Arc Raiders studio Embark is weighing its options after a limited-time PvE event concluded, with over 30 million rounds played, providing a huge amount of information to analyze, according to executive producer Aleksander Grøndal. The studio initially tested a PvE toggle for a week, allowing players to switch from the usual PvPvE mode to a PvE one where players worked together to defeat in-game enemies.
Embark thanked players for participating and is now studying the data to decide whether to bring the PvE mode back permanently. The studio was originally skeptical about trying a PvE mode due to its previous decision to change the game from a PvE co-op looter to a PvPvE extraction shooter. However, the new data may change their approach, with Grøndal suggesting that the game could support more player types, including those who prefer a PvE experience without the stress of PvPvE.
If Embark decides to bring back the PvE mode, it will need to consider how to service two separate modes as part of the game’s live service content pipeline, including whether it will be a chill side mode, a challenge mode, or a full PvE experience.