Embark Studios Evaluating Dedicated PvE Options for Arc Raiders

Developers at Embark Studios have weighed in on the potential inclusion of a dedicated PvE experience in Arc Raiders. Studio leadership revealed that implementing PvE mechanics is technically straightforward, but the team remains cautious about altering the central tension that defines the extraction shooter's primary PvPvE loop.

Creative leadership initially resisted separating the formats out of concern that stripping away rival players would diminish the game's core emotional intensity. However, studio leadership acknowledged that recent trials demonstrated players might appreciate having a choice, leading the team to rethink their stance while striving to protect their initial creative goals.

Recent playtest metrics highlighted strong community curiosity, with roughly half of the sessions during a trial phase taking place on PvE-oriented servers. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal noted that while some participants realized they missed the presence of rival players, others thoroughly enjoyed the cooperative setting, leaving the studio to analyze data and determine how to cater to different player desires without diluting the overall experience.