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Yes, you can play ARC Raiders solo, but standard solo matchmaking is not a single-player or PvE-only mode. You enter a multiplayer raid alone, where both machines and other Raiders can threaten you. Embark has announced a separate PvE matchmaking test for October 13–20, 2026; as of October 4, it has not begun.
What solo play means in ARC Raiders
ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure: Raiders scavenge a dangerous surface while contending with machines and other players. The official Steam listing supports playing solo or in parties of up to three, but solo means going into a multiplayer raid without teammates—not entering a campaign with other players removed. The official game site describes the multiplayer extraction premise, and the Steam listing describes solo and party play.
How standard solo matchmaking works
Embark says its matchmaking system considers several factors, including squad size and a player’s behavior across previous rounds. A particularly important factor is how the player engages with other Raiders. The studio describes playstyle as a spectrum, not a strict split between friendly and hostile lobbies. Its system tries to make similar encounters more likely, but it does not guarantee them; a player’s likely matchups can shift gradually as their behavior changes. Embark’s May 20, 2026 matchmaking explanation says standard Topside matchmaking has no PvE-only lobbies or servers.
Squad size is a fairness consideration, so solo matchmaking may reduce the likelihood of facing larger groups. It is not a promise that every opponent will also be solo. Treat other Raiders as a possible threat even if you tend to avoid fights: leave room in your plan to disengage or extract if an encounter turns hostile.
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Compare the three solo choices
| Choice | Other Raiders | Who may be in the session | Eligibility and reward | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard solo PvPvE | Player combat remains possible; matchmaking similarity is not guaranteed. (Embark, May 20, 2026) | Multiplayer raid; squad size is considered, but a solo-only lobby is not promised. (Embark, May 20, 2026) | Solo queue; no special solo reward stated in the cited matchmaking explanation. | Standard matchmaking; no PvE-only option in this system. (Embark, May 20, 2026) |
| Solo vs Squads | You deliberately enter the Squads queue, making this a higher-risk PvP challenge. (Embark, January 27, 2026) | Squad queue; other Raiders may be grouped. | Solo Raiders level 40 and above; 20% bonus XP at the end of the round whether you extract or are defeated. (Embark, January 27, 2026) | Introduced in Patch 1.13.0; consult current patch notes for live availability and reward details. |
| Announced PvE test | Zero player-to-player damage during PvE sessions. (Embark, September 24, 2026) | Solos, duos, and trios share PvE sessions; it is not a solo-only queue. (Embark, September 24, 2026) | PvE loot value is lower than in PvPvE; no level eligibility was stated in the announcement. | Limited test announced for October 13–20, 2026; scheduled, not active as of October 4, 2026. (Embark, September 24, 2026) |
What Solo vs Squads changes
Patch 1.13.0 introduced the “Solo vs Squads” toggle for solo Raiders who are level 40 or higher. Turning it on sends you into the Squads queue rather than the standard solo queue. Embark positioned it as an option for experienced, highly skilled players who enjoy PvP. The stated 20% bonus XP is awarded at the end of the round regardless of whether you extract successfully or are defeated. See Embark’s January 27, 2026 Patch 1.13.0 notes for the original details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from the announced PvE test
Embark announced a limited matchmaking test scheduled for October 13–20, 2026. During the test, players can toggle between standard PvPvE and PvE. In PvE sessions, player-to-player damage is disabled, but squad sizes are mixed: solos, duos, and trios can play together. The test changes the threat from other players, not the fact that you are playing a multiplayer session.
The announcement says Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate will be excluded from the test. PvE loot value will be lower, and PvE sessions will not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating. Embark also says the toggle will be removed after the test; a permanent PvE mode is not promised. Executive Producer Aleks cautioned, “It’s possible that this will not work.” Read Embark’s September 24, 2026 announcement for the test terms.
Embark reported that its player groupings include 37% friendly co-op players, 27% mixed players, and 34% pure PvP players, and that 51% of the surveyed playerbase expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option. These are figures Embark published in its September 24, 2026 announcement; it did not provide the sample size or survey methodology there, so they should not be read as independently verified estimates of the entire playerbase.
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Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- Use cunning strategy and tactics to tame, train, ride and breed the 100+ dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming the dynamic, persistent ecosystems across land, sea, air, and even underground Build your character's strengths and gain items, skills, and pet creatures using in-depth role-playing systems
- Start a tribe with hundreds of other players to survive and dominate competing tribes...and ultimately discover ARK's true purpose
- Build a fire or shelter, then craft customizable clothing & armors to help protect against damage and extreme temperatures on your way to unlocking advanced technologies and equipment
- Chop down trees and mine metal and other precious resources to build massive multi-leveled structures composed of complex snap-linked parts
Rank #3
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
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