ARC Raiders is an online multiplayer PvPvE extraction game, but you can queue alone. Solo queue means you enter a shared online raid without squadmates; it does not mean an offline single-player campaign or a PvE-only lobby. You face ARC machines and may encounter other Raiders. Embark announced a separate, limited PvE matchmaking test for October 13–20, 2026; it had not started as of October 7, 2026.
What does solo play mean in ARC Raiders?
Playing solo means queuing into a multiplayer raid by yourself rather than bringing a squad. The game remains online, and other Raiders can be present. PlayStation’s official game listing says online play is required: ARC Raiders – PS5 Games.
Embark describes ARC Raiders as a “multiplayer extraction adventure.” Raiders scavenge and explore while facing mechanized ARC enemies and the possibility of encounters with other players. Another Raider might cooperate, compete for resources, or attack; PvP risk is part of the standard experience. Official ARC Raiders site
How do standard PvPvE raids work?
“PvPvE” means player versus player versus environment. In a standard raid, the environment’s ARC machines are a threat, and other players may also become adversaries. The mix of AI danger and uncertain player encounters is central to the raid format.
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![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.
Embark says matchmaking tries to make similar playstyles and equal squad sizes more likely where possible. These are goals, not guarantees: solo players can still encounter hostile Raiders, and the developer says standard matchmaking does not provide PvE-only lobbies. Notes on The Matchmaking System
What matchmaking does—and does not—promise
Embark describes playstyle matchmaking as a continuous scale, not a strict division between friendly and aggressive players. It aims to place people near others with similar past behavior while preserving some unpredictability. Similar playstyles are more likely, not assured, and the effect of changing behavior is gradual; one kill or encounter does not instantly determine future lobbies. Embark’s matchmaking explanation
- Squad size: The system tries to make equal-sized groups more likely, but does not guarantee a solo-only or otherwise perfectly matched raid.
- Player behavior: Past playstyle can influence matchmaking, but it does not make a lobby reliably friendly.
- PvE-only safety: Standard raids have no PvE-only lobbies where other Raiders cannot attack.
How the announced PvE matchmaking test differs
On September 24, 2026, Embark announced a PvE matchmaking toggle test scheduled for October 13–20, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, it was still upcoming. Embark presented it as a limited test, not a commitment to a permanent PvE mode. We’re testing a PvE Toggle: here’s what it means for you
| Feature | Standard raid | Announced PvE test |
|---|---|---|
| Player-to-player damage | PvP risk is part of the experience; other Raiders may attack. Embark matchmaking notes | Disabled. Embark test announcement |
| Matchmaking and squad sizes | Similar playstyles and equal squad sizes are more likely, not guaranteed. Embark matchmaking notes | Solos, duos, and trios share sessions. Embark test announcement |
| Available conditions | Standard experience. | Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate are excluded. Embark test announcement |
| Loot value | Standard raid rules. | Lower loot value to account for the relative safety. Embark test announcement |
| Duration | Standard matchmaking. | Scheduled only for October 13–20, 2026; Embark said matchmaking would return to normal afterward and that feedback and data would inform future decisions. Embark test announcement |
What Embark’s player figures say about interest in PvE
In its September 2026 announcement, Embark reported that 37% of players were friendly co-op players, 27% were mixed players, and 34% were pure PvP players. It also said over 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players wanted fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of surveyed players expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option. Embark’s reported figures
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- 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
Embark did not publish the survey’s sample size or methodology in that announcement, so these are developer-reported figures rather than independently verified estimates of the entire player population.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why ARC Raiders is PvPvE rather than a dedicated PvE co-op game
Executive Producer Aleks said, “We originally envisioned a raid-based PvE Co-op game with looting mechanics.” The same announcement explains that the concept was reset into the PvPvE extraction adventure available today. Embark’s PvE toggle announcement
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- 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
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