described it as a one-week test on September 26.
How the PvE matchmaking test works
Players reportedly choose between the PvE option and the usual PvPvE queue. In PvE sessions, players cannot damage one another. The test also reportedly allows Solo, Duo, and Trio players to be matched together, rather than limiting matchmaking to the same squad size.
PvE versus the usual PvPvE queue
| Feature | PvE test | Usual PvPvE queue |
|---|---|---|
| Player-to-player damage | Zero, according to MetaForge’s September 24 report. | Player-versus-player combat is part of the queue; the report gives no further damage details. |
| Squad-size matching | Solo, Duo, and Trio players can be matched together, according to MetaForge. | Not stated in the cited report. |
| Loot value | Lower overall loot value, according to MetaForge; no amounts or percentages were given. | Not stated in the cited report. |
| Special conditions and locations | Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and the Frigate are excluded from PvE and reportedly remain PvPvE-only. | Those listed conditions remain available only in PvPvE, according to MetaForge. |
| PvPvE rating | The test reportedly does not affect a player’s PvPvE rating. | Not stated in the cited report. |
These details are attributed to MetaForge’s September 24 report. The report does not quantify the loot difference or explain how the mixed squad-size matching will work in individual cases.
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Is this a permanent PvE mode?
No permanent mode has been confirmed by the available reports. MetaForge says the PvE matchmaking toggle is expected to be removed after the test while Embark reviews the results; TheDashDouble’s September 26 coverage likewise frames it as a temporary, one-week experiment, not a commitment to keep PvE matchmaking. The post-test decision has not been reported.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What has not been confirmed
The reported dates and queue rules come from secondary coverage, not a verified official Embark announcement. The exact launch and end times, Embark’s announcement wording, and what happens after the review remain unconfirmed. MetaForge’s report is dated September 24, 2026, and TheDashDouble’s is dated September 26, 2026.
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