The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Arc Raiders does not have a PvE-only mode at launch. There are no PvE-only servers, private PvE raids, solo/co-op PvE playlist, or setting that prevents other Raiders from attacking you. Every standard Topside raid combines ARC machines with the possibility of player-versus-player combat.
You can reduce how often you encounter aggressive players, but you cannot turn PvP off completely.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What PvE-only play means in Arc Raiders
Arc Raiders is built around shared raids. You fight ARC machines, collect resources, complete objectives and attempt to extract while other human-controlled Raiders occupy the same space. Those players may cooperate, ignore you or attack you.
Embark has confirmed that the game does not provide protected PvE-only lobbies or servers. There is also no in-game Disable PvP, PvE Only, Pacifist or equivalent matchmaking toggle. Playing alone does not change this: Solo affects your squad size and matchmaking conditions, not whether other players can initiate combat.
#1 Best Overall
![ARC Raiders Deluxe - PC Steam [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I3Aj2PM0L._SL160_.jpg)
- ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
- Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.
There is no PvE-only console command or command syntax for creating a private raid.
Embark’s matchmaking explanation confirms that other Raiders can still attack you in any ordinary raid.
What you can do to reduce PvP encounters
Queue as Solo
Choosing Solo is the simplest option for players who want a quieter, more self-directed experience. It does not remove other Raiders, but your matchmaking profile is evaluated separately from your Duo and Trio profiles.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Since Live Update 1.36.0, released July 7, 2026, Arc Raiders tracks playstyle independently for Solo, Duo and Trio. A peaceful Solo history therefore does not automatically carry over to your squad queues.
Embark describes the system as a gradual, continuous estimate of playstyle. Players with similar patterns are more likely to be grouped together, but the result is not guaranteed. A supposedly friendly lobby can still contain someone who chooses to attack.
Avoid initiating fights
If your goal is to remain in the more cooperative end of the matchmaking range, do not start fights against other Raiders. Under the 1.39.0 matchmaking test, dated July 28, 2026, defensive PvP has no effect on the playstyle estimate. If another squad damages, downs or knocks out any member of your squad first, the whole squad is treated as defending for that encounter.
There are important boundaries:
- Third-partying an existing Raider fight counts as starting a fight.
- An accidental hit or short exchange still counts as starting one, although it carries substantially less weight than a prolonged firefight involving heavy damage or downs.
- One isolated incident does not instantly place you in a PvP-focused lobby. The system responds to patterns over time.
Low-activity rounds, including spawning and surrendering, also carry less weight in your playstyle history than they previously did.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Turn off crossplay only if you accept the trade-offs
Crossplay can be disabled from:
Main menu/lobby > Settings > Gameplay > Online > Crossplay > Off
The setting is called Crossplay and is enabled by default. Turning it off restricts the platform pool; it does not create PvE-focused matchmaking and does not change the expected cooperation or aggression of the players you meet.
Rank #4
- 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
Disabling crossplay can increase queue times and may stop you from joining cross-platform friends. On Xbox, the system-level fallback is:
Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > View details & customise > Communication & multiplayer > You can join cross-network play > Block
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
On PC, use the in-game setting. Platform menus can change, so the in-game option is the preferred route when available. The current settings reference lists the in-game path.
Best Value
- ARC Raiders–Inspired Design: Bold, high-quality graphics with vibrant colors that capture the iconic ARC Raiders aesthetic.
- Durable Premium Vinyl: Made from thick, high-grade vinyl for long-lasting use on cars, laptops, skateboards, walls, and flasks.
- UV & Weather Resistant: Fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant—perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.
- Easy Application & Removal: Applies smoothly without bubbles and removes cleanly with no sticky residue left behind.
- Versatile Décor & Gift Idea: Ideal for personalizing gear, accessories, and spaces, and a great gift for ARC Raiders fans.
What does not affect your matchmaking profile
Several common assumptions are incorrect:
- Loadout price: Gear value does not determine matchmaking. There is no stated gear-value matchmaking rule.
- Looting a knocked-out Raider: Taking equipment afterward does not affect the profile. The system evaluates how you engage with Raiders, not what you do with the loot.
- End-of-round feedback: The survey does not control your next lobby immediately. It is used for developer analysis.
- A single defensive kill: Under the 1.39.0 test, defending yourself does not affect the estimate, even if you knock out the player who attacked first.
Modes that are not PvE-only
Solo vs Squad
Solo vs Squad is the opposite of a PvE option. It lets a solo Raider enter the Squads queue and fight squads of players.
The toggle appears above matchmaking, requires Solo Raider level 40 or higher and awards 20% additional XP at the end of the round whether you successfully extract or are defeated. It was added in Update 1.13.0 on January 27, 2026.
Shared Watch
Shared Watch was a limited event, not a permanent PvE playlist. It ran from February 10 through February 24, 2026. Players could work against ARC machines and earn merits for destroying, damaging or assisting against ARC targets, while PvP encounters earned no merits.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIt still did not create protected PvE raids. The event notes stated that Raider violence could not be completely controlled, so other players could still attack.
The Shared Watch patch notes document both its limited duration and its PvP limitation.
Practical expectations for a lower-conflict raid
- Choose Solo if you are playing alone and want your peaceful Solo history kept separate from squad play.
- Leave Crossplay on unless you specifically need a smaller platform pool and accept longer queues or reduced access to cross-platform friends.
- Avoid shooting first, including joining an ongoing fight between other Raiders.
- Do not assume a friendly interaction guarantees safety. Similar-playstyle matchmaking is probabilistic, not a protection system.
- If another Raider attacks first, defending yourself does not count against your playstyle estimate under the 1.39.0 test.
Bottom line
At launch, Arc Raiders offers shared PvPvE raids only. Solo queue, peaceful play and crossplay restrictions can reduce some unwanted encounters, but none of them provides PvE-only matchmaking. If you enter Topside, you must be prepared for both ARC enemies and the possibility of another Raider starting a fight.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
